How To Make Your Own Organic Pesticide For Aphids
Aphids rank number one on the list of most hated plant pests for most gardeners. The pesky little insects love almost any kind of plant or vegetable which makes them really hard to avoid. Aphids are very small and can be either a milky white or light green color. They can quickly destroy a healthy plant, but fortunately they are easy to control. It’s always a good idea to carefully inspect your plants from time to time. As with any other pest, the quicker you start treating your plants for aphids, the better you chances are of saving the plant. Aphids can spread really fast and if one plant is infected they can end up on all of your other plants as well. Aphids literally suck all of the nutrients out of the plant, but they also spread plant viruses that are deadly to the plant. There are some simple natural ways to get rid of aphids. Spray the entire plant with a water hose to wash away as many as possible. Let the plant dry completely and then start treatment. One very effective treatment for aphids is a simple soap and water mixture. Combine about 3 tablespoons of dish washing liquid in a gallon of water. Spray the plant thoroughly making sure that you spray the both sides of the leaves and the stem. Generally within about an hour of treatment with soap spray, the aphids will all be dead. It’s fairly safe to leave the soap spray on most plants. However, some plants such as melons, African violets and cucumbers will suffer from leaf burn if the soap is left on the plant. To be safe, you can rinse the plant with water after the aphids are dead. The soap spray won’t last long, so you’ll need to repeat the process often. If you are growing hot peppers in your garden you can use them to get rid of aphids. Sprays made with hot peppers are very effective in controlling aphids. Garlic is another excellent source of pest control. You can make a spray solution by combining 4 hot peppers, a few garlic cloves and a quart of water. Mix all of the ingredients thoroughly in a blender and spray the mixture on your plants. Aphids hate the smell of basil which makes it a really good plant to add to your garden to deter aphids. You can plant basil all around your garden to prevent an aphid infestation. Not only will your plants be aphid free, you can also use the basil in your favorite dish. Fresh basil adds a flavor that you just can’t get from store bought spices. Ladybugs love to dine on a gourmet meal of aphids. You can attract these natural predators to your garden by planting some of their favorite plants. Morning glories and Angelica’s are both great plants to bring ladybugs into you garden. Some garden centers even sell ladybugs specifically for pest control. It’s recommended that you have around 100 ladybugs for each 1,000 square feet of space. The best defense against aphids is to spend some time in your garden and pay close attention to your plants. Aphids secrete a honeydew substance that ants love to eat. Often, you will see the ants begin to multiply in your garden before you see the aphids. Inspect your plants regularly and if you see ants, you might want to double check your garden. Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2010 All Rights...
How To Grow And Cultivate Rosemary
Rosemary, or “rosmarinus officinalis” (dew of the sea) is a perennial herb which grows throughout the year. Its distinct flavor is good on many dishes, and is especially used in Mediterranean cooking. It thrives in dry, sunny climates with well-draining, sandy soil and needs watering only when the soil is about ready to dry out once it is established. Patience is required, as it takes around two years for rosemary bush to mature completely. When planting rosemary, it saves a lot of time if you start with cuttings rather than seeds. The seeds have an extremely low germination rate, and while the plant will grow from a seed effectively… it is very time consuming. Plant the seeds in April if you are going that route and plan on being very patient. If you choose to use cuttings, make sure that it is from a new growth and cut to around eight centimeters. Fill a pot with compost and place the cuttings on top, then place the pot in standing water. When the compost has drawn enough water to moisten itself, put a clear glass or plastic top over it for maximum warmth. After about two months, your rosemary plant should be ready for replanting to its permanent home. Rosemary is extremely resilient, however you will still want to make sure that it is protected during the winter months, especially severe frosts. Planting it near protective trees or shrubs will help keep the bush safe from severe winter weather, as well as avoiding areas too close to frost exposure. If you plan on bringing your rosemary plant indoors for the winter, one suggestion would be to keep it in the original, well-draining pot and plant it outdoors during the warmer weather. When the colder weather comes, uproot the pot from the garden and bring it indoors. Make sure it is in a room with southern light exposure and lots of good air circulation. If you are transplanting from indoors to outdoors without a pot, make sure it is being planted in an area with a lot of sunlight and that there is a deep enough hole to give the roots plenty of room to grow. The soil itself should be damp and loose with compost mixed in for mulching. Plan the position you want your plant in and carefully move it into the soil, moving the roots a bit to encourage growth. This particular plant responds very well to mulching… so keep compost on hand as well as chips of bark or small rocks and place the mulch at the base of the plant. This will keep the water from evaporating too quickly. A high nutrient liquid fertilizer (equal parts fertilizer and water) should be used sparingly if at all. Don’t worry about fertilizing them in the winter months, as this particular plant tends to be dormant throughout this time. Pruning the rosemary bush once a year will keep the leaves from spreading too much. It is best done just after the first flowering of the year, or around the first month of summer. The trimmings can be spread about your garden as a deterrent for bugs. Once your rosemary plant begins producing, you can start snipping the stems and leaves for use in cooking. Rosemary goes very well with lamb, chicken or pasta dishes, and can be used directly from the garden… just put the rosemary in stem and all and let the food simmer. Or you can crush the rosemary upon cutting thus immediately releasing its aroma and flavor. The leaves can also be dried and crushed to store for seasoning. However you cook with it… rosemary is a versatile herb that will add an extra kick to many dishes. Written by Angela Sangster, Copyright 2010...
How to Grow Your Own White Sage
White sage is a perennial, with plants living well past two years if properly cared for. This article will be a walk through as to growing this precious herb and how you can have your own on hand. Starting Your White Sage Plants White sage seeds themselves are edible, and can be found in pods on a sage plant. They have a very low germination rate, so it is important to start a white sage plant indoors and keep the seeds close to the surface (no deeper than an eighth to a quarter of an inch) and place in an area where there is a lot of light. You will want your plant to get at least eight hours of direct sunlight. Florescent lights can be used, although sunlight is preferred. White Sage Soil Needs The soil should be of a dry, sandy texture that drains water easily (cactus potting soil is a good choice) and put in a container with holes in the bottom. Since sage plants don’t do well in cold temperatures, they should either be replanted to grow indoors in a pot or covered during the winter months. Ideally, they should not be exposed to temperatures less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Initially in caring for your sage plant, it is important to make sure once the seedlings sprout to four inches that the plants are kept at least two feet apart to avoid overlapping. If you plan on transferring your plants outdoors, be sure to wait until all chances for frost have passed… and continue using dry, sandy soil that will easily drain water. Watering White Sage Watering is done a bit more often in the early stages of growth, without overdoing it. When the very top soil feels dry upon touch, water until it starts running through the drainage holes and the soil is completely dampened. Once the sage is growing well, it is only necessary to water when the top soil has completely dried. White Sage and Sunlight Needs Make sure the plant is exposed to the maximum amount of sunlight possible. While sunlight is essential for sage to grow well, keep a close watch over the plants for extreme heat or wind damage. White Sage and Fertilizer During the spring and summer months of growing white sage outdoors, it is good to use a regular liquid fertilizer. Mix equal amounts of water and fertilizer, and treat the plants monthly as the package directs. The white sage plant can grow up to five feet tall, and has stems (often called “sage wands”) that can grow up to six feet. The leaves flower along the stems and have a white tinge to them that comes from the fine hairs that grow on the leaves themselves. Flowers from the sage plant are generally white or a light lavender in color. Harvesting Your White Sage In harvesting the sage leaves, it is important to remember that if you snip in the lower part of the stem, no more leaves will grow… so cut the stem close to the top to get the maximum growth from your sage plant. Written by Angela Sangster, Copyright 2010 HousePlantsForYou.com Also see – Preparing White Sage For Smudging...
Preparing White Sage For Smudging
There are many uses for the leaves of the white sage plant, some of which are medicinal. The leaf florets are the ones often dried and used for making smudge sticks for burning. Lay the leaves out and once dried, wrap them in a bundle using a natural fiber such as cotton and tie it in a knot… then take the twine and wrap it around the bundle from top to bottom. Make sure it isn’t so tight that the sage won’t burn or so loose that it will come apart. In Native American cultures, preparing the sage for smudging is a ritual itself. First permission is asked to cut the stem… and a bit of another herb or a piece of hair is placed at the base of the plant as an offering in return. The prepared smudgesticks are placed in a bowl and lit. As the smoke swirls around an area, chanting is done to focus positive energy and cleansing for all around it. The leaves are also used in cooking (the drier the sage leaves, the stronger the flavor) and are made into teas and medicines for colds and upset stomachs especially. White sage used to grow wild all throughout the desert regions of the United States. Commercial property along with overuse and mismanagement of the plants that once grew in abundance have made the white sage plant endangered. If more people grow their own sage plants and nurture them well… we could have a shot at bringing back a plant that has many positive benefits. Smudging with sage, particularly white sage or salvia apiana, has been a practice of the many nations indigenous to the United States for centuries. It is believed that the smoke from the sage as it burns is effective in cleansing any negative energy around. Many philosophies and religions still believe in its effects today. It is often used to cleanse a home upon moving in to clear out any negative energy… and as protection against anything evil. It is not as commonly found anymore in the United States, due to city development moving in and destroying its habitat. It does grow in plant communities in Southern California, and the seeds can be purchases online or in specialty herb shops. Written by Angela Sangster, Copyright 2010 HousePlantsForYou.com Also see – How to Grow Your Own White Sage:...
How To Grow Upside Down Tomatoes
In recent years growing tomatoes upside down has became a really popular way to enjoy sweet vine ripened tomatoes. It’s an ideal choice for anyone that has limited space. Because the tomatoes are grown in a hanging container, you can grow them almost anywhere. While you can purchase upside down tomato kits, you can easily make your own for free. When you are choosing tomato plants, bear in mind that you need to use the smaller varieties that are suitable for growing in a container. Choose healthy plants that are well established and about 6 inches tall. Avoid plants that blooms or fruit. While it might seem like plants that have already started to produce fruit might give you a earlier yield, it actually might delay harvest. Choose a bucket or container based on how large the variety of tomato you choose grows. You need a sturdy bucket that has a good, strong handle. Use a drill, or sharp knife to make a hole in the bottom of the bucket that is about 2 inches in diameter. Set the bucket on a structure that allows the hole to be exposed. You will then need some type of material to hold the plant in place until the roots get established. You can either use a small piece of Styrofoam, a piece of sponge, or what ever else you have on hand that will keep the soil from falling out of the hole. Cut a hole in the material just large enough to accommodate the plants roots and place in over the hole inside the bucket. Then gently slide the roots through the hole. It’s a really good idea to have someone hold the plant in place while you fill the bucket with soil. You can use any quality potting soil, or choose one that is made especially for vegetables. Carefully place the soil around the roots taking care to not damage them. Once you get the bucket about half full of soil, add some water to let the soil settle around the roots. Then finish filling the pot with soil. After you choose a place to hang your upside down tomato, water it again thoroughly so that the roots can start to spread. If you used a bucket with a lid, such as a 5 gallon bucket, you can sit the lid back on the top of the bucket to help retain moisture. Water and fertilize the tomato plant just like you would if it was in the garden. There are numerous varieties of tomatoes that make great upside down plants. However, a determinate variety will work much better in a container. Indeterminate varieties of tomatoes continue growing until they are killed by frost. For this reason they can become too large and too heavy for an upside down container. Determinate varieties grow to a certain size and stop growing. Written by Connie Corder, Copyright 2010...
Indoor Trees For Home and Office
Trees. I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than fishing underneath a large tree… or climbing the sturdy branches. They add color and majesty to our land, as they have for thousands of years. They improve air quality and remove carbon dioxide and other gasses that trap heat. An indoor tree can do these same things for your home or office space. Not only do they add beauty and charm, they offer the same benefits to an enclosed area as outdoor trees do for the planet. They are a lovely accent to any home, and can provide depth to an otherwise plain office area. There are several to choose from, and with just a little bit of maintenance, you can have a bit of the great outdoors in your own area! One of the most popular indoor trees is the ficus, or fig tree, of which there are several types. It is a member of the Moraceae family and it serves as an indoor filter for many of the organic compounds that affect us in our own homes or offices. The Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina) is a popular one, and it’s oval shaped leaves have a glossy finish to them. The branches droop slightly to give it the appearance of grace and dignity. This plant should be watered only when the first couple of inches of the potting soil has dried, although since the trees are indigenous to humid temperatures, misting the leaves with water slightly once or twice a day when the tree is young will keep the plant from stressing. Room humidifiers are also helpful. The lighting should remain the same as much as possible, since the plant is sensitive to changes. The roots grow quickly, and the ficus will probably need replanted every couple of years or so. Another type of ficus tree is the Ficus Lyrata, or the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree. Its bold, glossy leaves appear to take on the shape of a violin (or a fiddle). The care is much the same as it is for the Weeping Fig as far as watering and lighting. Its growth can be manipulated into growing in different shapes, such as a braid design. The Kentia Palm, or the Howea forsteriana is another popular indoor tree. It is indigenous to an area near Australia known as Lord Howe Island. The trunks on these trees are narrow with very long green leaves. The care for these trees is relatively simple… again, only water when the first two inches of soil has dried out. It grows best in a potting soil that has bits of sand and peat mixed in, and the pot itself should have a small draining hole. This prevents water from building up and causing the roots to rot. It is important to remember not to over-water the tree, as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow, then brown. Under-watering will cause the tips to brown and the leaves to droop excessively. Misting the plant with lukewarm water will provide the humidity necessary for its good health. The plant should placed at a point of the room that is well-lit, however direct light on the plant itself should be avoided. Fertilizer should be used during the spring and summer months during the plant’s increased growth period. Citrus trees are also lovely plants for the home or office when they are fused to a dwarfing rootstock (to keep them from growing too tall). The lighting should be very bright, direct sunlight for optimum growth. Temperatures in the room should be neither too warm or too cold, and humidity levels should be at around 60%. As with most indoor trees, it should be watered regularly but not over-watered… again, when the first inch or two of soil has dried. A good fertilizer should be used at least once a month. These trees do need pollination to ensure growth, so the pollen should be brushed off with a paintbrush regularly. African Fern Pines (Podocarpus gracilior) are another popular indoor tree that is really low maintenance. Average room temperatures are fine for this plant, and the humidity level isn’t an issue for its health. It can easily be trimmed back if the leaves start to grow out of control… and should be fertilized once a month with a good fertilizer. The lighting should be bright, but not directly on the plant. Watering is the same as most indoor trees, by watching the soil and watering when the first layer or two has dried a bit. Bonsai is not a type of tree, rather it is a Japanese method of growing...
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