By Krysten Chambrot
The push to go green or organic has left many people flocking to their local farmers' market and organic produce section. However, it is important to remember, you can also look to your backyard for fresh, organic items. Identifying herbs is a fairly simple process. Primarily, you must identify the overall look of the plant and then match it to your region. Some of the more common types of...
By H.C. Hisel
Fresh herbs add lively flavors to foods. Top chefs prize fresh herbs as a flavor-enhancing addition to their recipes. When shopping for herbs, pick the freshest ones that you can find. To increase the time that they will stay fresh once you get them home, you must be careful about how your store them. Take the herbs out of their package. Remove any rubber bands or zip ties that are wrapped...
By Nannette Richford
Hydrangeas are fascinating plants that bloom in shades of pink or blue, depending on the composition of the soil. A root cutting from a pink hydrangea may suddenly turn a brilliant blue if planted in a new location. Although many people believe that acid or alkaline soil changes the color of the bloom, the cause is really the amount of aluminum available in the soil. The pH of the soil affects...
By Paula Parker
A part of the verbena family, lantana is a favorite in southern gardens. Certain cultivars can grow into a six-foot-tall mound, while other varieties will stay closer to the ground, spreading four feet wide. Lantanas produce rough-feeling leaves and clusters of two-inch-wide flower heads that come in multiple colors and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. They are easy to transplant and, once...
By Cindy Ausbrooks
Orchids need to be transplanted when the plant has grown over the edge of the pot. The process is a bit more complex than the transplanting of other common houseplants. However, it is not difficult and can be accomplished in little time. Use this method to transplant orchids without causing damage to the plants or their delicate root systems. Spread the newspaper over your working surface. Turn...