plants

What kinds of garden plants are harmful to dogs?

2011-11-19T17:27:00.002-08:00

I have a yard that is empty. I want to plant some drought tolerant plants/flowers, but I want to make sure that they are safe for my dogs. I live in los angeles. What kind of plants would you recommend or avoid?

What kinds of garden plants are harmful to dogs?
try below sweetie and just type into the net search
Reply:I recommend bermuda plants and ornamental plants on the lone area.However,I will not recommend cactus and thorny plants in the sorounddings.

To plant an herb garden is it better to get seeds or the plants already started?

2011-11-19T17:27:00.001-08:00

I want to do the herbs in containers too. Should I get the plants already started and plant them in the pots, or should I get seeds and plant them in the pots? What about those herb growing kits that come with the seeds that are in these little peat moss pellets? Also, if I want organic herbs does that mean I need to buy organic herb seed or organic herb plant, or will it be organic either way as long as I'm not using chemicals? Thanks! Obviously inexperienced over here...

To plant an herb garden is it better to get seeds or the plants already started?
That depends upon whether you are good at seed starting. If you enjoy gardening and like to watch the development, seeds are the way to go. If you are rather in a hurry and not too gardening savvy, you will want to go with the starts. I love to plant, and there is only one way to get started: just do it!

If you do not want many herbs, however, you may just want to buy a start or two; depending upon the herb.

Organic means there were no chemicals used on the seed and that they were harvested and grown naturally. You can buy organic seed; most of the ones in the stores are not. Some are, so read the packet.

I would avoid peat pots and peat in general. It is running out and soil and pots are great anyway. We do not want to deplete the earth too quickly!

Seeds of Change has great organic seeds. You pay a bit more for them, but of course it is environmentally desirable to use them.

http://www.seedsofchange.com/default.asp
Reply:That depends on what you want to grow. Perennial herbs do best from starts, but annual herbs are easily started in the ground. Some perennials would include lavender, rosemary, thyme .. woody types. Annuals would be basil, borage and cilantro. You don't need to buy organic seed, but if you are going to use them for cooking I would suggest that you grow them organically.
Reply:both there are hundreds of herbs .get everything yopu can get hold off

the plants are the best ,but the most expensive and they have a head start.

some thought on organic soil

QUESTION

What is the role of composting in improving soil?

Indicate what it does and how it is effective and why one would want to improve soil in the first place.

ANSWER

make compost heap from all kitchen wastes and any organic material you can find ,organic,paper,eggshells,bones wet branches tec,

a compost heap will have topsoil after 6 months or so a lot depends on you weather and humidity you can speed it up by

adding red earthworms and turning the compost with a fork to avoid killing the worms or by adding lime and always keep it covered with leaves or .sand or plastic to enhance the humidity(check info on worm,or lombriculture)

i got a compost heap that has been going for 5 years ,tons of cuttings from the garden including coconut palm leaves and bits of trees ,does not seem to get bigger and i still havent got around to using it.

make your compost heap on top of a bowel shaped hole so that the centre is wet and it will consume just about everything.and have it in the shade ,under a tree or put a little roof on it

but more practical is mulching directly on your garden plots

MULCH

what you can do imediatly is to cover the ground with mulch which is the same principal as compost but it includes the whole garden surface

the top part of the soil where the topsoil is being produced houses a world or microbiotic life.

Mulch is organic material green or dry that covers the ground,the thicker the better the composting process will turn it in to black topsoil

the humidity is preserved underneath and promotes the devellopment of worms(their exists no better compost than their excrements)and a variety of micro biotic life which together with the mulch produce more topsoil.

the mulch also keeps the ground temperature even and guards against the impact of the rain ,which would other wise brings salt to the surfave if on unprotected land

Mulch also prevents the soil from drying out because of the sun and, lay it open to wind erosian.

FERTILISER

only use manures and animal urine to fertilise,one can plant plants for mulch on the edges of vegetable plots to be chopped down for green mulch

PEST CONTROL

many weeds have natural properties that are good for insect repellents

another priceless pest control is the silky and bantum chickens which dont rake the ground but only run and eat 70% of all walking and jumping insects and they also leave quit a lot of manure behind ,if you have enough of them

guiny fowel and partridge will do almost the same job

snakes kill rats.iguanas eat a variety of pests

HUMIDITY

One should always shape the land inicially and make it bowel shaped (if small)terassed if on a slope with an edge around it so that it becomes receptive as aposed to repellent of the water that falls on it and to prevent erosion.

if on the flats it should be self draining.but with cannals also bringing water flows into the land from higher up.

I have connected cannals to road gutters to bring more water in.

soil management should be a component of a larger concept

which includes ,waterharvesting (to zero run off)and form

as well as pest control and diversity of plants.

so you dont have to wait for compost to be ready ,first shape the garden ,i always start by making all the garden paths the resulting design gives me the individual plots.

then dig the drainage cannals and put in your irrigation systems

then devellop the individual plots one by one ,put in the plants and as you leave ,cover the ground with a mulch ,so that nowhere the bare soil can be seen .

a good book that has a very large section on soil and some of the things mentioned is

the Permaculture designers manual by Bil Mollison cost about 40 dollars.

and is the best all round book you can get.(tagiari publishing, tagariadmin@southcom.com.au)

Permaculture means permanent agriculture

a concept put forward by Bill Mollisson in the 60`s

which is a complete hand book for environmental design.

With practical solutions for energy systems ,infratructure ,housing,

animal shelter ,water systems and sustainable agricultural practises.

With the world and it`s history as it`s source

From the chinampas of Mexico to the teraced gardens of the Andes.

From the dessert whadis to the steppes of Russia.

Covering all climatic conditions temporal, dessert, humid and dry tropics.

with chapters on soil ,Water harvesting and land design,

Earth working ,Spirals in nature,Trees and water ,utilising energy flows,

Strategy for an alternative nation

this book also has many gardening tips,bio-gas,companion planting and ideas for structures ,how to cool down houses in hot climates ,how to warm up houses in cold climates with out using technology Source(s) some other writers that are on the internet are

david Holmgren

Larry Santoyo

Kirk Hanson

Masanobu Fukuaka has written ,

One-Straw Revolution

The Road Back to Nature

The Natural Way of Farming

http://www.context.org/iclib/ic14/fukuok...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/masanobu_fu...

Simon Henderson

and Bill Molisson.

a representitive of the concept in USA is

Dan Hemenway at YankeePerm@aol.com

barkingfrogspc@aol.com

http://barkingfrogspc.tripod.com/frames....

http://csf.colorado.edu/perma/ypc_catalo...

I am a permaculture consultant for the department of Ecology for the regional government of Guerrero in Mexico

i got a yahoo 360 which has some stuff in English as well as this spaces

http://spaces.msn.com/byderule
Reply:Get herb seeds will be economiical and interesting to grow.
Reply:I really do not like the peat pellets, I think they dry out WAY too easily and once they do it's nigh impossible to get them just moist, they're either completely dried out or soggy. Since herbs do NOT like being soggy, I think you wind up creating problems for yourself later on by using peat pots.

Technically you need organic seed to be considered organic but I don't worry about it. The main thing is to not use chemicals once the plant is growing.

Herbs grow fairly easily from seed but I always get the started ones because I just need a few plants, not a few dozen seeds. I have the luck to live near a totally organic nursery though (used to work there) so the plants I buy from them haven't been treated with any chemicals.
Reply:Most herbs work great in containers. A few easy to grow from seed are cilantro, dill, mint. Buy plants and you will hvae a supply of herbs immediately! Rosemary gets so big, it needs to go in the ground. Basil does well in pots and in the ground. Thyme is great in an urn type of planter, in fact planting several different plants in a pot makes a beautiful display.

How many plants do I need to purify the air in my apartment?

2011-11-19T17:27:00.000-08:00

I want to get some house plants to make the air in my apartment cleaner and I know what types of house plants to get, I just don't know how many I will need to get for a one-bedroom apartment. For it to make a real difference, is it like 2-3 or like 20-25?

How many plants do I need to purify the air in my apartment?
Ferns...they may not be that pretty, but they are EASY to take care of. You can hang them also. They are good in a bathroom too.
Reply:For aplace that size about 15 well tended larger plants
Reply:When you say 'cleaner' do you mean to help convert CO2 to O2 or to help remove dust and allergens from the air? A plant will not help remove allergens from the air... it might even add to it!

Consider how 'clean' it is to have ports of dirt in the house. Moist earth is a breeding ground for microbes, fungus, and even small insects. No matter how clean you are... those buggers somehow find a foothold. Not the best thing if you have health concerns.

If you really want to clean the air, consider an ionic breeze ^_^

If you want plants to add a sense of 'life' to your apartment, consider plants that won't need to sit around in stale water (which will start to smell) or moist earth (breeding ground).

BTW, what plants are you considering?
Reply:i think is if you dont need.

What kinda plants or trees can live in a pot on my deck?

2011-11-19T17:26:00.006-08:00

We just bought a house on the lake and have no yard but alot of deck that goes all around the lake and i want plants and trees but no yard to plant them in....I know fern is good but anymore suggestions? Thanks so much!!!

What kinda plants or trees can live in a pot on my deck?
You will need large pots and a way to water them. Pots need lots of water year round if you are in a warm state. If you live in a cold state, the pots will need protection from the ice and snow.

Just about anything will grow in pots. Go to your local nursery and see what they have growing in pots. Talk with them about the care of plants and trees in your area. They will be happy to help you.

My hubby and I do lots of container gardening.....even vegetables. Here is our method (USA):

Plastic pots 14 inches across the top.

Holds 25 pounds potting soil-we use Miracle-Gro Potting Soil with Plant Food for flowers (not vegetables-ask the clerk at the nursery for vegetable potting soil).

Mix water crystals into the top six inches of potting soil-these hold water so you do not have to water more than once per week when the temperatures hit 100 degrees.

Water well and leave it alone for a few days so the crystals can absorb the water. Do not plant or the swelling crystals will push your flowers up and out of the potting soil.

After a few days, mix 4 tablespoons Osmocote flower fertilizer into the top four inches of potting soil. Water in well and wait a day or so. There is also a vegetable Osmocote fertilizer. (Read and follow the directions on the container just in case your container is different from ours.)

Now you can plant. Water well.

Every 14 days fertilize with liquid fertilizer - we use Miracle-Gro Bloom Booster.

Check for a vegetable liquid fertilizer.

Stop fertilizing one month before your first autumn frost. But keep watering.

Let your flowers go to sleep after the first frost or take them indoors and place in a south facing window (sunny window).

Lightly water through the winter months, but do not fertilize.

Do not put back outside until all frost has past. We usually wait till the nights have reached 68 or 70 degrees.

Add the Osmocote fertilizer again each spring (or other good flowering fertilizer).

When flowers start failing, change the potting soil's top 1/3 or 1/2, mix in well, add new water crystals, add fertilizer. Buy new plants. This is usually done every third spring.

Hint: Always water till it runs out the bottom. Wait a few minutes and then water again. This only need to be done about once per week to ten days when using the water crystals.

Happy gardening to you.
Reply:if there are people in the neighbourhood, they will probably have plants in pots.

The local gardenshops will know what plants do grow in your region.
Reply:it depends where you live ?!
Reply:Hello, just about any plant or shrub, and even some trees can live quite well in pots.Obviously you would need to know which species liked direct sun, which dont, and position them around the building appropriately. Hope this helps:-)

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What are the best plants and/or trees to grow indoors with little sunlight?

2011-11-19T17:26:00.005-08:00

I live in an apartment that only gets direct sunlight for about an hour a day, and I miss having plants. The window sill doesn't provide a great ledge for plant holders either. Does anyone know of any plants that can flourish under these conditions?

What are the best plants and/or trees to grow indoors with little sunlight?
Pathos, spider plants, African violets, coleus, and Chinese lilies will all grow well in indirect sunlight.
Reply:Try this site for suggestions -- they seem to have a lot of plants listed that are shade tolerant %26amp; can be raised indoors. Good luck!
Reply:Most plants need some light and the more the better - except direct. I'd suggest trying indoor plant lights. Good luck.
Reply:You might also consider getting some really tough stuff and using them as temporary decor, much the way you would with cut flowers.

Every fall I get a couple of sanserverias (snake plants, mother-in-laws tongue) to put in a couple of dark spots. They don't thrive there, but they do provide some greenery where I want some. I only water them every 3 weeks or so and they seem to squeak by for a year.

I can usually find them this time of year at WalMart, Lowe's or Home Depot for less than $10 each.
Reply:I have a bunch of what some people call "corn plants". (Dracaena fragrans Massangeana' )They go nuts in my house, and I pay very little attention to them. They get tall and have great varigated leaves that are really quite beautiful.
Reply:spaths! aka peace lillies. i have one in a very dark corner and it does great.
Reply:Plants for indoor lighting

African violet

Saintpaulia species

This is one of the most satisfactory flowering plants for growing under lights; it grows and flowers well between 500 and 1,000 foot-candles. Light 16 to 18 hours each day.

Aluminum plant

Pilea cadierei

This small plant with colorful leaves tolerates a low light level but needs high humidity. Other suitable related plants include artillery fern and moon valley pilea.

Arrowhead vine

Syngonium podophyllum

These small plants are bushy and later, creeping or climbing. They may be kept at a low light level, but they are denser at a medium level.

Asparagus ferns

Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri'

Asparagus setaceus (formerly plumosus)

These durable potted plants with fleshy roots produce fernlike leaves. Although tolerant of low light, the plants grow more abundantly and densely in a medium light range.

Aucuba-leaf croton

Codiaeum 'Aucubaefolium'

Crotons are not appropriate for the light garden as they require high light for good color development and growth. However, this smaller type with yellow spots can be grown at medium light intensities.

Begonias

Angelwing, B. coccinea

Beefsteak, B. xerythrophylla

Iron cross, B. masoniana

Flowering, B. semperflorens

Painted B. rex varieties

Most plants of this family are suitable for growing in the medium light range. Begonias like high humidity and constantly moist soil. Give them a long light duration, from 14 to 18 hours each day.

Cacti and succulents

Many plants may be grouped in this general category. These plants need high light intensities; most are not satisfactory for growing under artificial lights. However, you can use lights to maintain them for limited periods when they cannot be exposed to bright light or direct sunlight. When artificial lights are used, provide high intensities, and keep plants close to the source.

Cast iron plant

Aspidistra elatior

This plant tolerates cool locations and poor light; it is one of the best plants where only low light conditions exist. A variegated form is also available.

Chinese evergreen

Aglaonema modestum

Aglaonemas are relatively small tropical plants but can tolerate light as low as 10 foot-candles. Other species with different leaf form and variegation are also available.

Cissus species

Grape ivy, Cissus rhombifolia

Kangaroo vine, Cissus antarctica

Cissus are climbing plants that prefer medium light conditions for best growth, although kangaroo vine tolerates lower light. Although better for greenhouse culture, another beautiful relative is the rex begonia vine, Cissus discolor.

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia maculata

Many satisfactory species and varieties are available. Plants have large, showy leaves with spotting and variegation. Medium light range is best and will prevent loss of lower leaves. Overly tall plants can be cut back. Dieffenbachia benefits from supplementary lighting in poorly lit areas.

Dracaena species

Corn plant, Dracaena fragrans massangeana

Dragon tree, Dracaena marginata

Janet Craig dracaena, Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig'

Ti plant, Cordyline terminalis 'Ti'

Most dracaenas become large plants. They are well adapted to house conditions and tolerate low light although they also do well in medium light. They need to be kept warm and constantly moist for best growth. Ti plant develops best leaf color in bright light and therefore is less suitable for locations where it receives only artificial light.

Ferns

Birdsnest fern, Asplenium nidus

Boston fern, Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis

Holly fern, Cyrtomium falcatum

Maidenhair fern, Adiantum species

The word "fern" brings to mind the Boston, or sword, fern with its many varieties. These ferns are durable houseplants that tolerate low light but prefer a medium light level. Keep them cool and moist. Holly fern likes cooler house temperatures; however, birdsnest fern prefers warmer temperatures. Ferns may develop brown leaves or leaflets at low humidity. Maidenhair ferns should never be allowed to become dry.

Ficus species

Rubber plant, Ficus elastica varieties

Fiddleleaf fig, Ficus lyrata

Weeping fig, Ficus benjamina

These large plants are well suited to most home conditions and are best grown in a medium light range. Low light may result in a drop of foliage. Keep soil evenly moist. They tolerate low humidity.
Reply:Schefflara and Ficus are the easiest to grow indoors, because they are very low light tolerant and tolerate some neglect from a missed watering. Their are several varieties of each to choose from but they all have the same care.
Reply:I've found philodendrons to be almost impossible to kill.

When is the latest that you can plant tomato plants in upstate NY?

2011-11-19T17:26:00.004-08:00

I need to know If I can plant tomato plants at the end of June. Please help! What is the latest date tomato plants should be planted in Albany, NY?

When is the latest that you can plant tomato plants in upstate NY?
I have planted only to have raccoons dig them out, I am going to keep planting though, the weather up here (Westport) is always so darn wet lately I am having problems. I have been told by the other folks with gardens that I can plant until mid June. They don't mess with the onions or garlic though. I didn't have this problem back in Sacramento...;o)
Reply:You really should have them planted NOW, but I would say you'll still get tomatoes if you plant them by the end of june.
Reply:Tomatoes take 60 to 80 days to harvest. Pick a variety with the fewest amount of time to harvest.( ask someone at your local garden center) Raise the temp. at night by filling liter bottles with water and place them next to you plant. The sun will heat the water up in the day and stay warmer at night, the warmer temps. the quicker your plant will fruit. Fertilize with only a tomato fertilizer and let them dry out well in between watering's. Pull back on the water in the middle of fruiting it will help to speed things up and your tomatoes will have a full flavor.

Goodluck

God bless

Grandma

What causes the base of tomato plants to turn black and white fuzz?

2011-11-19T17:26:00.003-08:00

The base of my tomato plants have turned black with a white fuzz on them. The ground around the plant is also turning white like a calcium deposit is building up.

My sister used Miracle grow on the plants them added epson salt around the base of the plant.

What causes the base of tomato plants to turn black and white fuzz?
Sounds like mold, you should transplant and try to spray a solution of 3 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide(standard first aid grade) in one gallon of water on the stalk and roots. Make sure you let the soil dry out before watering, over watering is one of the most common gardening mistakes.

Also Miracle Grow contains salts so I wouldn't recommend using that and Epsom salts. Try Fish Emulsion 5-1-1 instead of Miracle Grow, it's cheap, simple, ORGANIC and works better than Miracle Grow. Plus you can use the Epsom Salts with it, be careful though because salt builds up in the soil and gives you problems later. Corn Meal will help control future mold and will act as a slow release fertilizer.

Peace, SSSSpaceman SSSpliff
Reply:Aphids... soulds like you have aphids. You should find something at Lowes or home depot to get rid of them.
Reply:OK, this early in the year too much water is probably the answer...but here in Southern Illinois, we get a lot of tomato blight. That is a fungus that is in the soil and gets on the leaves when water splashes on the leaves from rain or watering. I have only lost a couple plants to the blight in 10 years. Solution:

1: Mulch around the bottom of the tomato plants. I use either grass clippings, (make sure there has been no "weed and feed" put on the grass) or I get a few bales of hay and spread it around. This way you can also pick tomatoes after it has rained and not get mud all over your shoes.

2: I pick all the leaves and stems off my tomato plants up to 1 foot off the ground. This takes some time, but the water will not splash up on the leaves, and I will have good tomatoes all summer and fall until the first heavy frost.

srockey
Reply:Spray it with liquid detergent. easy

What are the best plants/flowers to plant for extreme heat/sun?

2011-11-19T17:26:00.002-08:00

I live in an area where the temperatures reach about 115 degrees in the summer. I want to start a garden with a mix of flowers, but I don't want to start planting and have everything die because it's so hot. What would be some good plants/flowers for me to start out with?

What are the best plants/flowers to plant for extreme heat/sun?
Most plants come with a zone description. The zones are to indicate which areas of the country the plants do best in. For your climate, you'd want plants that do well in a zone 8 - 10. The higher the zone, the warmer the climate. You can also go to nursery websites, find plants you like, and see if the zone is appropriate.

Zones:

http://www.avant-gardening.com/planting%...
Reply:Try plants that are native to your area. Native plants are adapted to the extremes of your climate. Visit the local arboretum or public garden and look around. Sounds like you are in the desert southwest, but cacti are not your only option. There are many beautiful trees, shrubs and grasses that tolerate high heat conditions.
Reply:Brugmansias are awesome! I think they can take that much heat. Try to look up Xeroscaping. This is HEAT tolerant, drought tolerant stuff. This link has some beautiful tropicals to get some ideas.
Reply:I live in Houston, TX and have always had a big pot of red geraniums on my west facing porch.

It loves full sun even on an August afternoon. Keep the soil moist, but not drenched.
Reply:Cleome , Lantana , merigolds , butterfly bush , cannas , bueganvillia, zinnia,black eye susan , wild flower seed from your nursery.
Reply:Cacti, yuccas, .......not tomato's as someone suggested. The sun will bake them to a crisp.
Reply:basil loves the sun

sunflowers of course

tomatoes

raspberries
Reply:Definatly Cactii The Really Big Ones They Will Look Cool!
Reply:cactii.

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Which potted plants would work best on my lanai?

2011-11-19T17:26:00.001-08:00

Which potted plants could I keep on my lanai that could withstand the S FL weather? I'd prefer flowering plants, if possible.

Which potted plants would work best on my lanai?
I don't know what your preferences are but you could always look at the website below for Florida planting tips. I use this site (I also live in S. Florida) and its great.
Reply:Bouganvilla is beautiful and will work fine in your area if the decor is tropical. If your decor is more traditional I would suggest potted hydrangeas. If you have any favorites you should use your favorites.

What bedding plants will look best in a asmall garden?

2011-11-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

I have a small garden (it is just 3 borders along the patio edges). I want to put some nice plants in it so that I can have some colour. I am not sure waht plants will give a good show of colour. I already have a rose and some red poppies in it but that is all,what can I use to go with them?

What bedding plants will look best in a asmall garden?
Red and whites always look good in a small area. You want something relatively low lying to draw the eye back and create the illusion of length. Anything too tall might appear to 'box' the garden in.

Why not try some red and white petunias and/or bizzie lizziies, interspersed with blue lobelia? Simple colourways, but in my opinion, hard to beat, and you'll get a summer long show of colour from these three plants without any fiddly maintenance.

Don't I sound like the proper Ms Dimmock??!!! (I can assure you I don't walk around with my hooters swinging all over the place, mind you)
Reply:go to b%26amp;q and buy some bedding plants, you can buy a tray for 3.98 or 3 trays for £9.00. i would buy bizzie lizzies for a spectacular summer long display, plant quite close about six inc apart and depending on how deep your borders are then put about 3 rows in as well.
Reply:Royal carpet flowers in blue and white.
Reply:Violas are really nice will flower for ages also seed them selves ...... I also like stocks smell lovely ....
Reply:SNAP-DRAGONS

(my ex-wife's pet name)
Reply:Portulaca comes in various colors, red, pink, yellow, white, etc., they are self seeding and, depending on your "zone" are green all year 'round. They are about 2 inches high, and look similar to a succulent. Makes a great ground cover.
Reply:Bedding plants yawn yawn yawn. Why not go for something a bit more adventurous like tree ferns, spiky plants, grasses or bananas? There are also endless gorgeous perennials with fab leaves and flowers that you don't have to plant every year whereas annuals are dead at the end of the season leaving you with an empty garden for the rest of the year.
Reply:begonia's work nice. They do well in sun or shade
Reply:How about some wall-flowers, they are colourful , last through Winter [ mine still flowers after 2 years ] and smells divine. There are so many lovely plants out there, choose some that will compliment the colours you already have and if your garden is very very small choose smaller flowering plants. Good luck and i wish your plants well too :)))
Reply:phlox...they are gorgeous =)
Reply:aubretia in mauves and purples. Any small leaved flowering plant like this.

How many plants are you legally allow to cultivate in California if you have a medical license?

2011-11-19T17:25:00.006-08:00

I can not find this information anywhere online. I know you are legally allowed to cultivate medical marijuana plants in california, provided you have obtained a medical marijuana license, but I can't find an answer as to how many plants you may actually grow. If anyone has any information on this I would love to know.

How many plants are you legally allow to cultivate in California if you have a medical license?
federal law still applies, cultivation of m is illegal, so don't tell anyone and grow as much as you want
Reply:Zero, none, zilch, not any
Reply:I think it is six... just look on your license.. You can buy legal bud online at Howardsdirect.com.. try it!

http://howardsdirect.com/

How do I prevent plants from growing on a swimming pool?

2011-11-19T17:25:00.005-08:00

The swimming pool is above the ground. The plants were mostly vines. The pool has also had plants lean towards the pool.

This makes it more difficult to swim and damages the metal of the pool.

I have nothing against plants.

How do I prevent plants from growing on a swimming pool?
Maybe trim the plants back a bit ... or maybe add canes and tie the plants up, so they grow up, rather than spreading out.

Or just get rid of the vines and change for a differnet plant which dosent spread out ...
Reply:you need to trim around the pool area weekly and make sure the chlorine levels are correct. Also getting a cover for the pool helps
Reply:I would suggest a non toxic weed killwe that home deopt or any other hardware store sells. =D
Reply:Post, " NO PLANTS " signs in conspicuous places all around the pool area...It"s kind of of a "no-brainer", don't ya think ???
Reply:Just dig them out. and keep everything around the pool neat and tidy, don't let them grow, get them out immediately. I hope this sounds reasonable.

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What are some good indoor plants for my apartment?

2011-11-19T17:25:00.004-08:00

I'm moving into a new apartment and I want some plants. What are some good plants that will do well in a fairly dark apartment? I know some plants clean the air and have their own perks. What would be best for me keeping in mind my place is fairly dark and also that it is small. Also, if you can give me a variety of plants to also factor in the aesthetic of the apartment.

What are some good indoor plants for my apartment?
Spider plants hang, peace lilies sit and mother-in-laws add interest. You're right about cleaning the air. All of these are forgettaboutit plants. Low light and low water. If they begin to look wilty, water and they'll come right back. Good luck!
Reply:Lowes has a pretty good website with information about indoor plants, http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=ho...

Cactuses are good for a neglectful environment btw.
Reply:Christmas cactuses, aloe and rubber trees.
Reply:Fake ones from World Market

How plants produce volatile chemicals and what causes fragrance?

2011-11-19T17:25:00.003-08:00

Lot of plants have fragrance in their flawers, leaves, stems, barks, roots etc. how these plants are able to produce these volatile chemicals and I wonder what aids them in producing the fragrance they have?

How plants produce volatile chemicals and what causes fragrance?
Most plant scents and fragrances are caused by chemicals called esters. An ester is the product of a reaction between an alcohol (any molecule with an -OH group) and an organic acid (any molecule with a -COOH group). When various acids and alcohols are combined, the result is a molecule with the two parts connected by a X-(C=O)-O-X, if that makes any sense.

The upshot of this all is that esters are very easy for living creatures to make, and many have distinctive and easily identifiable odors. For example, most fruit scents have unique esters that we identify as being banana-scented, or citrus scented. Because these chemicals are so easily made, many artificially flavored fruit products simply use artificial esters which, for all intents and purposes, are identical to the real fruit's odor.
Reply:The chemicals that are responsible for fragrance are termed aromatic hydrocarbons, and they have a molecular arrangement of carbon atoms linked in ring structures with alternating double and single bonds. As compounds with fragrant characteristics were studies, such as vanilla and oil of wintergreen produced by plants, it was found that most of the molecules contained a similar benzene ring. These molecules were termed aromatic compounds. More recently, fragrant compounds were identified that don't have a benzene ring, but have chemical properties that closely resemble that of a benzene ring. There is a rule that an aromatic compound must have (4n + 2) pi electrons to be considered aromatic.

There is an incredible amount of aromatic compounds, all with similar, but not exact, chemical structures. Toxic aromatic hydrocarbons consist of molecules with non-equivalent electron stability. Exampled of such molecules are those with 3 benzene rings where the center ring is highly reactive; anthrax is derived from a molecule with 3 benzene rings. Also, polychlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons, of which 132 have been commercially made, are used in pesticides, plastics, adhesives, inks, paints and sealants. These molecules are stable in the environment, but they are significantly toxic. Agent orange is another example of an extremely toxic aromatic compund; the most toxic aromatic compound that is widely found in the environment in called dioxin. Dioxin kills at an enormously large rate, and it also highly carcinogenic.

Plants can produce these aromatic, and sometimes toxic, compounds using chemcial synthesis pathways in which they start with a molecular precursor and by means of electron substition reactions and other molecular rearrangementts, the final aromatic compound is produced.

So, plants produce fragrant molecules in biosynthesis pathways, similar to how humans produce molecules from digested food to form muscle, bone, etc. It isn't quite correct to say that plants are aided in producing a fragrance, rather, the plant naturally synthesizes these molecules as an inhereted evolutionary trait, thus making them more appealing to cross-pollination by insects attracted to fragrance.

What are some good indoor plants for my apartment?

2011-11-19T17:25:00.002-08:00

What plants would be best to grow on a balcony?

2011-11-19T17:25:00.001-08:00

My balcony receives direct sunlight (and gets very hot) during the morning hours and very limited sunlight the rest of the day. What plants would grow best and what advice do you have to take care of them. I have had trouble with many flowering plants because they get so hot in the morning. I live in the midwest so it gets hot in the summers. Thanks!!!

What plants would be best to grow on a balcony?
Small plants that require the conditions that your balcony offers. I few tall plants that are easy to care for that don't drop a lot of leaves will add some rellief from the sun. Or plants in small pots set on plastic shelving that won't rust. Shelves must drain. You must have plants that will tolerate your hot conditions. marigolds would be great for color, lack of care.

Zennia require hot temps. Cactus and succulents would work and they do flower, and the bonus is that they can be kept very dry. You can even take a vacation and it won't harm them. Just water thoroughly before you go. Tomatoes love the heat and can be grown in a 1 gal container, but must be watered often. Pelargoniium which go dormant in the summer. Dalia from seeds, onions, sunflowers. pinks, carnations. Good Luck and have a good time. make a beautiful garden. Hoyakins
Reply:I also get the morning sun on my balcony and no problem with growing flowers.The flowers i use are "Impatients"lots of colors and "Begonias".Morning sun is better for plants Afternoon sun is too hot.You should water them at least once a week,but don't overwater them.Also better to water them in the evening.Also loosen the soil around the plants once in awhile.Hope this is of some help to you.

colonial shoe buckles

From where do plants get their nitrogen compounds?

2011-11-19T17:25:00.000-08:00

When animals eat plants, they get nitrogen compounds that their bodies need. Plants do not make these nitrogen compounds. So from where do plants get their nitrogen compounds?

From where do plants get their nitrogen compounds?
Nitrogen fixing bacteria that live around the roots of plants capture atmospheric N2 and convert it to organic forms that the plants can absorb and utilize.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogen_fi...

"Nitrogen fixation is the process by which nitrogen is taken from its natural, relatively inert molecular form (N2) in the atmosphere and converted into nitrogen compounds such ammonia, nitrate and nitrogen dioxide.

"Nitrogen fixation is performed naturally by a number of different prokaryotes, including bacteria, actinobacteria, and certain types of anaerobic bacteria. Microorganisms that fix nitrogen are called diazotrophs. Some higher plants, and some animals (termites), have formed associations with diazotrophs."
Reply:Yes, nitrogen fixation puts nitrogen into usable form for plants. Not all plants, like legumes, are associiated with nitrogen fixing bacteria.

Most plants get their nitrogen directly from the soil as either nitrate or ammonia (in the form of ammonium+). For confirmation, look on a bag of plant fertilizer. Or look at how much the typical, midwest, American farmer spends on nitrogen fertilizers each year for his/her corn crop.
Reply:The soil and the rain mostly, some by converting sunlight

Why do variegated plants( plants with white streaks or spots) not fare well in nature?

2011-11-19T17:24:00.007-08:00

Variegated plants(plants with white streaks or spots) do not make good weeds. They are cultivated for their attractive appearance but often do not fare well in nature. Why might this be?

Why do variegated plants( plants with white streaks or spots) not fare well in nature?
The more the white in the variegation, the less chlorophyll in the plant. Plants store carbohydrates by processes in the green parts of the foliage. The smaller the percentage of green in the foliage, the lower the rate of synthesized carbohydrates. The fewer stored carbs, the less the plant is able to store winter hardiness, handle drought, etc.
Reply:The ones w/yellow streaks live longer,they run and hide.

What types of plants grow in water and soil?

2011-11-19T17:24:00.006-08:00

What I mean by that is...can i just take part of a plant and put it directly in water...and can I take a part of a plant and put it directly in soil. Of course the one that I am putting in soil I will add water to. But do you know any plants that can grow that way...but cutting off pieces of them and growing them???

Thanks so much!

What types of plants grow in water and soil?
you can take any cutting and root it by water...but, you can't just take any old cutting and expect it to naturally grow in soil without the right conditions. I am a grandmother who has been growing and working in greenhouses all my life. I just started 660 plants from seed that I just put in the garden. If you will email me and tell me what your project is, I really will help you...you don't have to use your real email...just do it though Yahoo.....I can also direct you to many many websites I have marked under favorites like www.davesgardens.com
Reply:Hi, Me Again. I just answered your first version of this question. So I'll try again.

Sounds like you are talking about getting plants to root in water so they can be planted?

Actually, most plants can be started that way, particularly the ones that have woody stems. Herbs are good -- rosemary, basil, pineapple sage, and others. Some things you can just stick in soil and keep moist, like tomatoes and geraniums -- they're really good for that!

Not all cutting of any type of plant will take. Some will do great and others just don't have the will to live once they've been cut.

I used to do a lot of houseplants -- purple velvet and rabbits foot would root, I remember (we're talking 30 years ago here). I don't think coleus worked. Spider plants will put out roots on the babies while they're still attached to the mom, so don't cut them until they have roots.

If you want advice on growing plants in your area, search for the Master Gardeners in your county (or call your county ag commissioner or ag extension advisor).

Growing plants is such a wonderful thing to do, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Reply:rice
Reply:Philodendrons, ivy and lavender.

How to grow new Ruellia plant from old plants?

2011-11-19T17:24:00.005-08:00

I would like to plant some Ruellia in my lawn. I have four plants in different locations. How can I grow from these plants.

How to grow new Ruellia plant from old plants?
Take a cutting from some new growth on the plant. You need atleast a 4 - 5 inch cutting. Get some rooting hormone solution and dip the cut end into the solution or powder. You can pick rooting solution up from any plant store or nursery. Plant the cutting into a small pot and mist/spray water atleast every 3 hours. Do not let the cutting dry out at all or it will die. After about a week you can start adding very low levels of fertalizer that is high in P (0-30-0 is the best but 10-30-10 or alike will work). You can take a 2 litter coke bottle and cut the end off and put it over your plant to keep humidity levels up when you are not able to water. Also rememeber when getting your cutting to cut at a 90 degree angle and not straight across. This will alow your cutting to have as much surface area to grow its roots from as possible.

Hope it helps

Note: take the cutting when in vegitative stage and not when it is blooming.
Reply:just to add something else:

make sure you make another cut under water before putting into soil to make sure you do not get any air bubbles into the plant. You can do a straight cut to take the cutting but then do a 90 degree cut under water before planting. Report Abuse

Reply:CUTTINGS-PUT IN MOIST SOIL.DIP CUT END IN

MIRACLE GROW

What plants will grow best in a dark house?

2011-11-19T17:24:00.004-08:00

My 8 year old niece wants her own house plant. Her parents keep their house pretty dark. I don't know anything about house plants. Any suggestions on what I should get her?

What plants will grow best in a dark house?
One plant that has earned a suitable name as a durable houseplant is Cast Iron Plant, Aspidistra elatior. It was a very popular plant during the Victoria era, enduring cold, dimly lit rooms and the fumes from burning coal. This plant does well under medium to very low light conditions and medium to cool temperatures. In fact, practically the only way to kill this plant is through overwatering or by placing it in a high temperature location, which makes the plant susceptible to spidermite invasion. Cast Iron Plant has dark green, broadly sword-shaped, leathery leaves and reaches a height of 3'. A slow growing plant, yet one that thrives on neglect and makes a nice green accent for a dark corner.

Another easy to grow houseplant is Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema modestum. This small, bushy plant with sword-shape, variegated leaves normally grows to 2' in height. It grows best under medium light and temperatures, but will tolerate low light. Many cultivars are available with different leaf colors, including silvery-green leaves and dark, forest green leaves. A great plant for any indoor gardener.

Select plants that look sturdy, clean, well potted, shapely, and well-covered with leaves.

Choose plants with healthy foliage. Avoid plants which have yellow or chlorotic leaves, brown leaf margins, wilted or water soaked foliage, spots or blotches and spindly growth. In addition, avoid leaves with mechanical damage, and those which have been treated with "leaf shines" which add an unnatural polish to the leaves. Plants which have new flowers and leaf buds along with young growth are usually of superior quality.

Remember that it is easier to purchase a plant which requires the same environmental conditions your residence has to offer than to alter the environment of your home or office to suit the plants.
Reply:there are a few tropicals out there that like very moderate light.

all plants need a source of light... some palms and house tropicals can take dry heat, minimal light (sometime a small halogen will keep them pert...) and minimal food.

http://gardening.about.com/od/houseplant...

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/m...

use some of these suggestions and when you go shopping around talk to someone who knows their stuff.

also note where plants are placed when you shop for a plant... don't get those outside in the direct light.. those under fluorescence will do better.... or those in the shade when outside awaiting for a new home.

http://www.catalogs.com/info/garden-yard...

http://www.growit.com/bin/KnowArt.exe?My...
Reply:violets

Which plants do best with little natural light?

2011-11-19T17:24:00.003-08:00

I want to put some plants above my cupboards in the kitchen. Which plants will do best there, with very little natural light?

Which plants do best with little natural light?
Peace lilly (do get larger ) or violets.

Impatients are nice but may need to be replanted ever year.
Reply:Pothos would be best, I think. Sanseveria is a low light plant as well.
Reply:It depends on where you live. I like the Princess Flower for ocean areas and mild climates. Down here in the desert we have a lot of Honeysuckles and they have this really cool orange flowers and they grow like weeds if you give them lots of water. They can handle the 120 degree heat here in the summer and they are good down to freezing. Really tough plants and they can turn into a hedge if you want.

Potato Vines are cool with bluish / purple buds and will cover a whole fence if you let them.

Inside there are cyclamens. You can get them anywhere and they have beautiful tulip-like blooms and they are tough and resilient and they come from a bulb so they always seem to renew even if they appear to die. ( I forget to water them a lot)

:-)

Peace y'all.

How to grow new Ruellia plant from old plants?

2011-11-19T17:24:00.002-08:00

Can plants get energy from fluorescent light bulbs?

2011-11-19T17:24:00.001-08:00

I was trying to give my plants a little more light since the there is less daylight this time of year (where i live it is winter) and i was wondering if plants can get energy from fluorescent light bulbs?

Can plants get energy from fluorescent light bulbs?
yes aside from paying big $ for mercury vapor or the like, flouresent provides very close to natrual light. in fact i've even read to supplement high end lights with flouresents. pluss their energy efficient.
Reply:Yep, entire marajuana plantations are grown this away under fluro tubes called "gro lights".
Reply:get a grow light
Reply:ANY is better than NONE
Reply:Yes. Many offices - including mine - have only fluorescent lighting, but also have healthy plants.

And many indoor gardening setups rely on fluorescent.
Reply:They can. You'd be best off with lamps tailored

for the purpose. Look for 'Gro-Lights`.

I have a thing for plants, but I dont have a green thumb. What type of plants can I buy ?

2011-11-19T17:24:00.000-08:00

I need plants that will grow inside. I live in an apartment and cant plant them in the yard. I want something that will grow easy. dont cause for alot of care. and dont have any color blooms. I like green plants.

I have a thing for plants, but I dont have a green thumb. What type of plants can I buy ?
alovera (alo-ver-e-a [ i think it is spelt that way]) it is easy and you barely have to water it.
Reply:Sceffelera, cyperus a and h, pothos, philodendron, impatiens, begonias (tuberous and non), coleus, palms, ferns, rubber plant, bromeliads, orchids, neomarcea, jade, geranium, kalancho, hoya, peace lilly, grape leaf ivy, there are a gazillion. Want cuttings?
Reply:You really need to tell us what country you are in first, i live in Australia and if i go telling some plant names from here( that's assuming your not from here )then it's not going to make sense to you.
Reply:Im the same way. Bamboo is very easy just stick it in a bunch of water and as long as theres some in there you dont have to water it. I havent watered mine in 3 months.
Reply:catus are almost impossible to kill as well as peace liies. peace lilies have white blooms, but can be easily cut off and used in flower arrangements. needs lots of water though maybe you should buy a self watering pot for them
Reply:mums
Reply:Plastic plants.
Reply:cacti! They are so easy to take care of. (So is aloe by the way)

Can plants grow from the light provided from compact florescent light bulbs?

2011-11-19T17:23:00.006-08:00

Hi, I have a miniature rose bush that I keep indoors year round. The roses are normally a coral color. Recently I changed all of my light bulbs to the compact florescent light bulbs and one of my rose plants (that is kept next to my lamp) has bloomed a pale pink flower and the new green foliage is lighter than the older foliage. I am curious to know whats going on and If it is the light bulbs creating the changes in color. The plant seems to be doing better then it ever has.

Can plants grow from the light provided from compact florescent light bulbs?
Some company is making compact fluorescent bulbs with different light spectrums (measured in 1000s of Kelvins). Some of these are made to mimic the sun and should be marketed as "grow" lights or something similar.

I just saw them the other day at Walgreens, of all places, right next to the cheap GE and Fiat brand compact fluor. bulbs.

.
Reply:Some people say yes and some say no. I guess only time will tell.
Reply:Unfortunatelly compact fluorecent lamp producers don't measure the PAR (photosynthetic active radiation level of the products. But you can find some data here:

http://article.discusnews.com/cat-04/lig...

Why are the pigment and photosynthesis different for plants with different colours?

2011-11-19T17:23:00.005-08:00

Why are the pigment and photosynthesis different for plants with different colours?

Question Details: e.g= green leaves of 2 diff plants although are green but have different pigment and photosynthesis? y?

e.g = y do red leaves of diff plants n flowers have diff pigments and photosyntheis?

plz give exampels of both

thanks u!~

Why are the pigment and photosynthesis different for plants with different colours?
because thats how god made them :)

hot tags

Does tomato wilt affect other plants? Can you eat the fruit off the tomatoes plants?

2011-11-19T17:23:00.004-08:00

We have huge plants, in a small garden space. My tomatoes are showing signs of wilt, but perk up after rain. I noticed my cucumbers and some of my yellow squash and zucchini are not growing after they form and begin to rot. Can I save my plants? My herbs in the same small bed are doing great. What can I do to prevent this from returning next year. (already know about purchasing resistant tomatoe plants, but what else??)

Does tomato wilt affect other plants? Can you eat the fruit off the tomatoes plants?
Tomato plants need about 1.5 - 2 feet of space radious between them. They need plenty of room to grow. The package of seeds for each plant that you have will have directions on how far apart they need to be, and how to obtain good fruit, etc. Cucumbers need about 3.5-4 feet between each plant. The soil and the fertilizer you use makes a big difference as well. A good soil, fertilizer, and spacing will make or break how your plants grow, and maintenence as well. They only need about 1 - 1.5 inches of water a week as well, depending on how much rain you get as well. Herbs are a total different world on spacing. They can grow close together and survive well. Most vegetables, especially tomatoes and cucumbers need plenty of space between. As far as the bottom wilting and the top doing well, and if you are harvesting the vegetables, they will be fine as long as they ripen as they should, etc.
Reply:Your tomatoes could have blight or wiIt. I would buy Dragoon dust with copper and sprinkle by package directions. My tomatoes has had leaves dyeing on the bottom of plants this year, and the tomatoes have been smaller then usual, but the fruit is delicious.
Reply:Your zucchini and squash are probably not being pollinating. What looks like a baby squash is part of the female flower and not really a squash until it has been pollinated. When pollination does not occur...the "baby squash" rots. Try hand pollinating.

If your tomatoes perk up after a rain..that means they wanted water. Water them regularly.

What kinds of plants are good to plant in Ontario?

2011-11-19T17:23:00.003-08:00

I'm going to move up to Barrie, Ontario and I would like to know what kinds of plants grow well there.

It would be nice to know about a couple of flowers, but I am more interested in edible plants.

For those who don't know, Barrie is about in the middle of Ontario.

What kinds of plants are good to plant in Ontario?
your going to have to look up what zone your in ,for the length of your growing season....there's short season corn and tomatoes....peas and green beans should be fine since there short anyways.....sum other good ideas are if you could find a cold hearty asparagus or sum other perennials that you can harvest every year once established....another good idea is to just look around and see what other in your area are having good luck with
Reply:Most flowers will grow well there.

As for vegetables,it is pretty much the same.If you want tulips,daffodills,hyacinth etc. in the spring,they should be planted now or very soon.

You plant a vegetable graden after the 24th of May when there should be no more frost.

Everything should grow well for you in Barrie.

London,Ont.

What plants/flowers would have been historically planted in the midwest at the turn of the century?

2011-11-19T17:23:00.002-08:00

My home (built 1917) had well-known gardens back in the '20s and we want to restore them. Does anyone know what sort of plants or flowers would have been common then? And which will keep the gardens looking colourful %26amp; lush in at least 3 of the seasons? (I'm in the Great Lakes region)

What plants/flowers would have been historically planted in the midwest at the turn of the century?
Most certainly there would have been Hollyhocks, Cosmos, Roses, Salpiglossis, Zinnias, Heliotrope, Phlox, Delphinium, Lupines; and occasionally some exotics such as Canna %26amp; Eremurus.

Victorian %26amp; English gardens were still very popular into the 1920's, so many of those plants may have been in your original garden scheme.
Reply:Peri winkle, peonies, rose of sharon, yellow and red and yellow and pink wild roses, dog woods, azaleas, horseradish, rhubarb, tansy, dill, sage, lavender, little violets, tulips, lilies, lilacs., iris. That should give you a start.
Reply:For sure there would have been daisies,poppies,bleeding heart,geraniums and peonies.

I envy you being able to do this.Have fun and talking to your local lawn and garden store would likely be helpful to you also.

Good Luck.
Reply:The things that I remember from my childhood home, built in the 1800's in MN are: lily of the valley, ferns, peonies, lilac, day lilies (those orange ones), hydrangea, viburnum, bridal wreath, hollyhocks, flowering fruit trees - plum and apple, roses - single flowers, very fragrant. All these things are low maintainence - that's why they survived.

I would guess that sweet william, daffodils and phlox were also common.
Reply:Our little community in western N Dakota uncelebrated it's centennial this summer. We Master Gardeners in the area built a 'homestead garden' at our local museum and stocked it with plants common at the turn of the century. Many of the plants came from my gardens. I've been collecting these plants for years from area cemeteries, abandoned towns, farms and ranches. Some have names and stories attached most have nothing more than a description like 'yellow rose from Tete's ranch'. !917 is recent history and a trip to a local nursing home will supply you with all the info you need and make some friends as well. RScott

Which plants are best for those of us with dogs?

2011-11-19T17:23:00.001-08:00

My dog has killed some of the plants in my backyard - what would be good to replace them with? I'm particularly interested in flowering plants, if that's possible.

Which plants are best for those of us with dogs?
I have a clump of iris that takes direct hits several times a day with no ill effect. RScott
Reply:I feel for you. I have 3 large dogs and until this season my male was constantly killing my plants. I had to put fences around everything I planted. However, this summer I created an large fenced area in the yard just for them and it's been awesome. Anyhow, I wish I could tell you which plants will survive dog pee, but I haven't found any yet and I have lots of plants. As a matter of fact, my male recently hit my hibiscus when my 7 year old let him out of the dog yard and I don't think it is going to make it.

Anyhow, I wish you luck because I know it's a drag to put effort and money into your garden just to have a dog pee on it once and kill it.

my fish

What is the plant called? that has plants growing out of leaves?

2011-11-19T17:23:00.000-08:00

well it's really cool. it's like this one leaf laid on soil. and then plants(seedlings) grow out of the leaf.it's like the seeds are in the leaves. please help me identify the plant.

What is the plant called? that has plants growing out of leaves?
That's one of the ways I used to propagate African Violets. A leaf could be laid upon the soil and new plants would establish themselves by growing through breaks in the leaf.
Reply:I don't know of ANY plant that has its seeds in its leaves. Leaves are for energy production. They take in light and photosynthesize it into usable energy. Seeds take that energy and turn it into fat and oils that animals will eat and deposit (poop) into other areas.

If seeds were developed in leaves, then the plant must not have very many leaves, or the seeds are REALLY small.

The only thing I can think of that might resemble this is fungus (which has its spores in the cap), or a symbiotic plant/fungus that grows out of the dead leaf. I'd go with a fungus growing out of a leaf.

Good luck.
Reply:It sounds like Christmas Catus

Plants?????

2011-11-19T17:22:00.006-08:00

I want to know why do plants provide us food for humans and animals?

Plants?????
humans and animals need the minerals and vitamins that plants supply. at the same time, humans and animals provide carbon dioxide that plants need to produce food.
Reply:Because we are secondary consumers on the food web
Reply:Because they're just nice guys...

Plants??????

2011-11-19T17:22:00.005-08:00

People say Cows feel the pain but i have a question...

Can the plants feel the pain when i hack off the fruit at harvest? dont want to make my corn or sunflower cry...

Plants??????
if you even had a slight clue about gardening you would know harvesting encourages new fruit growth as picking flowers makes more flowers
Reply:Why don't you take a look at the answers to this question the last 149 times it was asked. Man people don't bother to read the questions in the suggestion box do they.
Reply:All I know is that I have heard animals cry.

Have yet to find a corn plant that will do the same.
Reply:Yes they do release chemicals when damaged, but it's a response for repair, not a conscious learning process to steer from danger. Like this... if you raise your hand to a dog and then smack it on several different occasions... pretty soon if you raise your hand to the same dog without smacking it.... it still cowers. It has learned consciously. if you smack a plant a thousant times... it never makes a designation.
Reply:Plants do not have a brain or a nervous system, so they do not feel pain.

Plants????????????

2011-11-19T17:22:00.004-08:00

is there any type of bacteria that can keep a plant from reproducing but yet all it to grow and flourish as it should.

Plants????????????
I wouldn't rule out the possibility that there is a bacterium that can do this but getting it and applying it??? If you go to a good L%26amp;G Center you can get a product called Fruit Eliminator. It's a synthetic hormone that stops a pollinated flower from continuing to develop.

horns costume

Plants...?

2011-11-19T17:22:00.003-08:00

I am growing some mini lettuce and two grape plants, and i was wondering if you had ANY suggestions for fertilizer...thanks... all help is appreciated.

Plants...?
Where are they growing? since this is winter in the US, are they in containers?

Plants!!!!?

2011-11-19T17:22:00.002-08:00

what plant takes around two months to fully grow?

Plants!!!!?
Radishes, various cultivars of lettuce, spinach, peas, Swiss chard; there are quite a few vegetable plants.
Reply:An Easter lilly or iris takes about that long to reach its full height.
Reply:most annual flowers

most veggie plants
Reply:Radishes.
Reply:They really don't ever stop growing...that's a trick question.

Hiking Shoes

What is the plant called? that has plants growing out of leaves?

2011-11-19T17:22:00.001-08:00

What kinds of plants/flowers can I put in my dog's memorail graves that will come back year after year?

2011-11-19T17:22:00.000-08:00

I live in southern Idaho .I already planted some bulbs in one dog's grave ,/ They have not or did not come up so I'm a little worried about them. They are in Scruffy's grave for those of you from Pets-Dogs) and now I'm looking for plants/flowers that will come back year after year. They will be both Scruffy'ss and Liberty's memorials. It's get below freezing in the winter here so we have to fact that in this.

Does anyone have any great ideas of what I can plant in their memorials that will come back year after year and get bigger too? One idea I'm playing is rose bushes. Does anyone know of plants that have beautiful flowers to remind me of them at their graveside?I'm open to suggestions.Can anyone please help me out here?

Thank You for all the suggestions with this!

What kinds of plants/flowers can I put in my dog's memorail graves that will come back year after year?
Violas will come back every year and so will Gerbera daisies. Both a fave of mine!
Reply:Just go to any garden center and ask for perennials. You will also need to tell them whether it's for sun or shade, or a mix.
Reply:Some times bulbs wont come up if they free at the first planting, my suggestion to you is to buy them as a flower and plant them, this time use a root stimulant and good garden soil and they should come back year after year..peace Lilly's are great and too are tiger Lilly's
Reply:You might try Penta's they come in a variety of colors,grow very fast to about three feet and come back year after year. They are a bushy plant with many flowers that attract butterfly's, hummingbirds and lots of pollinaters.

Will plants grow or seeds start early on ANY plan specific lightbulb?

2011-11-19T17:21:00.007-08:00

I know there's an entire science to indoor plant lighting and copying the sun but I want to know if plants will grow and seeds will start on ANY plant specific lightbulb?

Example: GE Plant and Aquarium 20 watt bulb 90 CRI

Will plants grow or seeds start early on ANY plan specific lightbulb?
You don't even need artificial light..... you can sprout a seed in complete darkness if you wanted to. After they have sprouted, just put them in a windowsill.
Reply:It's going to depend on what type of plants that you want to grow.

Some plant seeds need as near total darkness in order to germinate, whilst others are not bothered by light. In general, it's going to be more about getting the temperature and humidity levels right. Light often inhibits germination, which can be an issue for fine tiny seed, which isn't planted at great depth.

I germinate alot of my seeds in plastic containers, after soaking in warm water for a couple of days. The seeds are mixed with Vermiculite or Perlite, both of which absorb water, are sterile, and also allow large amounts of air to circulate. Once sprouted, I add them into a mix of the Vermiculite or Perlite with potting soil (compost), and grow on.

After germination, you can then put your seedlings into their appropriate growing conditions, and where light will definitely be needed.

Different plants as well as differing growth types, require or benefit from having appropriate light frequencies. Some plants are much hardier than others, and are less fussy. Vegetative growth, for example is aided differently to fruiting or flowering (or flower intitiation) growth. Also, the day/night lengths of lighting and darkness have a major effect on many plant types, hence Poinsettias only develop their red bracts, after having a long, uninterupted period of darkness each day.

Flourescent lights can be great for many plants, and are fairly economical to run - your GE bulb is flourescent, I believe. It'll give off about 750 lumens, which is ok for some growth, but not as intense as other bulb types. Otherwise, LED lights are fairly flexible and low cost too. I grow alot of semi-tropical plants, orchids etc. which benefit from good levels of lighting, and I get results from standard lighting, rather than the more expensive tailored bulbs that can be bought.

Flourescent bulbs are helpful, as they emit light levels that are generally useful to plants, and can also be placed closer to them than many other types of bulbs, which get much hotter. (The high heat levels can really damage sensitive seedlings). Flourescents can be doubled up, so that you're not just getting the output from 1 bulb, you can use several. 20 watts is fairly low cost to run, though the bulbs are not that cheap - though way cheaper than High Pressure Sodium or Metal Halide bulbs, for example. If you can get up into the 2000 lumens plus light levels, then you will get stronger growth. (Remember, the light frequency needs to match the growth type of your plant, to be effective though).

Best of all is natural light, and to make good use of this, during the summer period. Many plants can be harmed by harsh direct sunlight, when indoors, which is why many greenhouses are shaded (this also cuts huge temperature surges).

Hope these thoughts help. I recommend that you experiment, and also do as much research on the type of plants that you want to grow. Summer's getting nearer, which could help indoors growing too - plus cut your energy bill. Let me know if you've got any specific plant queries, I've lived in the horticulture industry all of my life.

Good luck! Rob
Reply:I have had luck with regular shop lights to achieve germination,

you can also mix cool white and warm light tubes, if you like. The thing to remember is I was just after getting seeds to sprout. In a long term display gro-light types will make the plant look good and give it the light it needs to stay healthy.

What plant or plants use the most CO2 and produce the most Oxygen?

2011-11-19T17:21:00.006-08:00

Are there any good websites or books that discuss plants that use the most CO2? And is there a significant difference from plant to plant? I'm looking for planting options for my property.

What plant or plants use the most CO2 and produce the most Oxygen?
a tree called Pawlonia is the one that is recomended and the World bank pays subsidies to farmers who reforrest with these trees, under their program for capturing carbon and the production of oxigen.

a good general rule for plants is to look for plants with big leaves,and this varies with climatic conditions
Reply:Plants that use te most CO2 would actually be plants that grow te fastest. The CO2 a plant uses becomes the carbon that a plant makes cellulose and other carbohydrates with.

My best guess as a Botanist would be common field corn. A plant with rapid growth chararistics would either be a crop plant like corn, or a invasive weed like kudzu.

Good question, sorry for the incomplete anwer, but I just wanted to steer you into the right direction.
Reply:C3 plants
Reply:Young, fast growing C3 plants use the most CO2 and produce the most oxygen.
Reply:becuse in plants photosynthesis takes place due to which the consumption of co2 and water takes place and oxygen release

reaction is such as

6CO2+ 6H2O ------%26gt; C6H12O6 + 6O2

shared web hosting

Plants ???

2011-11-19T17:21:00.005-08:00

what is the biggest plant ever?

what is the coolest plant ever?

what is the hardes plant to look after?

what is the easyiest plan to look after?

Plants ???
1. California Redwood

2. Methuselah tree

3. I have trouble with roses

4. Creeping Charlie
Reply:Giant Sequoia tree

Venus Flytrap

Orchids

Sedum

What plants/trees put out a lot of oxygen?

2011-11-19T17:21:00.004-08:00

I'm looking to put a small tree and MORE plants in my room. Do people have recommendations on what plants and trees put out a good amount of oxygen? Thanks!

What plants/trees put out a lot of oxygen?
They ALL do! Just pick plants that are pleasing to you that fit in with your decor. Make sure that you put the pot that you are going to plant a tree in on a base with casters so that you can move it. Some plants require more work than others, and must have certain lighting conditions, watering requirements, etc. Go to a local nursery and they can help you select plants that are ideal for your environment (and the advice is free!)

Good luck!
Reply:marijuana

Cool make your own live plants out of stuff around the house?

2011-11-19T17:21:00.003-08:00

I heard you can use certain vegetables and stuff to create live plants.. you just plant parts of the vegetable or fruit or something and it grows into nice plants. Anyone know of anything like that and how to take care of the plant?

Cool make your own live plants out of stuff around the house?
I'll list as many as I can and then my favorite. All the seeds of fruits and veggies will grow but they may not resemble the parent if they were grown from hybrid seed. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnip, beets etc. should be washed well to remove any growth inhibitors. They can planted whole or you can just use the tops or eyes if spuds. My favorite is the humble carrot grown as a biennial to flower. The plant and flower resemble Queen Anne's Lace but the smell is unbelievable, it smells just like carrot cake fresh from the oven. RScott
Reply:Plants you can grow in from the grocery store:

Carrot tops: take the end with the leaves and set in a saucer of water on the window sill, the leaves will sprout out and you can set them out in the garden. Kids think this is cool

Potato: you can use toothpicks to hold up a potato over some water in a jar and it will make roots and leaves and grow happily in a sunny window. Same thing with a sweet potato and it has prettier leaves.

Pineapple: the leafy top can be planted and grown, it is actually a bromeliad.

Avocado: makes a neat evergreen tree but don't hold your breath to get an actual avocado from it, it might take twenty years to bear fruit.

There are others that you can start at the house but most of the plants that you grow from vegetables or fruit need as much sun as you can give them inside. It is not easy to grow things in the house that belong outside in the dirt . There is a reason why greenhouses are made of clear materials. Sunny windows are your best bet without investing in some supplementary light.

Can plants clense the air in my apartment?

2011-11-19T17:21:00.002-08:00

I'm just wondering to what degree plants actually produce oxygen. I have a few small shrubs and flowers in my tiny apartment, and I like to feel like I breathe cleaner air because of them. Is this totally just wishful thinking because of the minuscule amount they produce? Or do a few small flower bushes actually produce a significant amount of oxygen?

Also, what kinds of plants produce more/less. I have one of those little mineature pine trees, and it seems like since they have less leaf surface area, they wouldn't produce much.

Anyone know anything about this?

Can plants clense the air in my apartment?
Your rooms exchange air with the outdoors faster than your plants can create a significant concentration gradient of oxygen. However possibly as important to you is the quality of air, the contaminants the plant removes. Vapors exhaust from items, especially if this is new construction. Houseplants trap and absorb many pollutants from household products.

Plant Studies showed air cleansing took place between the soil and air surface. The actual work is done by the "common soil microorganisms [most of which are] known to be capable of biodegrading toxic chemicals when activated by plant root growth." Practically this means a broad pot with exposed soil to create an air/soil exchange surface. Do not allow the plants to cover the entire soil surface.

http://www.practicalasthma.net/pages/top...

http://www.plantea.com/houseplants.htm

http://www.thegreenguide.com/blog/tow/kw...
Reply:Plants do cleanse the air, but I have heard of one that really does the job--the Peace Lilly (the scientific name is Spathyllium, I believe). They are indoor plants. Check it out!
Reply:Yes. I houseplant can clean up to 100 sq. ft. of space.

rain roots

Some plants are not green in nature, absence of chlorophyll?

2011-11-19T17:21:00.001-08:00

There are healthy plants with totally yellow or maroon leaves and other glowing colors when exposed to sunlight. There are also plants that become greenier when not exposed to sunlight. What's the scientific reason of changing colors.

Some plants are not green in nature, absence of chlorophyll?
Some plants have pigments in addition to chlorophyll that make them red, yellow, whatever.

Plants can change the amount of chlorophyll according to how much light they have. If they have less light, they need to use it more efficiently by boosting their chlorophyll and they get greener. (Conversely, some plants that do well in low light have to reduce their chlorophyll in bright light.)

Do plants have vibration in them? or do they have anything to do with vibration?

2011-11-19T17:21:00.000-08:00

I need to know if the plants have vibration... just anything to do with plants and vibration.

Do plants have vibration in them? or do they have anything to do with vibration?
i guess the natural forces of the earth such as wind and earthquakes...? i don't know. i know monkey grass can bury itself underground, multiply, and pop up somewhere totally different!
Reply:what?

Suggestions for low maintance plants, ground cover, shrubs for shady Zone 5a moraine area?

2010-05-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

I am not a gardener but I do appreciate a nice-looking garden. I have a very busy schedule which necessitates the need for low maintenance. Can you suggest a variety of plants, ground cover and shrubs for Zone 5a? I live on a moraine and most of my area is in a shady northern exposure. Ideally I'd also like to mix in a few plants that will keep away mosquitoes and other biting insects. Thanks in advance.

Suggestions for low maintance plants, ground cover, shrubs for shady Zone 5a moraine area?
There are several plants that would work and are quite hardy. First there are low junipers--andorra (has a purplish tone in the winter, and rug junipers are ground huggers. There are also yews now that will stay low with moderate trimming Some shrubs that have flowers and don't get too large (again with some occasional trimming) are purple leaf sandcherry and plum, dogwood comes with red stems or yellow and with variegated leaves, these shrubs also flower and are very hardy. Rosey barberry is very pretty but does have sharp barbs, Cottoneaster is a low grower with flowers and then red berries. Carpet roses can add some colour but do like more sun. Hostas are very good for shady areas and come in a wide variety of colours and their flowers attract hummingbirds. I hope this helps a bit, but if you go to a good garden center , they might have a free guide to plants.

sweating

What are some great plants to have indoors for an apartment?

2010-05-23T23:06:00.003-07:00

I'd love to bring a new life into our apartment by adding plants.... what are some really great plants for apartment life? something that doesn't need toooo much sunlight (obviously i'd keep it as close to the window as possible, but only so much is possible in an apartment), and something that won't get out of control with growth or attract bugs. I'd also like to look into growing mint sprigs in my kitchen... how would this work? i know ants hate mint, so if i grow mint in my kitchen, i'm sure to not have many problems with little critters :o) how would i go about growing an herb such as this in a fairly sunlight deprived area?

What are some great plants to have indoors for an apartment?
i have found that low light plant work wonderful in apts. low light means low maintance. vines and peace lilies do good

good luck
Reply:Peace Lily is great plus you can put it in a large clear vases and put a beta fish in it. of course you have to get all the dirt and anything else off of the roots first.
Reply:An aspidistra is a good house plant for not-so-sunny spaces, plus it doesn't drop a lot of leaves or need pruning. Pothos are also great, nearly impossible to kill, but they might grow too much for you although you could always just trim or pinch and throw out (or put in pots and get new plants!)

I don't know if mint in a pot will deter ants much, but you could always try! Get a window-sill sized pot (and a tray to catch drips), a bag of potting soil and a little plant, then re-pot it into yours and keep watered. You could even get a little set of pots and do a few different herbs just for fun. Enjoy!
Reply:Eastern facing windows can grow African Violets, Christmas Cactus (not prickly or a cactus), corn plant, dracaena, ficus trees, moth-orchids, %26amp; generally all thicker-leafed plants-like construction paper in thickness. Western facing windows can also grow all of the above, but the leaves of the African Violets might get "burned" by the hot western sun. A north facing window might not grow anything well, consider using a plant light-it's just a regular looking light bulb that's blue-violet in color, you keep it on 12-14 hours a day rather close to a plant, but you can have flowering plants in the darkest corner of the apt. A south facing window is the brightest %26amp; sunniest %26amp; if nothing is blocking it you could grow alot more plants, all of the above %26amp; maybe cattliya orchids.

What common plants are cats allergic to?

2010-05-23T23:06:00.002-07:00

These plants are common in the home.They are not poisonous to Humans or most mammals, but they can be brought in the house by a well meaning friend/relative.

Its easy to keep a cat away from cleaning solution etc, but theses are far more dangerous!

What common plants are cats allergic to?
Cat Plant Eating Survey - The Veterinary Behavior Service at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is currently conducting a study investigating why dogs and cats eat plants (grass, flowers, leaves, twigs, etc.). Although many theories have been proposed, this is the first study to scientifically investigate the age-old question "Why do dogs and cats eat grass?" The more information we gather, the better we will understand this behavior. You can help by submitting data. Please complete this survey - Cat Plant Eating Survey. November 2004

------------------------------...

Plants add the needed finishing touches to any decor. But, if you have a feline, that beautiful plant could become a deadly enemy.

Listed here are plants poisonous to cats that must be avoided if there are cats in your home. Note that lilies(*), in particular, are dangerous to cats. While in some cases, just parts of a plant (bark, leaves, seeds, berries, roots, tubers, spouts, green shells) might be poisonous, this list rules out the whole plant. If you must have any of them, keep them safely out of reach.

Should your feline friend eat part of a poisonous plant, rush the cat to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If you can, take the plant with you for ease of identification.

Plants Poisonous to Cats

Almond (Pits of)

Aloe Vera

Alocasia

Amaryllis

Apple (seeds)

Apple Leaf Croton

Apricot (Pits of)

Arrowgrass

Asparagus Fern

Autumn Crocus

Avacado (fuit and pit)

Azalea

Baby's Breath

Baneberry

Bayonet

Beargrass

Beech

Belladonna

Bird of Paradise

Bittersweet

Black-eyed Susan

Black Locust

Bleeding Heart

Bloodroot

Bluebonnet

Box

Boxwood

Branching Ivy

Buckeyes

Buddist Pine

Burning Bush

Buttercup

Cactus, Candelabra

Caladium

Calla Lily

Castor Bean

Ceriman

Charming Dieffenbachia

Cherry (pits, seeds %26amp; wilting leaves)

Cherry, most wild varieties

Cherry, ground

Cherry, Laurel

Chinaberry

Chinese Evergreen

Christmas Rose

Chrysanthemum

Cineria

Clematis

Cordatum

Coriaria

Cornflower

Corn Plant

Cornstalk Plant

Croton

Corydalis

Crocus, Autumn

Crown of Thorns

Cuban Laurel

Cutleaf Philodendron

Cycads

Cyclamen

Daffodil

Daphne

Datura

Deadly Nightshade

Death Camas

Devil's Ivy

Delphinium

Decentrea

Dieffenbachia

Dracaena Palm

Dragon Tree

Dumb Cane

Easter Lily *

Eggplant

Elaine

Elderberry

Elephant Ear

Emerald Feather

English Ivy

Eucalyptus

Euonymus

Evergreen

Ferns

Fiddle-leaf fig

Florida Beauty

Flax

Four O'Clock

Foxglove

Fruit Salad Plant

Geranium

German Ivy

Giant Dumb Cane

Glacier IvyGolden Chain

Gold Dieffenbachia

Gold Dust Dracaena

Golden Glow

Golden Pothos

Gopher Purge

Hahn's Self-Branching Ivy

Heartland Philodendron

Hellebore

Hemlock, Poison

Hemlock, Water

Henbane

Holly

Honeysuckle

Horsebeans

Horsebrush

Horse Chestnuts

Hurricane Plant

Hyacinth

Hydrangea

Indian Rubber Plant

Indian Tobacco

Iris

Iris Ivy

Jack in the Pulpit

Janet Craig Dracaena

Japanese Show Lily *

Java Beans

Jessamine

Jerusalem Cherry

Jimson Weed

Jonquil

Jungle Trumpets

Kalanchoe

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Lantana

Larkspur

Laurel

Lily

Lily Spider

Lily of the Valley

Locoweed

Lupine

Madagascar Dragon Tree

Marble Queen

Marigold

Marijuana

Mescal Bean

Mexican Breadfruit

Miniature Croton

Mistletoe

Mock Orange

Monkshood

Moonseed

Morning Glory

Mother-in Law's Tongue

Morning Glory

Mountain Laurel

Mushrooms

Narcissus

Needlepoint Ivy

Nephytis

Nightshade

Oleander

Onion

Oriental Lily *

Peace Lily

Peach (pits and wilting leaves)

Pencil Cactus

Peony

Periwinkle

Philodendron

Pimpernel

Plumosa Fern

Poinciana

Poinsettia (low toxicity)

Poison Hemlock

Poison Ivy

Poison Oak

Pokeweed

Poppy

Potato

Pothos

Precatory Bean

Primrose

Privet, Common

Red Emerald

Red Princess

Red-Margined Dracaena

Rhododendron

Rhubarb

Ribbon Plant

Rosemary Pea

Rubber Plant

Saddle Leaf Philodendron

Sago Palm

Satin Pothos

Schefflera

Scotch Broom

Silver Pothos

Skunk Cabbage

Snowdrops

Snow on the Mountain

Spotted Dumb Cane

Staggerweed

Star of Bethlehem

String of Pearls

Striped Dracaena

Sweetheart Ivy

Sweetpea

Swiss Cheese plant

Tansy Mustard

Taro Vine

Tiger Lily *

Tobacco

Tomato Plant (green fruit, stem and leaves)

Tree Philodendron

Tropic Snow Dieffenbachia

Tulip

Tung Tree

Virginia Creeper

Water Hemlock

Weeping Fig

Wild Call

Wisteria

Yews --

e.g. Japanese Yew

English Yew

Western Yew

American Yew

i was dumfounded when my vet told me this-there are so manny-and so manny common plants-some are not indoor but theses are all that you should stay away from!

Source(s):

www.cfainc.org/articles/plants... and my vet who sent me here after a tarrible day with my well missed cat
Reply:Poinsetta, Philodendron and Deifenbachia for sure... there's probably others. Now me, I have three tabbies and they have never shown an interest in my houseplants - just not salad eaters I guess - so it's not an issue for me. Good for you for keeping the kitties safe.
Reply:I dont know many but im positive of fox gloves, and don't worry about it too much. Just moniter what she's eating, cats shouldn't eat that many plants at all. If your still concerned ask a vet.

What live plants are safe for my aquarium fish?

2010-05-23T23:06:00.001-07:00

I have a needlefish, a red pacu, a tiger oscar, a leporinus, a plecostamus (sp?), and a number of feeder rosies. What are safe live plants that I can add to my tank without hurting my fish, and that won't get destroyed by them?

What live plants are safe for my aquarium fish?
i use this store to help me with 'safe' plants to buy: http://www.aquariumplants.com/Herbivorou...

'hornwort' is not on that list, but i do know that my goldfish and plecos do not eat it. and i grows like hell.

* if you do end up buying a plant that your fish like to nibble on, you can deter them from eating that plant by adding cabbage, lettuce leaves every now and them. give your plecos cucumber...

**also, if the plant is aquatic, and bought from an aquarium plant dealer, it probably wont hurt your fish.
Reply:Many Fish like oranges they provide the fish vitmain C and help to stablize the tank PH. Just slice the orange then and throw them in. It will take a few days/weeks for the fish to find them. Report Abuse

Reply:I really like frill but this isn't to say that they won't destroy it. I use it when I am breeding my fish for some place to hide. The only thing is that you have to buy a lot of it. Its really cheep though!
Reply:NONE! The tiger oscar will tear things up and the Pacu eats plants. You might want to research fish that won't eat plants and plan accordingly.
Reply:These fish not only have a tendency to eat plants but they often also uproot plants as they dig into the gravel. Most planted cichlid tanks use Anubias, Java ferns or bolbitus attached to rocks or driftwood. These plants are usually left alone and the fact that they are anchored to heavier objects make them harder to dislodge.

There are no aquatic plants that will harm your fish, as long as they don't sell you a bog plant as an aquatic plant there is no danger.

Hope that helps
Reply:you can buy live plant for fish aquarium at fish shop they sell fish plant, ask the clerk for help.
Reply:go to your local pet store and ask someone who knows all about fish or just look it up on the net
Reply:All plantsd that live underwater, and you can get in a pet store.
Reply:seeweed.......

hety dheydont take me seriously...i dunno nothing bout fish

Does anyone know what plants are safe to put in with my box turtle?

2010-05-23T23:06:00.000-07:00

I heard that box turtles do well with live plants in their enclosure? But I don't know what kind of plants are safe? Anyone have any ideas?

Does anyone know what plants are safe to put in with my box turtle?
ediable ones
Reply:I looked on a box turtle site but it does not say.

http://www.aboxturtle.com/box_turtle_die...

Here is a site that has plants for tortoises that are not poison.

I use the same in box turtle pens as I do in my tortoise pens.

http://africantortoise.com/edible_landsc...
Reply:Desert plants like mini cactuses.

hot tags

How do i make plants green when they begin to turn yellow. Like the hanging plants?

2010-05-23T23:05:00.002-07:00

I have the plants that grow long and you can hang them and the leaves will hang down. The top part is growing in nice and green but the hanging leaves are turning yellow how do i get them to turn back green?

How do i make plants green when they begin to turn yellow. Like the hanging plants?
They won't, they will fall off! Repot the plant in a good potting soil after you cut it back. Loosen the root ball befor you put it in a bigger pot.
Reply:Spray the leaves with water. Use any kind of an old spray bottle, and soak the leaves. If they are really yellow, cut them off and new ones will come on the vine. Sounds like you have over-watered them. cut back on watering them to once a week unless the weather is really hot.
Reply:Once that part dies, you can't make it green again. Not sure if I'm right about this, but I think your plant may need more frequent watering. Also, some plant food mixed in with the water might help.
Reply:It sounds like either the hanging leaves have reached the end of their cycle and need to be trimmed off OR you need to feed it with a quality fertilizer intended for indoor plants. Check with a local flower shop or nursery which sells plants similar or the same as yours.
Reply:hi pull the yellow leaves off or cut them off and leave the rest some times yellow means over warterd
Reply:it is because they are hanging so the cells are dead and their plant cells have chlorophyll which makes them green

Can anyone tell me plants that go together to protect from pests?

2010-05-23T23:05:00.001-07:00

I heard that some plants protect others from pests if you plant them together. Where can I find more on this subject?

Can anyone tell me plants that go together to protect from pests?
It is called companion planting. A classic combination is growing basil and tomatoes next to each other. They keep the pests away from each other and then taste great together in a salad. Perfect!

here are a few more links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Companion_p...

for a starters guide

and

http://www.gb0063551.pwp.blueyonder.co.u...

detailed companion planting grid.
Reply:lavender and roses. Look on the gardening websites
Reply:Aside from companion planting, look into installing bat houses in your trees and ladybug houses in your garden. I have a pond with a good deal of large koi and goldfish, but they only get the larvae that are laid in the water. Bats are great and they really are harmless. Lady bugs are always fun and they eat up your aphids!

For larger predators, I'm installing a motion sensored water spray! I'm so excited, I just found out about it and we have lots of cats, dogs, owls, raccoons, deer, and even a coyote.
Reply:Not sure where to find info - but my dad always planted african marigolds among his tomatoes - to keep pests off.
Reply:lantana does very well to keep da pest away dont know where you can get them i just go to da beach get cuttings they are very hearty plants easy to grow and do a great job.
Reply:Look into the Venus Fly-Trap....nature's exterminator.

How did people preserve plants over long journeys?

2010-05-23T23:05:00.000-07:00

As in, sailors who have brought exotic plants across seas. Without storage room for freshwater for the plants, how do they water them?

How did people preserve plants over long journeys?
Probably with the same fresh water the sailors drank. I know the invention of little glass houses made transporting plans much easier and created a more dynamic exchange of plant materials
Reply:And of course you needn't water seed until you plant it.

Tropical house plants - tips for keeping them fresh and keen?

2010-05-23T23:04:00.003-07:00

My west-facing high-windowed air-conditioned apartment is bursting with tropical palms, paquira aquaticas, and other broad-leaved plants, but their fronds occasionally brown and dullen. I spray regularly and top up woth water only occasionally.

Have a lovely day.

Tropical house plants - tips for keeping them fresh and keen?
the shower tip is a good one, also, rub the leaves with banana skin, this really helps :)
Reply:Take them into the shower .. I do all the time .. My a/c blows over several of mine, and they tend to get dusty ... I take them into the shower , spray them good , and wipe the leaves off with a sponge ..

( Hint .. DON"T tell your friends you shower with plants ...) lol...

Have a good one !
Reply:Houseplant foods are beneficial, but remember that a little fertiliser can go a long way.

Place a newspaper between the windowsill garden and the window at night to keep the chill from injuring house plants

Rotate house plants in dim locations to sunny spots to keep them all in prime condition

Dust foliage plants or give them an occasional shower

my fish

Is anyone an expert on plants?

2010-05-23T23:04:00.002-07:00

1. In what type of environment do plants grow best?

2. Do plants contain iron? (radish)

3. What do plants have that magnets do also?

4. Can plants grow without sunlight?

5. How do plants get their water in the dessert?

6. What are somethings that all plants have?

Is anyone an expert on plants?
1. Plants grow in many different types of environments. It really depends on what plant you are growing to determine what is the best environment.

2. Yes

3. Iron

4. Yes, but they would have to have some sort of artificial light to grow.

5. Plants in the dessert get water from the ground and the air.

6. roots
Reply:1. It varies according to the plant, eg - amount of light, humidity vs dryness, type of soil,

availability of nutrients. 2. I beilieve so, as plants do require iron for growth. 3. Not sure on this one, maybe attractants, say to insects. 4. There are some which grow without sunlight. 5. Roots and/or storage. 6.Means of reproduction, i.e. seeds, runners, etc.

How can plants be emotional and conscious?

2010-05-23T23:04:00.001-07:00

Hi,

I have read so many articles about plants being emotional and conscious.

But they don't have a nervous system or a brain.

How can this be?

PLEASE DO NOT ANSWER WITH LINKS.

Thanks.

How can plants be emotional and conscious?
The most intelligent animals are usually those with complex social behaviour, living, or particularly hunting in groups. Perfect examples of this include chimpanzees and dolphins. They benefit from having very complex brains because they have to make rapid and incredibly complex decisions in their daily life, just to compete and survive.

Since a plant has very few decisions to make, and cannot do much to change its situation there is no reason for it to have emotions.
Reply:Plants are not emotional or conscious. The many articles that

say they are either are people fooling themselves or deliberate hoaxes. One of these reports came from someone who used a polygraph ("lie detector") on plants and

claimed to get a reaction that suggested consciousness.

Unfortunately further investigation produced the same reaction from a wet dishcloth.

What are the best plants to put in a location with partial sun and hardly any water?

2010-05-23T23:04:00.000-07:00

These plants will be placed around our new patio. I want them to be small. Flowering plants are an option. The area will have an overhang from the roof so it will not receive that much water. I will have to water them by hand mostly, so they need to be able to go days with out water.

What are the best plants to put in a location with partial sun and hardly any water?
Nasturtiums are vine like and grow well in containers or beds....They have red orange and yellow flowers and prefer poor dry soil...Pansys would do well and they bloom all year round

Also my shade garden is full of Hostas...They come in several shades of green are very hardy need no care and give a lush feel to the yard...Ooooh ...have fun!...{Hostas get to be about 2-3 feet across though}
Reply:You might try boxwoods, I now they don't like to be over watered or fertilized, but it depends on how dry you place gets. i would suggest buying a small one that is inexpensive and try it out
Reply:Where do you live? If they get too dry in the summer without water they will wilt. Do a google search on drought resistant plants.
Reply:cactus are the best for lack of water, still if you make a point of watering them every day, anykind would work as long as you just water them even every couple days.

Which plants will grow in an office under bad lighting?

2010-05-23T23:03:00.003-07:00

A tiny square cubical.

A computer screen.

A buzzing flourescent light hovering above and no window close by. Only the high ups get window desks.

What plants will survive under such harsh living conditions? Can I get a desk lamp of any kind that will improve the lighting situation?

Which plants will grow in an office under bad lighting?
The flourescent light should be plenty of light for a plant. Ivy is a good plant and there are others. You might choose one from the other answer that listed more plants.
Reply:Ivy grows well, as does sanseveria ("mother-in-law's tongue" or "snake plant"). Spathiphyllum (peace lily) does nicely if you give it plenty of humidity. If you have a fluorescent desk lamp where you can put a grow-light, you can grow African violets too.
Reply:Ok, I think I can help you with this one. Try a pothos plant (philodendron) I'll give you links to check out when I'm thru answering this. Also, most philodendrons do well under poor conditions, at least mine do. A peace lily doesn't require much sunlight, is beautiful, but is kind of on the large side for a very small cubical. Chinese Evergreens are also beautiful and can do well under low light. I'll be back with links.

http://www.evergrowing.com/tips/philoden...

http://www.evergrowing.com/tips/peacelil...

http://www.evergrowing.com/tips/chinesee...

horns costume

Good plants to grow during summer?

2010-05-23T23:03:00.002-07:00

I'm planting a decent sized home garden (10 ft. x 10 ft.) this weekend, and I was wondering what type of plants can I grow this time of year (July-Sept.)? I'm looking into buying seeds/growing plants. I really want to grow vegetables/fruits, and I want to grow spices as well.

Could someone help me choose what type of plants I can grow this season? I'm in Alabama, if that has anything to do with it. Thank you.

Good plants to grow during summer?
Hey Jason! Go to www.plantansers.com check into your zone area. A lot does have to do with your location! It depends on what zone you are in to which type of plant you plant. First find your zone, second decide which winter plants would be right to plant in your area according to the suggestions you find in that website. Then amend your soils according to what is recommended to that plant. For instance , strawberries are heavy feeders and need a lot of different nutrients so you would want to go heavy with compost, manure and other elements to enrich your soil. Now is a great time to start your soil enrichment for your winter garden. Also check out your local county extension office and see if they have a Master Gardener program set up. That is a terrific way to find answers to your local problems! Good Gardening!!
Reply:You can still get some tomatoes in but you will have to be quick about it! You can also do basil, cilantro, dill, fennel, oregano, sage, bay, and pretty much everything else you can still find at the shops that hasn't gone leggy already. It's pretty hot and humid in Alabama already - you may be a little late for seeds except for things that bloom in fall. Ask at the nursery and see about fall squashes. You can also get asparagus starts, onion sets and garlic to plant in fall in a couple of months.
Reply:Go to your local nursery. See what is available in the vegetable seedlings and take it from there. Same with the flowers/bushes or ask them whats looking good for summer.

They should know.

Cheers

Maz (Ms Mazscapes Nursery, Vic Australia)

Do plants grow better when they are watered too much?

2010-05-23T23:03:00.001-07:00

I need some good science websites about plants and do they grow better when watered too much, or watered too little?

Do plants grow better when they are watered too much?
The die when they are watered too much. They die when they are watered too little. They grow best when watered just right with a little bit of plant food. Here is a link with some good, solid gardening information. If you want to check out the rest of the site, there is also more information on plants!!

http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/information...

Hope that helps!!
Reply:Glad I could help. Good luck with your gardening. =) Report Abuse

Reply:if u water a plant to much it will "drown"...if you water it to little it will be to "thirsty".....before you water it again feel the soil..if it is damp it might need alittleof water...if it is wet do not give it water...does that help?
Reply:Too much water can cause Crown Rot
Reply:No---Too much water can kill them. Houseplants- I water once a week. Garden plants--I water once a day.
Reply:We just did something on this in Science class. If you water your plant too much, it will die. If you water it too little, it will live a little bit longer, but then eventually die. A good amount of water for a small plant is 40mL. Good luck!

Hiking Shoes

Do plants help lower my amonia and nitrite?

2010-05-23T23:03:00.000-07:00

I know they use the nitrate to grow but what about the other stuff?

What if a tank i high in nitrite and amonia will adding plants help?

Do plants help lower my amonia and nitrite?
Plants will typically utilise Nitrogen in specific forms, and there is a process, known as the Nitrogen Cycle, whereby ammonia will get converterted, utlimately to nitrates, that plants can use.

The process goes from ammonia through nitrites to nitrates, and is performed by bacteria. You can aid the process by adding cultures of bacteria into your tank - the plants won't typically appreciate the ammonia, and this is the most harmful for fish, as you probably know. That said, some plants will process ammonium, and lower its level, but I would go for improving your filtration, and upping the levels of the bacteria cultures that process the Nitrogen in different stages. Adding plants will ultimately mean more decaying plant matter in the future, which would return ammonia to the water, thus creating a problem downstream - if you'll excuse the pun.

You can buy bacteria cultures in aquarium centres etc.

Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob

What plants like lots of shade and water?

2010-05-23T23:02:00.003-07:00

I want to put something along the side of my shed, which is mostly in the shade, and the rain runs down it into the border. What flowers or plants would like to live there?

What plants like lots of shade and water?
Not knowing where you live I am unable to pinpoint some suggestions.Here are a few that may work in your growing/planting zone. You can find out your zone on this page as well as check out some of the suggested plants.

http://www.naturehills.com/

Perennials: Athyrium spp. - Lady Fern, Japanese Painted Fern (moist to wet soils); Camptosorus rhizophyllus - Walking Fern - (alkaline, wet soils); Ligularia spp. - Ragwort - (rich, wet soils); Lysimachia punctata - Loosestrife (moist to wet soils) Hosta's like well drained soils but will withstand mosit areas.
Reply:ferns love it

also

cast iron plants can survive anything.

cast iron plants can only survive to 5 so if up north dont plant it outside unless as an annual
Reply:ferns

hostas

bleeding hearts

hostas and bleeding hearts also flower and will also give you some color as well. just make sure they can be planted in your zone.
Reply:ferns

Late june. my tomatoe plants are turning yellow at the bottom of the plants. what is going on?

2010-05-23T23:02:00.002-07:00

My plants are healthy but towards the bottom of the plants my leaves are turning yellow and dying. what should I do. am i watering them too much or what?

Late june. my tomatoe plants are turning yellow at the bottom of the plants. what is going on?
Do not use nitrogen on tomatoe plants at this stage as suggested...They need phospherous and potassium at this stage or you will get all leaves and no fruit... Sprinkle epsom salt around each plant at the rate of 2 tablespoons per plant foot height ..a 3 foot plant will take 6 tablespoons, but not piled around the stem but scattered loosely...This gives them magnesium and also aids them in getting the natural nitrogen from the soil, which is all the nitrogen it needs...Heres the formula for this..it recommends 1 spoon, but you cannot overuse it..this is at the healthy stage..you have yellowing leaves so they need the extra boost

http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/garden_u...
Reply:If the bottom leaves are turning yellow, and also curling UP on the edges - you're overwatering.

Also a possibility of too much fertilizer, though you haven't said you used any.
Reply:Or it could be blight. If the leaves are turning yellow and also have roundish black spots you will need to go to Lowes or a garden store and buy the spray to treat your plants.
Reply:It might be not enough nitrogen. Could be too much water. I would suggest sid dressing with some compost, and giving them a little fertilizer. And water a bit less often, but deeper.
Reply:Yes, Too much water. I live in Michigan where we have had rain almost everyday in June and many plants lower leaves are turning yellow.

Will plants designed for manmade ponds work in my cove?

2010-05-23T23:02:00.001-07:00

I live on a cove, on a river in Maine. It is shallow (4 ft at its center) and about as big as a hockey rink. lilly pads bloom all summer in it, i'm wondering if i can intrduce storebought flowering water plants to it. it is well circulated with lots of wildlife in it. Any suggestions?

Will plants designed for manmade ponds work in my cove?
Of course you can. I would stick with natives and realize that the plants will grow at the edges of your cove and most likely will not venture past about the first foot of water. Since I am in a subtropical climate, I don't know what is hardy up there, but any native that likes wet feet will grow for you. I know that cattails will, for one. Check with a local aquatic nursery or online for hardy plants.
Reply:You are sooo lucky! I don't have a lot of money to spend on plants so I like to bring home anything I see growing in ditches on the side of the road or from my area parks that looks pretty. This way you are also more likely to get natives, too. I would also set up a gazebo or at least a bench in a vantage point with a path to the house so you can sit out and enjoy the cove.
Reply:Check with someone - probably your extension office or local county agent about introducing non-native species to public waterways. If you get crosswise with that you may be in some touble. Just check.
Reply:Definitely go with your area's native vegetation, and you might think about some irises and ornamental grasses. It sounds really beautiful. Please post photographs if you are able so we can see :) Good Luck!!!

shared web hosting

What plants are best to put in with Green tree frogs?

2010-05-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

I have 3 Green Tree Frogs but i am unsure what plants to put in with them. I would like real but fake is ok. What can i put in there and any suggestions on where i can get them from?

What plants are best to put in with Green tree frogs?
I have the"Lucky Bamboo" in with my froggies b/c they are kinda stiff like a tree and they can climb on them
Reply:Hi, we used to have green tree frogs before they got out. We bought them some tropical plants that would cope with the humidity and with being jumped on, plants with a broad leaf are the best. (sorry cant remember the names at the moment) if you ask your local pet shop what sort of plants they would suggest or ring the zoo and ask one of the workers what sort of plants they have with their frogs, they might be able to help. Also you could try your local nursery for some plants that could cope with being jumped on and being in a tank.

just remember that some indoors plants are toxic to frogs as they breathe through their skin.

Sorry I am not much help.
Reply:I bought my setup and frogs from forestfrogs.com. GTF's really do want a variety of small plants and plants to jump on. You can go to his online store and look at what he offers. But the best one so far that grows fast and is pretty hearty has been a pothos. These are very common. The only bad thing about buying them from a store is you won't know if they have pesticides on them and it will kill the frogs. Go to a nursery and ask about pesticides or grown your own.
Reply:Green trees!

What can I do about watering plants while away for 2 weeks?

2010-05-23T23:01:00.002-07:00

My husband and I will be away for 2 weeks in September on vacation. We have a couple of potted tomato plants in our apartment's porch. We can't rely on neighbors to come in and water the plants for us nor leave the plants with people we know. Any suggestions on how we can take care of this dilemma?

What can I do about watering plants while away for 2 weeks?
If you have a timed sprinkler, you could put them within sprinkler's reach. Otherwise, if you don' have anybody who can do it for you, you're screwed. Unless, you are really industrious and created some kind of system with a plastic bottle and tubing that would gradually drop water into the plant drop by drop so that it would take about 2 weeks to empty the container.
Reply:put them in shallow pans with rocks in the bottom of the pans , fill with water then sit your house plants in the shallow pans........ the rocks and water will keep the plants moist.
Reply:Well, I was going to say have somebody come over to water, but if you absolutely can't, you may just have to pray for rain... Potted plants need watered pretty often.
Reply:The pots have drain holes in the bottom. Take the plants put them in the tub with two inches of water. Leave the lights on in the bathroom so they have light. This should take care of them while your gone.
Reply:The answer about putting them in your tub with a couple inches of water. Even better do that but place them on small rocks. Have the water just below the rocks so they will not get root rot and will get moisture from the saran wrap or any kind of waterproof covering to hold in the moisture is good.

I too am going away for a couple of weeks but than God, I have people (my mother in law) to water for me. I have lots of plants outdoors as well as indoors. But try that. I have used it on house plants before when going away. Good Luck!
Reply:you can put your plants in the tub with a couple inches of water - cover with saran wrap
Reply:ask your neigbors
Reply:The volume of water for two weeks could be calculated. But you would need a large container to hold it. maybe a muck bucket or two? Tuff Stuff make one for $10 Your plant sits just at the water level in the bucket with a fiber siphon to draw water as the plant needs it. Seed starting kits often use this capillary wicking system to ensure constant moisture levels.

http://www.nextag.com/muck-bucket/search...

DIY self-watering system

http://www.committment.com/stengle1.html

Water wicks %26amp; mats

http://www.soilmoist.com/soilnew.html

http://www.wickstore.com/watermaid.html

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/HLA/anderson/raft_...

http://coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Plants...

Diapers use this kind of water holding polymer. Maybe they could be used.

If you try this experiment now so you know it will work for the entire time you are gone.

For short term leaves I use ceramic cones that siphon water from a small container to water house plants. The relative levels of the two containers matters and I doubt they could bring the volume of water you need for out door plants.

http://www.deerbusters.com/too-9096.html

A small in line watering timer can be added to drip lines that lead from faucet to pot. The volume of water you supply for tomatoes at harvest should be very regular. House security may be an issue though if the only faucet is indoors.

http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/wat...

http://www.dripirrigation.com/first-time...
Reply:why dont you soak cotton balls in water, a really good soak and you can place it in your potted plants two ways:

-place the soaked cotton balls strategically raound the plants

- line up tin or aluminum strip with punctured holes (not too large) so the water can drip constantly

other suggestions:

- place them under a shade too,to prevent dry up, since its potted anyway

- after placing them under a shade, hire a kid like you would do for babystiing. if they get paid you are sure they would do the job. just make sure you trust teh kid to do teh job and rewards him if the plants are ok when you get back
Reply:Here's some ideas-

If you have an outside hose bib or faucet, get a timer for a sprinkler to water the plants. You didn't say if you were on a balcony or not, so if you are, this might affect your neighbors below.

If you don't have an outside faucet, you can get an adapter for a garden hose that will fit your sink. This would require running a hose out through the door to your porch or a window. There are some security issues with this idea as well as the possibility of the hose springing a leak while you are gone.

You could re-pot the plants in a larger pot and use the newer moisture control potting soils. Plant the tomatoes 4-6 inches deeper than they are now and the plants will grow new roots, reducing the transplant shock and making the plant stronger. Water them well before you leave and hope for the best.

You could get a drip irrigation system that you could feed by gravity from a couple of 5 gallon pails. You have plenty of time to experiment with this system before you leave so that you could get it set up right. A 5 gallon bucket is 15 inches deep, so if you adjust it so that the water level goes down in the bucket 1/2 inch per day, that would be the equivalent of 1/2 inch of rain every day. The emitters are placed right by the base of the plant so all of the water goes to the roots and very little is lost to evaporation.

Now you've got me thinking and I'm going to experiment with this!

***ADDED INFORMATION***

I stumbled on a product called "Rain-Gel injector." It's a product that contains water absorbing polymer beads. The product is contained in a cartridge that looks like the tubes that caulking comes in and fits a standard caulking gun. You inject the product around the plant to a depth of 4 inches. It would probably work better that the re-potting idea above and achieve the same results. Do a Yahoo search on the product and you will find several sources online, or check your local garden center

Visit our website for more gardening ideas at-

http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.c...

Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!
Reply:I do believe they have spouts that fit on a 2litter bottle you fill the bottle with water turn it upside down in the soil you can get them at wall mart
Reply:If you have time you might consider replanting your tomatoes. Remove 1/2 the soil and add perlite or vermiculite to the pot in order to retain moisture. Another person suggested placing your plants in another pots of water. This is a good suggestion, however, two weeks of sitting in water could result in root rot which may be a chance you will have to take if there isn't anyone you can depend on. Good luck

For plants in a pot, how often do you water them and how much water?

2010-05-23T23:01:00.001-07:00

What are some good plants that require little sun and or little water?

For plants in a pot, how often do you water them and how much water?
'

pothosothis, philodendren, snake plant (mother-in-law tongue); That's pothos also ivy for low light. Water ivy before it dries out, Water pothos an philodendren when top inch or two of soil feel dry. Snake plant require very little water. Use a moisture meter and get a good book about house plants.
Reply:Cactus and other succulent plants are the great for low water and low light. They aren't the cutest of plants but hard to kill. Check at plant stores to see what works in your area, plants are usually regional.

There is usually a little tag stuck into the soil that will tell you how much sun the plant likes.

Rule of thumb for water, if the soil feels dry or the plant is starting to droop add some water.

If the soil is really dry the water will run right through it, so water a little bit drain the dish and then water again 10 min later.
Reply:not many when you have them in pots you have to allways make sure the soil is wet!

every dday watering is good!

Little sun part sun plants are marigolds can with stand that i beleive..

any greenage.. leaf plants! i cna't think of there names

Mad luv
Reply:It depends on the plant. For most annuals, you can water them every day to make the soil moist.

Aloe vera is a good plant that doesn't need much water, plus it grows well just by a window.
Reply:Outside in a pot - sometimes every day.

Inside in a pot. Once a week.

There are plenty of low light indoor plants that don't need lots of water - go look in your nearest nursery or greenhouse - they'll show you a bunch of 'em.

How plants are germinating immediately after the rain?

2010-05-23T23:01:00.000-07:00

Even in the very dry land (which is lacking water and under very hot climate) the small plants are starting to germinate immediately after the rain. Why ?

How plants are germinating immediately after the rain?
The outside shells of the seeds have been softened up and all other conditions are right.

rain roots

What is the best pesticide to use on tomato plants?

2010-05-23T23:00:00.003-07:00

I'm growing two tomato plants in seperate containers. On one of my plants some type of bug is eating the foliage at the bottom of the plant. They seem to be leaving the actual fruit alone, but it's making the plant look awful. I found a black looking caterpillar on the plant that I knocked off and killed. I'm thinking that might be the problem bug. Also, I've tried insecticidal soap but it doesn't seem to be helping.

What is the best pesticide to use on tomato plants?
Sevin is in order. Yes pick and stomp work wonders.

Good luck.

Plant s recommended for sevin:Alfalfa

Almond

Apple

Apricot

APRICOT (DORMANT/DELAYED DORMANT)

Asparagus

Bean

Bean, dry

Bean, fresh

Bean, kidney

Bean, navy

Bean, snap

Bedding plant

Beet, garden

Beet, sugar

Blueberry

Broccoli

Brussels sprout

Cabbage

Cabbage, chinese

Caneberry

Carrot

Cauliflower

Celery

Chard, swiss

Cherry

CHERRY (DORMANT/DELAYED DORMANT)

Chestnut

Christmas tree

Christmas tree plantation

Citron

Citrus

Citrus, hybrid

Clover

Collard

Conservation reserve program

Corn, field

Corn, sweet

Cowpea

Crabapple

Cranberry

Cucumber

Dandelion

Ditchbank

Eggplant

Elm

Endive

Filbert

Flax

Foliage plant

Forest, non-urban

Forested area

Grape

Grapefruit

Grass, for seed

Hedgerow

Horseradish

Kale

Kohlrabi

Kumquat

Lemon

Lentil

Lettuce, head

Lettuce, leaf

Lime

Loquat

Melon

Millet, proso

Mustard greens

Nectarine

NECTARINE (DORMANT/DELAYED DORMANT)

Nursery stock

Okra

Olive

Orange

Ornamental plant

Oyster

Park

Parsley

Parsnip

Pasture

Pea

Pea, dried

Pea, dry

Pea, fresh

Pea, southern

Peach

PEACH (DORMANT/DELAYED DORMANT)

Peanut

Pear

Pear, oriental

Pecan

Pepper

Pistachio

Plum

PLUM (DORMANT/DELAYED DORMANT)

Popcorn

Potato

Potato, sweet

Prickly pear, cactus

Prune

PRUNE (DORMANT/DELAYED DORMANT)

Pumpkin

Radish

Rangeland

Rice

Right-of-way

Roadside

Rutabaga

Salsify

Set-aside program

Shelterbelt, rural

Sorghum, grain

Soybean

Spinach

Squash

Strawberry

Sunflower

Tangelo

Tangerine

Tobacco

Tomato

Tree plantation

Tree, rangeland

Trefoil, birdsfoot

Turfgrass

Vegetable, transplant

Walnut

Wasteland

Wheat
Reply:try seven dust for vegetables and flowers

How do i water my home plants in my absence?

2010-05-23T23:00:00.002-07:00

I am in Noida, India. I have some plants at home. When I go for vacation for 1-2 weeks, the only way to water the plants is to ask some neighbor to do that. But it doesn't always work out good. Does anybody know an economical way to water the plants automatically in my absence? I have heard of automatic watering kits available in US but have not seen in India.

How do i water my home plants in my absence?
Put all of your plants in the bath tub and fill it with water about 1/4 an inch deep.Place something like a mat down first to act as a small barrier between the plants and the water.
Reply:the way I do it is put all the plants into a large flat pan or several of them, put about 3 inches of water in the bottom, then cover the pans with the plants in them with clear plastic and be sure the plastic is sealed tightly ( tape it if you have to ) the moisture will form under the plastic and keep the plants hydrated for a long period of time.
Reply:get a 2 litre empty soft drink bottle and put a tiny hole in the lid or just undo the cap a bit so water can get out and then fill it with water and shove it in close to the roots of your plant. works for me!!
Reply:I'm not sure how long this works but you could put one end of a shoe string in a pitcher of water and the other end down into the soil and the water will slowly asorb and travel down the string into the soil of the plant thus watering the plant. try it out first and see how long it will go before the water evaporates, you may need a bigger container of water. this is a slow watering process it will leave the soil moist to the touch so that the plant does not get over watered. it may take a few hours before you see any initial results.
Reply:You can buy water gel from a nursery. It will last for awhile.
Reply:Water the plants well, put a big plastic bag over it and seal it on the bottom. Don't let the plastic touch the plant (stick in a 12" ruler or stick to prevent it). The water will evaporate up to the top of the plastic and fall back down again upon the plant.
Reply:warriorbabe is right.

Set plants in bathtub with water.

The pots must have drainage holes near bottom or this will not work. Have water filled in tub high enough so water will touch 1/2 of the drain holes in each pot. Some pots may have to be set on a plate or upside down plate to meet the water level desired.

What plants are common causes of gestation problems in horses?

2010-05-23T23:00:00.001-07:00

I know about fescus being bad for mares in late gestation but I've heard that there are other plants as well. I've done a search but can not find other information.

What plants are common causes of gestation problems in horses?
There are many toxic plants. However when given a choice most horses will avoid toxic plants if they have an alternative.

In addition to those black bunny mentioned, some horses develop a taste for the fiddlehead's of ferns. Large quantities can cause stiffness and sluggish movements. Such horses can also take in a lethal dose.

Other common paster plants that can cause problems are buttercup--small yellow flowers with shiny interior

hemlock--looks like carrot leaves, white flowers similiar to queen anne's lace but flower clusters much smaller

sudan and johnson grass--tall grasses, too high in prussic acid, Sudan is actually sold as seed, furtunately you can buy a low prussic acid sudan.

Alsike clover--agin too high in prussic acid unless low prussic acid alsike is purchased

white clover--during parts of the year developes a fungus that cuases problems. Fortunately no deaths have been reported in the US that I know of. A few deaths have occurred in Great britain. In the US the main affect seems to be excessive slobbering. Little other effect is noticed and large quantities have to be taken in England to cause problems.

Luckily horses avoid all of these plants if they can. They will eat many of them however if they are dried and stored as hay.
Reply:This is very interesting. I don't have horses, but I do have goats. Another plant to avoid is milkweed. Report Abuse

Reply:Watch wild cherry. While it growing live and being eaten FRESH off the tree is seemingly ok, if you have alot of cherry trees in your pasture and have a storm where a branch gets broken and the leaves wilt and the horse eats the wilting leaves it can kill them. Cattle also.
Reply:locoweed

tall fescue

ryegrass

grain...corn and wheat

American tropical morning glory

Sleepy grass

These are all ergot alkaloids....

Many plant species exist as separate male- and female plants. How do they propagate from the seed?

2010-05-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

In species that exist as separate male- and female plants, presumably the pollen will come from the male plant, while the seed will develop in the female plant. How can this seed coming from the same female plant develop in separate male- and female plants?

I can see 2 possibilties:

1.

The female flower produces both male- and female seeds. If so, what causes the differentiation between those two kinds of seed, when they develop in the female plant?

2.

The female plant makes only one type of seed that differentiates in male- and female plants only after germination. If so, what causes this differentiation?

Which of these 2 is the right answer?

Louis Harmsen

Many plant species exist as separate male- and female plants. How do they propagate from the seed?
It all comes down to sex chromosomes...like when male and female animals mate, some are male and others are female. Same principle except these are plants.
Reply:#1 is mostly right. Its like people, two sexes.
Reply:I'll go with the other two on the chromosome side.

There aren't many of these dioecious plants, and they tend to be trees or shrubs. Holly is one.

shoe labels

What proportion of blue flowed progeny plants will breed true if self-fertilized?

2010-05-23T22:59:00.003-07:00

Blue flowers are dominant to pink flowers. When a blue flower is self-pollinated, its progeny are 32 blue flowered plants %26amp; 9 pink plants. What proportion of the blue progeny plants will breed true if self-fertilized? Why/how?

What proportion of blue flowed progeny plants will breed true if self-fertilized?
The blue flower is heterozygous since it contains the alleles for blue and pink. Lets call the dominant allele, blue, B and pink, b.

So crossing Bb with itself Bb yields:

BB, Bb, Bb, bb

so about 3/4 should be blue and 1/4 pink. Our theoretical is similar to actual data.

Of the blue (BB, Bb, Bb) 2/3 if self fertilized will still yield pink.

But 1/3 (BB) will breed true blue!
Reply:Silly. Divide 32 by 9, that's your ratio.

That's how many blue flowers to pink flowers you'll have if you let your blue flowers breed.

If you were to look at the problem as a box, you would see that the answer should be about 4 to 1:

this is why:

BB Bp

Bp pp = where B is the dominant blue flower, and p the recessive trait to be a pink flower.

We cross multiply them, like fractions. We get

BB Bp - blue flower

BB Bp - blue flower

BB Bp - blue flower

BB pp - pink flower.

B is "true" as BB Bp, a blue flower with no pink gene.

BB Bp will show as a blue flower, but has a "carrier" for a pink flower. When breeding BB, you will get either Bp or pp or BB. Most frequently you will get BB, but those recessive genes show up. About one flower in four will be the recessive pink combination.

Of course you just learned nothing. What's the point of homework again?

What are some nice cheap flowers/plants i can buy to make a garden?

2010-05-23T22:59:00.002-07:00

i am looking for some pretty but cheap flowers/plants to plant in front of my house. i am also going to be planting them with my 7 %26amp;8 year olds, any tips on how to make it fun with the kids. i live in north east pa, if that matters. thank you for all your suggestions.

What are some nice cheap flowers/plants i can buy to make a garden?
Seeds. Seeds are very cheap, go to your garden center and buy the seeds for planting now. Plant them with your children, get your children to write pointers which will be placed in the earth where the seeds are. OR, buy potted plants already sprouting and plant in your garden. Give your children a note book and they can note down how big/long/colourful...it has grown over the days/months. Gardening is such fun, once they get the hang of it they will love it.......good luck
Reply:i like carnations they are cheap they spread to cover a not bad sized patch the are very bright and colorful they also come up every year.you can also buy water cress for the kids boil an egg cut the top off scoop out the egg put some soil or cotton wool in to egg sprinkle the seeds in (cost at the most 1 pound per pack)then draw a face on the egg the kids can then watch the hair grow.have fun
Reply:theres a new product out called Roll %26amp; Grow. its 1000 seeds in a fabric that you lay where you want and water, you can cut it into different fun shapes to make a variety of shapes. check rite aid, cvs and walgreen's. i think its $20.00.
Reply:Impatients or marigolds or petunias are cheap if you buy them in a flat like 15 plants for 5.00. Then you can have you kids dig holes and put the flowers in and cover them up. Then fill a pitcher and water. Then kids will like knowing they are helping and that they are pretty and the chance to watch them grow.
Reply:vanda miss jokim
Reply:The cheapest way is to buy seeds and plant them.
Reply:Putin a few elephant garlic bulbs.they are pretty and have a nice flower, low maintenance hardy and good flavoring for food get some irises and a few Jerusalem's (sun chokes) a few canna lillies and you are done!
Reply:Sunflowers are easy and impressive. Be sure to get the mammoth variety. Poke a thumb-sized hole in the ground with a stick, pop the seed in and cover. I put some out a little over a month ago and they're almost two feet high. They'll grow 8-10 feet. Wildflowers are good, too. If you want something you don't have to seed yourself go down to a local nursery and look around. I'm always planting new stuff in my yard and most of the stuff you'll find will be reasonably priced. I've got a fire bush and a butterfly bush paired together on my fence row. Butterflies and hummingbirds are always welcome. :) Good luck with whatever you decided to plant.
Reply:sure thats a great idea. you can go to homedepot prob with like $50 bucks , by a couple of 24 pacs of those small type of flowers you see in front of buildings with the water fountain and the small purple, green. yellow flowers, 2 24 pacs would prob run you sumthing like $30. then get some garden soil and some cold sodas...cuz its hot out here dont knw about there!
Reply:I find that I have the best success rate with Tubers and bulbs. I'm a "low maintanence" gardener meaning I kill anything that requires more than watering. I've had a lot of success with Canna lilies.... and the best part is they were free!!! A co-worker planted some last year that the multiplied and he had to split them off. So your best bet is to find someone who have a garden and mooch off of them (most are more than willing to give) I also think that these give you more bang for your buck b/c if you DO have to buy them the multiply so fast that the next season you'll have twice as many

When do people in Southern California replace their vegetable plants?

2010-05-23T22:59:00.001-07:00

I heard that in Southern California, the temperature doesn't go below 60, so people can garden all year long. In the north, our vegetable plants die in the fall from frost and we plant new ones in the spring. If you garden all year long, when do your plants die? How long, for instance, does a tomato plant stand there and make tomatos? It has to die at some point, right? When do you replace the vegetable plants?

When do people in Southern California replace their vegetable plants?
I live in southern california and i've had pepper plants keep up and producing for over a year. Now most of my bulbs - tulips ect do not survive unless I dig them up and store in the fridge. Whereas when i lived up north I could leave them in the ground. So it's just a trade off.

My herbs survive year round too and stay green and producing.

We'll see this year on crock neck squash.

Do plants regenerate themselves the next year?

2010-05-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

I am trying to develop a small front porch garden. I want to know if the plants I have now will come back again next year (after the frost), just by me watering the roots.

Do plants regenerate themselves the next year?
Depends on the plants you have...I would recommend buying perennials as they grow back every year after being dormant. Annuals typically are a once a year type of plant (although I've had a few come back)...lots of folks buy these to add additional color for the spring-fall time. If you go to Lowes, Home Depot, or whereever they sell plants you should be able to determine what kind of plant you are looking at just by reading the tag...otherwise ask someone who works there and they can help you out. Perennials typically cost more but are worth it since they come back every year.
Reply:most annuals grow, flower and die and they are done some annuals like marigolds asylum Pansy's johnny jump ups and callendulas self seed(there are probably more but I just named a few)and by self seed I mean the plant as it dies the flower head drys and all of the seeds in the flower head go in to the dirt and by spring the seeds in the flower head have spread and start growing.

Now perennials are plants that come up bloom and die down to the dirt but the roots stay alive but sleep through the winter and then in the spring the plant comes back up when the ground is warm enough Some perennials live for years(I have a Shasta daisy that I have had for 15 years)and a lot of the perennials self seed too like Shasta daisies cone flowers hardy geranium and hollyhocks on the other hand most perennials grow and double with in two to 3 years and need to be divided to make more plants- I know I threw a bunch of information our here but I hope it helped!
Reply:Well that depends on a few different things. Your planting zone and what you have planted. There are many annuals that reseed themselves. You do not need to keep watering them over the winter season once the weather warms they will germinate. Perennials will almost always come back as long as they are planted in the right zone. Bulbs and rhizomes will come back also as long as they are again planted in the right zone. If you have these plants in pots then you can bring them in and keep them going over the winter. They do get kind of scraggly looking but should get full again when in the warm weather. If you take them in the house make sure you acclimate them to the out side again slowly. That way they dont go into shock. I have a group on yahoo if you want to check it out.

Here is the link:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/monroecoun...
Reply:depends what you have planted if you have planted flowers that come up every year then yes.plan on seeing them next year.

rodeo buckle

What plants are actually suitable for aquariums?

2010-05-23T22:58:00.003-07:00

I have recently fallen victim to Petco's fern-in-a-tube gag where they sell terrestrial plants as aquatic ones. Now, I want to deck my tank out in green, but what are some reccommended choices that would be suitable? It's a 10 gallon with lots of room. Please help!

What plants are actually suitable for aquariums?
In my tank I have several types of sword plants, anubias, and java fern. Sword plants are great because they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and most are fast growing and easy to maintain. Anubias also comes in a few types, but it usually grows much slower which can be a problem if you have algae issues(which you shouldn't, but it can take awhile to find the perfect balance between no algae and thriving plants) because it will grow on its broad leaves. Java fern is a good filler. Mine is not particularly attractive, but it's easy to care for and cheap.

It's usually good to avoid plants that are brittle or are very stiff outside of water. These, as you've probably found out, do not grow and eventually rot because they're not true aquatics.

I would go to a mom and pop store, or specialty fish/aquatics retailer instead of a big chain. They usually have better selection and know more about the individual types of plants. They can also better help you with your lighting, substrate, etc.

This is my tank, so you can see my plants and also decide if you want to take my advice, lol: http://www.flickr.com/photos/right_on/23...

The big plant in the middle is an Amazon Sword, the rest are all mixed. The broader-leafed plants on the bogwood on the right are anubias. You can tell by the leaf shape.

edit: the sword in the middle is much, much bigger now. I like it though, as the tops of the leaves sit on the top of the water and provide a bit of diffusion for the rest of the tank, including the fish.
Reply:Never fear, Plant Geek is here! This guide right here: http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide.php

Will tell you if the plant is aquatic or not. If it appears in the "Non-Aquatic Plant" section (in the bottom left hand corner) then you know if you're getting cheated or not.

Since you can't take the plants home and see if they're on the list or not, I'd bring a pen and a piece of paper and write down the names of the plants that you doubt are aquatic or not. Then go back home and check the guide to see if it's aquatic or not.

E-mail me for any questions!
Reply:A lot of this matter comes down to "watts per gallon" of flourescent light....if you have the standard bulb that came with the fixture I think thats a 15? which is ok, but not great....

You could get away with java fern, java moss, anubias, all sorts of cryptocorns (I'll never learn to spell that - they are called "crypts") - - and you can deck out a nice tank with those. Bump up the lights a little, and you can do much more.

That plantgeek is a good site - also, google "low light aquarium plants" and you'll get a bunch of hits....and one thing I did - is I researched where my fish were from and looked for (in my cases) "south american river biotope" or "Asian River Biotope" adn "aquarium plant packages"

Those turned up a lot of educational materials - then I went to my LFS with a list of potential candidates....

How can i grow My new plants?

2010-05-23T22:58:00.002-07:00

What is the right metod og sawing plants? i have seeds of Tulsi, Zinnia,Nasturtium Calendula. what soil does it reqire and in which season should it be plant.?and what is the watering time for such plants?

How can i grow My new plants?
I don't know Tulsi, but the rest need to be planted in full sun. Make sure the soil is loosened before planting your seeds. Zinnias like it hot. Zinnias are very easy to grow in almost any soil. Calendula and Nasturtiums are summer plants but can stand lower temperatures. Soak Nasturtium seeds in water overnight before planting 1/4" deep in loose, ordinary soil. Very rich soil will make leaves grow rather than flowers. Keep the seed bed evenly moist until the plants are about 2" high, then water when they start to look limp.
Reply:where do you wonttttttttttt.......in thise world,,
Reply:where do you live? you want to put them out after winter is over and there is no more danger of frost. keep them fairly evenly moist. watering them every other day until they are established would be good.

What plants cannot be put in with fire belly toads?

2010-05-23T22:58:00.001-07:00

I have recently acquired a pair of these and am expanding their environment to be more "deluxe" . I would like to include natural plants in both water and land areas for them. The new area is a 25 gallon hex tank instead of 10 gallon rectangle. It will have approximately 2/3 water, 1/3 land with climbing branches.

What plants cannot be put in with fire belly toads?
I haven't heard of plants really that you cant use.. although poisonous or toxic plants are not a good idea (but I am sure you knew that). Live plants are a great idea for your fire bellies, you can also use them to keep your crickets and such alive so they don't foul up the tank when your fire bellies are not hungry. If you want to know what plants are poisonous/ toxic in your area .. I am sure your state has a website with that information. All states do.

If you need more information on plants you should try to use , go here:

1.)http://exoticpets.about.com/od/herpresou...
Reply:Too numerous to list. Here are some links for you:

http://www.anapsid.org/mainplants.html

http://kinne.net/poi-list.htm

What do you feed indoor potted plants to keep them alive and healtrhy in the summer longest?

2010-05-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

my mother has a plant in the front of our home, indoors right in the window of the front door window so it can get lots of sun. However, it always wilts a bit in the summer and she wanted to know the best way to keep it alive and healthy??

thank you so much in advance!

I know that for unpotted indoor plants you add bleach to water, but s that the same for potted plants as well? Or is there something else we should mix with the water?

What do you feed indoor potted plants to keep them alive and healtrhy in the summer longest?
I have a bird nest fern that's in the sun. It was looking really bad (yellow and burned) so I gave it a shower, some Miracle Grow and a 2 day vacation in a cool corner away from the window. now it looks great! I wouldn't use bleach!
Reply:You didn't say what type it is. Most indoor plants can't handle direct sunlight. If it wilts a bit during the summer it could be needing more water than you give it in the winter. There are a lot of liquid indoor plant foods on the market. If you mix with water use only half of what the directions say and everything will be just fine.

vacuum deodorizer

What plants don't the deer eat in your garden?

2010-05-23T22:57:00.002-07:00

I know I can look in books and on websites, but I want to know which plants other people have had luck with the deer not eating. I have deer roaming through my yard daily. So far I've had luck with rhodies, Daphne, lantana, lavender, rosemary, red hot poker flower, and just a few others who's names I don't remember. What about you?

What plants don't the deer eat in your garden?
Daffoils, Astilbe, Asters, Hollyhocks, Black-Eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, Hiviscus, Foxglove, Zebra Grass, Peonies, Carnations, Hybrid Phlox, Geraniums, Lilac bush, Widow's tears, etc..............

hope this helps

was it the best answer?? lol
Reply:Well deer will eat practically anything. But in our last home which was pretty forest oriented we found they wouldn't eat ornatmental grasses. So that is what we concentrated on. We had herds coming through our property there and they ate everything. except ornamental grasses.. We tried so many other things and just gave up. Even lipriope. They decided to eat that as well and we were told they didn't. Frankly a hungry deer will eat most anything. But as much as I wish they would eat the ornamentals to cut them down they won't so plant grasses.
Reply:my mother is way out in the middle of nowhere, where everything tries to eat everything... she grows all kinds of tomatoes and cucumber and they never get bothered.. if she finds they're interested in something in particular she pours beer around it and they leave it alone :)

a friend had a problem with deer specifically and she eventually had to get other plants that they like to eat more than her veggies and keep them on the opposite side of her property
Reply:this is going to sound gross, but my grandfather swore by it. he would pee in tin cans, like green bean or corn cans, and bury them half deep in and around his garden (and he had a big garden full of tomatoes and such). the deer didn't like the smell, i suppose, and never bothered his plants.
Reply:Daffodils are absolutely deer proof. Other plants I have without deer damage: crocuses, garlic, onions, asiatic lilies, dayliles, hollyhocks, bee balm, oregano, chives, echinacea, comfrey, lavender.
Reply:I found a couple links that might be helpful. Good luck! I wouldn't wanna be you. I'd cry if my gardens were eaten up by deer.
Reply:As I'm in Australia I found it interesting to read recently on an American nursery site that Australian natives are not attractive to deer. As long as you have the heat give some Grevilleas, Callistemon etc a go. Funny I haven't seen any deer lately but the kangaroos think there great.
Reply:for sure deer never eat Chile ,paprika ,lemongrass ,

the best is pour some cigar in hot water and spray over the leaves .

PS, they do not eat also coconut plant ,they cant reach
Reply:Lantana I like Pammy R answer. I give him a star.
Reply:Everything- I am on the Eastern Shore and the B***ches eat it all. Tomatoe, Hidranglas- hell they are some hungry thangs
Reply:Chives and gillyweed.
Reply:I would say peppers but last year they ate them all.

In the fall I yell out eat my lead as I pull the trigger of my shotgun.
Reply:They leave my daffodils,roses,daylilies,and daisies alone.They ate ALL of my tulips this Spring!
Reply:Cacti

Sorry I couldn't resist ; )
Reply:this is such a funny question so funny i cant even answer it sorry . . . . .
Reply:plants don't eat deer
Reply:the weeds
Reply:poison ivy and oak
Reply:g

Is it a good idea to plant jalepenos from small little 2" tall plants?

2010-05-23T22:57:00.001-07:00

I just planted 4 small 2-3" tall jalepeno plants in my garden about 1 week and 1/2 ago and they don't seem like they are changing very much. Are they dead? They are still green and everything but they don't seem like they are getting any bigger and they don't have any blossoms or anything on them. I live in Minnesota. There have been some kind of cold nights but it has been mostly in the mid 70's during the day and they get lots of sunshine and are watered everyday in the morning.

Is it a good idea to plant jalepenos from small little 2" tall plants?
Pepper plants are heat lovers, so wait until it warms up. In the meantime, they are making strong roots, so aren't just wasting time. Don't over-water. As soon as you have consistently hot days, they will take off.
Reply:Do what Holly says cause she knows what she is talking about.

The capsicum which is the engine in the pepper which makes it hotter thrives on stress. Way down on the Mexican border where the real hot ones live it is very hot and very dry with little rain, so if you stress them by not watering until they look like the might self immolate then they will produce the hottest pepper. I have grown haba~neros in Kentucky that were hot enough for me but would not hurt a Mexican fly.

The more stress you apply so far north the better.
Reply:Give it time to recover from planting shock. Once the temps really warm up your jalepenos will grow leaps and bounds. Never let them dry out and fertilize half strength with daily watering.
Reply:Peppers are slow growers and are heat lovers. 2-3 inch pepper plants would not have any blossoms yet..they are too small. It takes months for therm to produce fruit.
Reply:It needs to warm up to where your nights are at 65 to 70 degrees then they will take off...Do not fertilize pepper plants with a fertilizer such as All Purpose Miracle Grow..pepper plants do not like alot of nitrogfen which all purpose has alot of...When they start blooming then use a fertilizer high in phospherous but very little nitrogen..also do not water peppers every day...if you overwater them then the fruit will not get hot..they will stay sweet..they produce better if the soil goes slightly dry inbetween watering..heres my pepper plants...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pcbeachrat/...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pcbeachrat/...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pcbeachrat/...

Read under "the growing season" on this link..

http://www.mastergardeners.org/projects/...

Do i need to take potted plants out of the pots in a freshwater aquarium?

2010-05-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

all 4 of my plants are in pots....black plastic pots with what looks like moss packed in with them.

Should i take them out so they can root.

2 are Crinum's and the other 2 may or may not even be aquarium plants...the look like small elephant ear plants or arrowheads.

Do i need to take potted plants out of the pots in a freshwater aquarium?
Yes, you should take them out of the pots. You CAN leave them in there and they will survive, but for them to develop healthy root systems, they need to be in open gravel.

Just be careful when removing the moss-like stuff, or you can damage the roots. Then bury the roots into the gravel. You can also get fertilizer tabs to stick under the plants (within the gravel) that will encourage their growth.

Could the other plant be a Red Tiger Lily? Otherwise, try to take a picture, as many plants could go by that definition :)
Reply:That would depend on your tank and your maintenance.

I leave mine in pots for easier care, plus, I can move them to the outside ponds in the summer to give them a boost. (in a slightly larger pot)

Another reason I leave them in the pots, I control their growth. Every other water change I remove the potted plants. I pull them from the containers and trim the dead or dying roots, if need be, any poor formed leaves and fertalize OUT SIDE the tank. Many professional aquarist prefer to leave them potted so they can also be moved around the tank. Just because you like a plant in one spot doesn't mean they do.

Another reason, when cleaning the tank, it makes it much easier to siphone. Many water plants do not send out runners. So binding the roots is not an issue.

It is a matter of preference however. I choose to control the growth of my plants so I keep them in pots. Either way it is more of a what do you want to do with the plants.

your arrow heads are pond plants and will quickly grow out of control and above the waters surface and then some. Keeping that one planted and roots trimmed.
Reply:yes!
Reply:i have personally bought potted plants for my aquariums, and for most of them i would suggest taking them out of the pots. this is especially a good idea if the pot contains more than one plant, because keeping them potted and squished together can cause overcrowding and doesn't allow all the plants to soak up nutrients. the only time i would leave the potted plants alone is if they have hardly any roots and need the pot as a base for support so they don't float away. also removing to pot usually looks more aesthetically appealing.

What plants don't the deer eat in your garden?

2010-05-23T22:56:00.003-07:00

Indoor Plants that are good for our health, feng shui, as well as easy to care for?

2010-05-23T22:56:00.002-07:00

are there such plants? formaldehyde and benzene elimenating preferably? any suggestions?

Indoor Plants that are good for our health, feng shui, as well as easy to care for?
the spider plant http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorophytu...

for a full list of filtering plants

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_air...

TOP 10 plants most effective in removing:

formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air.

Common Name Scientific Name

Bamboo Palm Chamaedorea Seifritzii

Chinese Evergreen Aglaonema Modestum

English Ivy Hedera Helix

Gerbera Daisy Gerbera Jamesonii

Janet Craig Dracaena "Janet Craig"

Marginata Dracaena Marginata

Mass cane/Corn Plant Dracaena Massangeana

Mother-in-Law's Tongue Sansevieria Laurentii

Pot Mum Chrysantheium morifolium

Peace Lily Spathiphyllum "Mauna Loa"

Warneckii Dracaena "Warneckii"

http://www.zone10.com/tech/NASA/Fyh.htm
Reply:no such thing in fengshui.

fengshui is about manipulation of the structures of our houses or its surroundings to enhance luck.

regarding plants, remember that though plants give off oxygen by day, they take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide at night. and when you are sleeping, i think this can be a concern, esp if you are in the room with the plant.
Reply:Cannabis

Invasive plants, is there any hope for getting the native and natural balance back?

2010-05-23T22:56:00.001-07:00

Here in the Northeast(south eastern NY), lots of woods/forests are completely covered with these agressive and destructive invasive plants like bitter sweet, Japanese something something, every where. I can only imagine how the native trees are gasping for air and sunlight under this drowning wave of invasion. Shouldn't the local and federal government do something real about this problem. I mean we are talking about losing the natural flora and eventually fauna for good.

Invasive plants, is there any hope for getting the native and natural balance back?
Millions are spent by agencies nationwide each year to combat the spread of invasives. In California, there is an "A" list of plants that are considered the most problematic. I work in an open space area and helped to all but eradicate castor bean. It's invasive, poisonous and can be used to manufacture ricin. One would think government grants would be available to help land managers get rid of this plant but if there's a program out there, it's not been discovered.

Artichoke thistle, yellow-star thistle, Russian thistle -- efforts to control these and hundreds of other species have definitely gained momentum in the last 15 years. There's a lot of good research being done, and a lot of experts in the field.

Public education to discuss the issues involved in losing native species needs to step it up. This is considered one of the top threats to habitat.
Reply:Regarding the mention of "biological control" of weeds by Rom: I think this option needs to be considered with great caution as comparable experiments have led to a series of environmental disasters in Australia.

For example, cane toads are destroying a lot of native wildlife. Report Abuse

Reply:They do teach this kind of information in school. Myself, I studied Plant Biology in college. My graduating class %26gt;1000 students; my major only had ~15. The bottom line is that the information is being taught, but I'm sorry to say that Botany is not a preferential subject.

Addressing your (?) about native and natural balance, there are efforts in the manual removal of invasive species which is laborous and inefficient. I've read studies done by the USDA on the use of a noxious plants natural enemy to control its spread. It's called biological control.

I agree with you about having local and federal gov't step in and regulate what plants are being released in our environment.

Thanks for your thoughtful question.
Reply:Well, they say they have had some success against Purple Loosestrife. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_loos...
Reply:there's no hope at all
Reply:At last! an intelligent question!

I live in Australia where the same tragic thing is happening. There is a great deal we can do, but it has to be on a mass scale.

For a start, people have to stop planting invasive weeds in their gardens, in reserves, and public parks. This means they have to EDUCATE themselves about the native flora.

They would often find there is a suitable native plant to substitute for the exotic they had planned to cultivate, and that the natives require less water, fertiliser, and insecticide as well.

We also have to pressure governments to take action, such as preventing nurseries/garden centres from selling invasive weeds and profiting from the destruction of native flora.

good on you!!!
Reply:removal of exotic/invasives and planting naturals is the only right way to me. if you just introduce a new species to control the exotic you are just adding to the problem.people must remember thate ventually the disturbance and invasion will work it's way up the ecological chain of life to us humans and it'll be to late to help ourselves. we must stop it now before it's to big of a probelm to fix.
Reply:There is no hope if you think that you will get rid of weeds without getting weed killer.

Which plants will grow in the shade and grow high?

2010-05-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

I need help buying plants for a shady border that will grow at least 3 feet high, any suggestions?

Which plants will grow in the shade and grow high?
I am blessed with a shady border :-( but there are lots of lovely tall plants for the area... Hosta (mentioned above), mecanopsis, Alchemilla mollis (lady's mantle), Lunaria annual 'Variegata', Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfennii, Hedera helix 'Buttercup' (Ivy to climb up a fence), Carex Pendula (big grass but does self-seed), Brunnera 'Dawsons White' (foliage interest), Angelica archangelica (for height), Rogersia pinnata (nice flowers), Tiarella cordifolia. Most bulbs will do ok, and for annuals Busy Lizzies love the sun or shade. Good luck :-)
Reply:Knowing your climate or horticultural zone would narrow it down.

Try boxwoods, hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons....
Reply:Try fennel. I'm growing it on a north facing wall and last year it was at least 7 feet tall. Looks like it will do the same this year
Reply:Acanthus is a wonderful plant for shade.
Reply:Digitalis, foxglove grow well in the shade and look fantastic. The bee's love it too!

What is a good ground cover and/or plants for shady flower beds?

2010-05-23T22:55:00.003-07:00

Front of duplex is in the shade most of the time.

Center steps to common porch with enough space to each side of porch to plant something...ANYTHING...that will give a visual break from the lawn and perhaps even flower.

I haven't created a flower bed before, but I saw Martha Stewart do one on TV...

I follow directions well.

BUDGET: I would like to keep it low, because I don't own the property, but I would be willing to plant a couple of shrubs (evergreens?) or other plants that will thrive in shade.

Location: Nashville, Tennessee.

It is still early spring, as we just had a late freeze.

The building is all brick, and that would be the backdrop for the plants.

Thank you for your thoughtful reply.

What is a good ground cover and/or plants for shady flower beds?
Asian Jasmine

Monkey Grass ...even has a pretty little blue/purple flower

For additional color you could plant Caladiums (a bulb which will come back every year) or impatiens, which are a pretty green plant with brightly colored flowers. Coleus would also work well.

Both the impatiens and coleus should be available as "starter" plants so you can see what you are buying.
Reply:Hostas. If you know any friends that have some large specimens you can ask if you can divide the plant and take some home. It grows bigger and better each year and it makes a wonderful accent to a front porch. (It also flowers late in the summer.)
Reply:I like Red Dragon Sedum. It establishes fast and it's evergreen. In the fall it turns a really bright red. It's winter hardy, and chokes out weeds.
Reply:I plant impatients. They come in all pretty colors like purple, pink, red, salmon,Lavendar and they are very hardy plant +beautiful and they love the shade..
Reply:here are some evergreen shade grndcovers that will bloom:

vinca minor "bowles vinca" - blue flowers in fall

vinca minor "jekyll's white" - white flowers in fall

liriope muscari variegata - purple in summer

himalayan sarcococcoa

nonblooming groundcovers for shade:

pachysandra

asiatic jasmine

lamium

selaginella

all are about 1$ per 2" pot

or 7 to 8$ for a 1 gallon pot

some cheap shade loving shrubs:

cleyera

aucuba

camellia (needs a little sun)

hydrangea (needs a littlle sun)

rhododendron (kinda expensive)

cast iron plant

a dwarf variety of japanese maple

evergreen ferns (autumn fern, arborvitae fern, christmas fern)

or you can go to a reputable garden center (i would go to Mcminville) and ask them to show you their perennial shade groundcovers. i would use perennial groundcovers surrounding an evergreen shrub on each side because they will give you color year round and you wont have to replant as you would with annuals. also other shade pernnials that are non-groundcovers are hosta, astilbe, or dicentra (bleeding heart). another good pernnial evergreen is lenten rose( helleborus). hopes this gives you some ideas.
Reply:Moss roses are always cool. They are low lying and have a variety of colors available. They also spread so if you are under a strict budget just buy one for each spot and soon they will fill it in. Plus it is kind of cool to watch them in the morning when the flowers open up.

shoe care products

Small plants that grow in the shade?

2010-05-23T22:55:00.002-07:00

I live in an apartment and have a large patio, however it is surrounded by trees and an above apartment. The patio is cement and has two 4X8 dirt areas with small bushes growing in them. I am looking to spruce up the patio a little more with some flowers to make it feel less "BLAH." I have a hose so they will be easy to water. Any suggestions or links to pictures of flowers/plants would be great. Thanks in advance.

Small plants that grow in the shade?
All of the above are good answers. If you don't have really a really cold winter, impatiens and begonias may even winter over. Coleus comes in a huge number of varieties. When inter-planted with flowering shade plants, they really make a splash! They will eventually go to seed, so to keep them healthy, cut off any seed heads that develop.

You can trim impatiens and begonias to keep them from getting 'leggy' late in the year. Pinching the ends of new shoots works best - when they get to be the size that you want.

A water-soluble plant food is a good idea once or twice a month. Container plants don't have the advantage of sending down deep roots so they rely on us to feed them.

You almost can't over water these varieties, but don't leave them in standing water unless it is very hot. If they dry out, they may wilt a bit, but will bounce back with a good soaking.

Just about everything grows well in Portland. Good luck!
Reply:Mother in laws tongue, pansies.
Reply:You didn't mention in what part of the country you live, but impatiens are pretty in the summer. Azaelas and camellias grow in shade as well as ferns, bleeding hearts and some lilies. Hydrangeas too. Good luck.
Reply:I planted coleus seeds this year. They are neat plants that have very colorful foliage. I started them in little plastic cups, moving them to larger pots when the roots start to show on the bottom. Be sure to poke drainage holes in the cups first. My seed packet was the "Wizard mixed colors" variety. They work well in the shade (or indoors near a window).
Reply:Some plants that will do well in shade include impatiens and begonia, but impatiens are annual. They'll die after the first strong frost. Begonia are more expensive and are also more temperamental.

I am partial to impatiens because they are nonstop bloomers from spring until frost. I get mine already growing from Burpee or Southern States, because I am not skilled at growing from seed, except for marigolds, which are almost too easy to grow.

How do I keep the plants in my aquarium alive?

2010-05-23T22:55:00.001-07:00

I have added plants to my aquarium several times and each time they die even though I have 2 full spectrum light bulbs on a 20 gallon tank? What else do I need to do? Please help.

How do I keep the plants in my aquarium alive?
Hi, Need to make sure they are suitable for the Temp and pH of the water in the tank. Next you need make sure they are getting no less than 8 hours of light and no more than 12 hours light each day. You can best do that by getting a small appliance timer and plugging your lights into it. You should also fertilize them every month or two.
Reply:well pants need c02 also. you could try a c02 injector or you could buy flurish excel ( an aquarium plant fertaliser) but you need to add a air pump.
Reply:Start by making sure they are aquatic... pet stores have begun to sell numerous terrestrial (land) plants as aquatic, and these plants begin to die and rot after only a few weeks in the tank... Things like Bamboo, Acorus, Mondo Grass, Palm Fronds, Pine Branches, Green Hedge, and others are becoming increasingly popular for places like Petco and Petsmart to sell... Look for particular plants, don't just go to the store and pick things out-- research plants you want before hand (here's a nice list: http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_list... ), and go to the store with a list. Use several sites to determine whether the plants would be a good choice for your tank, and feel free to email me if you have any questions (nosoop4u@cox.net).
Reply:You may make homeade co2 out of household items

1,water bottle

2.tube

3.suger

4.yeast

5.water

First,drill a holl in the top of the bottle"s cap

Secound,put some sugar and yeast in the bottle with some water untill about 3 ,4ths full of that\

next it shouldmake some froth and then u connect the airline tube to the cap and lead it down to the tank.in about 10-60 min it should start to bubble and it wil do this for about 3-6 days.

ps u can put silicone around the bottlecap and the tubing. and you can put a airstone at the end of the tube

What plants grow in or around rivers/creeks?

2010-05-23T22:55:00.000-07:00

I am doing a report on flowing water ecosystems. I am making a food web, showing all of the food chains of the biome. I need to know spcific plants that grow around or in rivers.

What plants grow in or around rivers/creeks?
Creek-bank plants are often very different from the surrounding vegetation. Seeds washed downstream take root in places where they would not normally grow. Vine forest or rainforest often fringes creeks, even in dry places.

Many plants, such as paperbarks and bottlebrushes, grow partly in the water while casuarinas grown nearby.

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/environment/pa...
Reply:grasses, sedges, oddities, willows, peachleaf, dogwoods
Reply:Cat tails, Lillies, sea weed........

What plants grow in or around rivers/creeks?

2010-05-23T22:54:00.000-07:00

What are some indigenous sacred sage plants in arizona?

2010-05-20T17:42:00.002-07:00

I have been reading about using sage plants for healing and cleansing. I was wondering can you use any sage plant? Also what sage plants can I find in arizonas sonoran desert? If you could give me the name or a link to a picture I would appreciate it. When I take walks in the desert I want to keep my eye out for them. I know I can buy them, but I would rather just find one.

What are some indigenous sacred sage plants in arizona?
Go to the Internet with "sage as medicine." Good stuff there.
Reply:Doobie

What plants or flowers are easiest to keep alive?

2010-05-20T17:42:00.001-07:00

I am the world's worst gardener. What sort of plants and flowers require little to no upkeep?

What plants or flowers are easiest to keep alive?
When I had a boyfriend who was a botanist, and I exposed my black thumb, he said I should raise coleus. They are easy to grow and hard to kill. Just plant them, water them, give them sunlight, and enjoy them. The leaves are all sorts of lovely colors if they get enough sunlight, but they will be mostly green if the light is inadequate.
Reply:No, I'm the worst

the only plant I haven't killed is Bamboo/Bambu
Reply:Marigolds----Gerainiums---- Hostas-----Petunias---- Black Eyed Susans-----Purple Cone Flowers----Live Forevers-----Yucca,s---- To name a few, are all hardy, and require little care, except a little water.
Reply:Ones that are natural to the area, for example, cacti in the SW, black eyede susans and echenasia in the midwest, etc.would be the easiest to grow since they are ideally suited to the climate, soil and water. Go to your local nursery or just check online as to what grows in your area.

The great thing is- you can grow them and not have to do much but weed! They are also eco friendly!
Reply:I usually have the worst luck keeping any plant alive. However one time I was given a hugh African Violet plant. So I read up on how to take care of them. The plant I was given was in a hugh pot and in reading the nature of the plant I learned they should always be kept in a four inch pot. So I broke the plant apart, giving me eight plants that I replanted in four inch pots. Next step was to always water them from the saucers they should be set in. Never water from the top because if you get the leaves wet they will spot and die. Well low and behold I had the most beautiful window full of flowering African Violets.

So first always keep them in four inch pots of soil especially for African Violets. Water them from the bottom. Use plant food especially for African Violets. Always keep them in a northern exposure. Follow this simple routine and I promise you will have the most beautiful plants that will give you enjoyment for years to come. What is wonderful about them is each year because they grow so during the year that you can break each plant apart and from each plant wind up with two per. Hope this makes sense. Enjoy!
Reply:get yourself a cactus, lots of sun, and not alot of water
Reply:Well, make up your mind, do you want flowers or just any old plant?

I've kept a few house plants in my day, and I'm a pretty bad gardener too (all I ever did usually was to water the plants, and I'm sure I watered some of the too much). Succulent plants such as cactuses and certain other desert plants can go for some time without watering, and cactuses have thorns which will also protect them from any household pets that might otherwise damage a succulent plant. Alternatively, I think ivy is quite resilient (I once grew a piece of ivy from a cutting, without even starting with any roots), and if all else fails, you can try just growing weeds and then selecting the ones you like as house plants. :P
Reply:Contact your local Artist-Blacksmith and ask about acquiring a black iron rose. They should be able to survive a nuclear winter, as long as temperature do not rise above 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. The national organization is located at ABANA.com
Reply:Go native!

Growing native would be best because they are already accustom to the climate. You don't have to labor over them. Many people say cactus, but in fact they are quite easy to kill if you over water them.
Reply:P. Allen Smith recommends sedums, marigolds, and sunflowers:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19174814/

http://www.sedumphotos.net/main.php

http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/info/...

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symb...

I'd recommend cactus and various herbs:

http://www.cactusmuseum.com/info.asp

http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/her...
Reply:I have a kind of flower called a four o'clock (scientific name mirabilis jalapa) in my front yard. The reason I stick to them is because they are hard to kill and do good with just watering it maybe twice a week if that.

The reason that the flower is called a four o'clock is because the head part of the tubular base doesn't open til 4:00 in the afternoon.

To keep it from spreading to other parts of your yard make sure to pick off the seeds so that you can give to friends or family.

There is also a special project going on in relation to getting four o'clocks spread all over the world for cancer awareness. You can find out more about the project at: http://www.symbolofhope.com/English_Home...
Reply:I CHALLENGE THEE TO A KILL-OFF,BUSTER!

YOU, THE WORST?!HOW DARE YOU ASSUME!?

ONLY ONE WAY TO KNOW,SAID,AND AFOREMENTIONED,'KILL-OFF'

i treat my greens with the bi-polar care you'd think only the pole-hardened strains of mold would thrive on and yet today, ive got a literal house-fulla plants-only one is dead(the tomato,ive never found a red-fruit/vegg-to-be-able to survive any one of my ten death be-blacked digits)!

heres what ive got thriving:

SPIDER PLANT!

EASY TO ROOT AND GROW LIKE WEEDS-* USE EITHER UNCHLORINATED WATER OR LET YOUR TAP WATER STAND OUT 1 NIGHT BEFORE FEEDING THEM TO AVOID YELLOW/BROWN TIPS).

THEY LOVE LIGHT BUT CAN BE PRETTY VERSATILE SFARS LEVEL

POTHOS!

GORGEOUS %26amp;TRAILING ALL OVER!

JUST ONE LEAVE'LL DO TO TAKE ROOT IN A GLASS OF WATER.SHORTLY YOU'LL HAVE A WONDERFUL LARGE GREEN LEAVED (GOLD/GREEN,WT/GREEN DEPENDANT ON TYPE)TRAILER VINE CIRCLING THE HOUSE.CAN BE HUNG UP OR NOT(AS CAN SPIDERS)

SUCCULENTS

MY JADE TREE IS ABOUT 4FT TALL AND SO HARDY IT SURVIVED BEING THROWN UPSIDE DOWN W/O POT INTO A DUMPSTER FOR DAYS WHEN I FOUND IT I DIDNT HAVE A SPOT/POT FOR IT AND IT SAT OUTSIDE ROOTS HANGING FROM A BROKEN CHAIR SEAT.THEN,BECAUSE TWAS SO MISSHAPEN IT NEEDED A VICE SET-UP I MADE AND RESHAPED JUST FINE IN DAYS.IT ALSO GIVES UP THE BABES IN TRUE EARTH MOMMA FASHION.JUST STICKUM LEAVES INNUM H2O OR NOT...REALLY,IVE CUT SOME OFF BEFORE THINKING THEY WERENT FIT FOR REGROWTH AND FOUNDEM DAYS LATER ON THE SILL ACTUALLY GROWING ROOTS FROM THEMSELVES!

IVE 2/3 MOTHER IN LAW TONGUES THATRE FINE AND HEALTHY TALL STRONG THAT CAME FROM ONE LEAF ID SNAGGED FROM A RESTAURANT POT.PUT THE THING IN WATER.TOOK 8 MONTHS BUT THEN IT DID ROOT!NOW IVE GOT THE 2 OR 3 PLANTS TO PROVE IT!

YER BASIC CACTUS

IVE A 1FOTTER THAT I HADTO BUY SINCE(I SWEAR TWAS ITS DOING)WHEN I PICKED IT UP IT JUMPED OUT OF THE TINY POT.IT WAS ABOUT AN INCH TALL.EVER SINCE THEN ITS THROWN ITSELF OFF THE 2ND STORY SILL SEVERAL TIMES,DROPPED OFF TABLES,LEPT OFF CABINETS-WELL THE THINGS TROUBLE!BUT ITS NOW ALIVE AS EVER!

ANOTHER CAME FROM A RESTAURANT THAT DIDNT WANT IT ANYMORE-IT HAD CURLED ITSELF INTO A FUNNY TWISTY SHAPE THAT WAS EASILY CORRECTED BY SPINNING IT DAILY TO RECIEVE DIFF SUN VIEWS AND A STAKE R TWO.BUT THIS WAS AFTER MY OWN LACK OF POT SPACE FORCED ITS STAY IN WATER THAT TURNED NASTY FOR LIKE TWO WEEKS?ITS GREAT THO AND 4 FT TALL TOO!

GOTTA FEW MORE BUT THATS PROLLY ALL YOU NEED FOR NOW.

I LIVE DIRECTLY DOWNTOWN ABOVE A SHOPE AND SO PRETTY MUCH ALL THE SHOPS WHO HAVE EM(LIKE 3RD PLANET AND PERSEPHONES JOURNEY)IN THE SHOP HAVE MINE,IF NOT THE SHOP OWNERS HAVE MY BABES AT HOME-THATS HOW EASY ROOTING AND CARED FOR THESE THINGS ARE.

IM WRITING THIS CUZ I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL.

AND AGAIN,IVE A HOUSEFULLA THE GREENEES NOW.IF YOU LIVE NEARBY I CAN SET U UP IN SERIOUS STYLE!

LOTSA LOVE N LUCK

-S
Reply:Cosmos when the flower dies off the seeds blow to where ever mother natures takes it and you will have flowers in the most unique places. Allys won't die ask my husband he can't kill it I rather like it. Cosmos really don't like alot of water just as bulbs do not . I never dig up and divide my bulbs I just let them die off and come up where ever they fell like it the next year. Oh yes don't forget the Sunflower mighty strong and happy without a lot TLC just lots of sun .Cottage Gardens is what I enjoy and admire. I say just put it in the garden where ever you like and if its happy you ll know within hours. Oh yes Carnations are rather easy oh try the sunflower first. PS some Gardner's don't plant their new plants out of the container, they just cut a hole around the bottom and stick it in the ground and cover with soil so not to mess with the roots. I have never done it but many a friends have beautiful gardens without the mess I so love. Throw up all around the yard wildflower seed, lightly water, they will find a home one that will require little of your love. Always check flowers before bringing home for bugs!!! Small nursery's is where I like to buy for best quality maybe just a little bit more money, but they won't send bugs home with you can't afford to stay in business that way.
Reply:all kinds of lillies. they are the best. i always get complament and people ask what i give them, my asiatic lillies get over 6ft tall. i don't do anything but water them. if your looking for a bush: burning bushes. Black eyes susans have flowers that last forever.

i would never do potted plants, i kill them all.
Reply:All plants and flowers require upkeep. But here are some that are easy to grow and look lovely.

* Marigolds-grow in any kind of soil (please water all plants)

*Cosmos- best as background flowers. Grow quite tall.beautiful (please water all plants)

* Nasturtiums - grow easily and are kind of viny and look so nice and have a GREAT frgrance! (please water plants)

Just follow instructions on seed pack but you can basically plant them as you wish as long as they have plenty of room and WATER them as often as you can. Nothing hard about growing these. Theyre cheap yet BEAUTIFUL!.oh!! ALso...

* Zenias- (giants are lovely but all are nice) grow easily and are SOOO colorful! most gow quite tall but use them as you wish because theyre so bright and prettty. (please water plants) Good Luck..PS-you dont have to follow instructions exactly. Depends on where you live and the climate. I just dug a space and raked it smooth and scattered in some Cosmos seeds with Nestertiums as a border . Nestertium seeds are about the size of cherry pits so plant them in a row . (please water plants as you can)
Reply:I too suffer from the "black-thumb" illness...I have ferns and an aloe plant and haven't killed them yet...good luck :-)
Reply:You might try getting catuses, or rubber trees if u don't have pets!
Reply:Honestly I'd say a yucca basically you can't kill it...or get rid of it. It gets pretty white flowers on it and is very very hardy...I guess it is made up of 40-50 different species of plants which explains the part of the reason you can't actually kill it without poison. because it has a tuber as its root...when you try and dig it out if you don't get every last piece of it another will sprout up in it's place. My best answer for how to get one is ask your neighbors to dig out a piece for you (I'm sure more than one have heard of it and have it in their yard they'll be more than welcome to spread the yucca wealth) I'd say plant it in the fall and wait for it to come up in the spring it's decently fast growing and usually blooms every year. It may not bloom the first year because it's still getting used to it's new home of sorts. After that just sit back and relax and you'll have a monster in no time...it usually blooms at the beginning of July maybe early June depending on where you live...I think of all the plants I've planted this one you don't have to worry about.
Reply:One or both of two words: plastic, origami.

It's not that I don't trust humans to care for living things; well, except I don't lol ... I just want to make sure that you never feel "forced" to care for whatever plant you choose, and I'd rather that the plant chose you (i.e. you were attracted to the results of taking-care, so much so that you were COMPELLED to study its particular care-method).
Reply:Hello, Mike!!

as to your question, from my experience, I can say that Aloe and Cactus is not demanding so much special care in comparison with other flowers. Have a nice gardening!

Nara
Reply:For outside, you need to know if you are in sun or shade.

For sunny locations, you can't go wrong with daylilies (like Stella D'oro), or coneflowers.

In shady areas, hostas are low maintenance.
Reply:Aloe is wonderful. Water it a ton, then wait a few weeks until it looks like it's about to croak, and then water it a ton again. Not only does the plant respond well to this, but you can get some very nice ointment for sun burns out of it (and make your skin nice and supple!)
Reply:I would suggest artificial ones! having said that as you cannot poosible be worse than myself the plants that have grown best for me are cordylines, just plant them and let them be. Mine started off two years ago at about 6 inches and are now easily 3 and a half feet tall!
Reply:Bamboo all the way! : )
Reply:succulents. lowest maint. plants on earth. and they come in a large and attractive variety, to boot! honestly, you could be the most negligent s.o.b. in the world and still manage to keep these puppies alive, unless you live in a zone which freezes in winter, that is. you don't say your zone. update your info and i might have a different suggestion.
Reply:hastas are the way to go..they like sun or shade and are pretty hardy. i haven't killed my three yet. i let nature take care of the watering. been two months and still growing. oh, they will grow and grow. they take over. good luck.

mine are a green plant with white edging..very subtle and pretty.
Reply:I'm terrible at gardening, too. I have found that in flowers Daylilies are hard to kill, and Crepe Murtles for shrubs are nearly impossible to kill - and they flower all summer in the midwest USA.
Reply:ivy plants are one of the easiest plants to have. you really can't over water them. they will root in a cup of water then you can plant in soil.

wandering jew is another plant that is very hardy, this plant also speads and reproduces even though it's not a blub plant.
Reply:Chrysenthenums...they last forever!!! Not reallly but almost.
Reply:Cactus.

I water once a month, put out in full sun when the weather is fair, and keep inside during rain and at night. They actually tend to thrive better in neglect than with over caring, as the roots are fragile and will rot if over watered.

I purchased these cacti and aloe at my local Walmart. They are all doing well: http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i225/m...

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i225/m...

Good Luck, TC.
Reply:^Snake plants need some sun and very little water, they are also called mother-in-laws tongue because they never die.

How do I get my yard ready for planting flowers and plants?

2010-05-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

OK I am new at all this and I already killed some poor innocent tulips, so please stop the madness.I dont know if I what I need to use to plant hostas, like fertilizer manure soil compost. Do I use one or two or all and if I am planting flowers and plants in the same area do I need to use one thing in one area and a dif thing in the other area, AHHHHHH I am a messs but I want flowers!!!!

How do I get my yard ready for planting flowers and plants?
You don't say where your from. Depending on your area and the type of soil you have there are a million different answers to your question. There are some good web sites out there. Try garden.org ,gardenweb.com, or learn2grow.com. It would probably help you even more if you went to your local garden shop and asked them. They are usually very willing to help you get started. Don't start too big though or you might be overwhelmed and just give up. Just plant a small garden this year and add more next year. My garden/gardens have been "evolving" for twenty some years. If I can be of any more assistance just email me.
Reply:well depending on where you are it would really be worth the effort to run a soil test to see what it is exactly that you want. nex you need to know what plants and flowers you are going to add to your garden. most plants and flowers that are easy to manage like fast draining soil, this can be acheived by working in organinc material and manure, if you're soil is hard and difficult to work with i would wet it regularly until soil is soft or in extreme cases cover the area with a mulch and keep moist until you can dig to the depth you wish. also you said you were planting tulips if you are planting spring tulips from bulbs you will need to plant those in the fall. if planting from sprouted pots you can go ahead and plant those in the spring. when planting bulbs make sure you add some kind of fertelizer in the bottom as the bulbs have food for the first year but will need some sort of additive to promote further growth. once they have flowered and the flower is dead cut off the dead bud because you will waste let it go to seed. cutting off the dead flower will save enrgey for next years flowers. if you planted them in a group after they bloom there will definitely be an empty space and you should plant something in its space. Annuals are recommended as they last a year or less so they wont disturb the bulbs in the spring. some esay annuals that i have had succesful growing would be Marigolds and Forget me nots. if you want plants that will last you more than a year you will have to buy biennials which last more than a year but about or a little bit less than two years. or perrennials that last several years. a must have in every garden would be the ornamental poppy once it flowers and goes into dormance it will die back but the roots stay alive and will come back next spring. always remeber tto keep your plants happy keep in consideration their watering , sunlight and fertelizing needs. hope this was helpful

shoe lasts components

When planting new plants, what do you do with the mulch from last year? Do you sow it into the dirt or remove

2010-05-20T17:41:00.003-07:00

We bought a house last year that has 2 plots for flowers out front. The plots had a few plants in it, and lots of mulch, to keep down the weeds. I understand taht. But this year i want to plant NEW plants, what do i do with the mulch? Scrape it out? sow it into the dirt? pour new dirt on top? I just dont know. Please help.

When planting new plants, what do you do with the mulch from last year? Do you sow it into the dirt or remove
I would get rid of the top layer scrape it away and get rid of the bottom layers because what is happening is the mulch is creating heat and the amount of moisture creates mold which can be toxic to some plants and possibly to you,(found out the hard way) when doing this make sure you wear the appropriate attire, glasses, gloves, and mask. once you get rid of the old scrape away some of the soil (just a Little) put down some miracle grow top soil then cover back up with the original much that you had put off to the side, and then put down at least 1 to 2 inches of new mulch (same for the old mulch).
Reply:Oh goodness... no, no.. Don't throw it out, instead enhance it with mew mulch... mix the old with the new. Believe me, the old mulch is not that old being just one year...

Good luck and happy gardening..
Reply:Re-use the old mulch and top off with new. If it gets to be too deep then spread a shallow layer of the mulch over the yard. It will add a lot of nutrients to the grassy areas. I have a small farm and get a mountain of chicken litter. Besides the garden and planting beds I sprinkle the litter in piles all over the pasture. The chickens scratch it in for me! Better than having a thousand migrant workers!

And my hay field production has doubled.
Reply:We just scrape it away as we plant and then scrape it back. When all of the planting is done, we dress the whole bed with new mulch.
Reply:You can till it in with the soil, it's all biodegradable and will break down to add nutrients.
Reply:I always remove the old mulch and save for later. Replace the plants and water them in good, then place the old mulch around the plants. Finish by topping off the old mulch with some new mulch, sit back and enjoy

What plants would grow best in my small shady east facing rear garden in the uk?

2010-05-20T17:41:00.002-07:00

The garden is only small and part of a terraced unit and doesn't really get much sun after 3p.m. Most of the sunlight is between 9 and 12a.m. I'd like lots of greenery with some flowering shrubs. Generally though I'd like low maintenance plants. Can you help?

What plants would grow best in my small shady east facing rear garden in the uk?
Hosta plants.
Reply:I have a similar area in my garden which only gets sun in the mornings. I have planted small slow growing conifers in there for all year round shades of green, very low maintenance, all I do is water if it's been dry for a while (don't wait until they show signs of brown as chances are they will not recover).

I also have a Boston Ivy growing up the garage wall in the shady area which does well and looks fabulous in the autumn when the leaves turn bright red - you only need to trim this if it gets too carried away with itself, otherwise leave it to its own devices.

For flowering shrubs you could try choisia (not "sundance" as you won't get enough light to it) as you will get a lovely scent with it and again you only need trim it if it gets too big, otherwise no maintenance required.

For a burst of summer colour you could always plant dahlias - yes you will need to dead head them when they are flowering, but it's only 5-10 minutes every three or four days, so not much work for a fabulous display of colour. As your garden is shaded you won't need to mess about lifting the tubers over winter as they won't get frosted. (I never lift mine %26amp; they are not shaded from the frosts.)
Reply:Ferns, tradescantia, hardy fuschia, hydrangea, heuchera, hosta,pachysandra,forgetmenots,hakonechl... violas, violets, fatsia, and small evergreens like sarcococca,pieris,aucuba.... to name a few. Go to the library and find some books to identify these and see what you like.
Reply:Roses
Reply:go for safe plants that grow anywhere cottoneaster, spirea genista, vincas etc, cornus,

What plants are best for a balcony garden?

2010-05-20T17:41:00.001-07:00

I live in on the 3rd floor of my apartment building and have a balcony. I wanted to start a small garden with some potted plants but I am not sure what would really work well. There is a big tree that is in front of my balcony so it only gets partial sun in the morning and then is in the shade most of the time.

What plants are best for a balcony garden?
It really depends on the type of climate you live in also. If you have harsh winters and such, you would have to bring the plants inside. Petunias are always nice. Begonias, geraniums, winter panzies do well in colder climates. If you have enough space for a barrel, you should try growing some tomatoes or other vegetables. Be sure to plant some cosmos, marigolds or any kind of pepper plants (because they are natural pest repellents). They also have some dwarf plants you can choose from as well.
Reply:A small ficus tree , Jade plant, Snake plant,Rabbit Foot Fern, Arrowhead Fern.Put your plants in pots of various sizes and group them together in odd numbers (3,5 etc) also group them so their heights vary. How many you have will depend on how much room you have on your balcony. If you have access to electricity , a small fountain works well into a balcony decor also.