Browsing Category
Trees & Houseplants : Home & Garden
How to Live With European Wasps
European wasps are characterized by bold bands of black and yellow stripes. They have additional markings of black dots and triangles which helps to differentiate them from yellow jackets. Also known as "paper wasps," they form large colonies and build nests above ground. The nests are made of chewe
How to Plant a Castor Bean
The castor bean, which is actually a seed and not a bean, comes from the castor oil plant. The plant is native to Africa but is frequently planted in gardens across the United States. It can reach heights of 15 feet and produces large attractive green leaves. Raw castor beans are toxic in small d
About Fly Traps
Flies serve a unique and useful purpose in the vast scope of things. The little critters feed on carrion and excrement, hasting the decomposition process and aiding the natural cycle of life. The problem with flies is that once they leave the garbage heap and take up residence in your home, automobi
Worms in Tomato Plants
Tomatoes are often attacked before they've had the chance to fully ripen.Tomato image by Broken_Perfection from Fotolia.comHumans aren't the only tomato lovers. There also are several types of moth larvae that love to feed on tomato foliage and fruit. Ladybugs, lacewings, wasps and...
Pollen Facts
Pollen causes immunoglobulin E antibody production in the human body. These antibodies cause mucous production and encourage sneezing and watery eyes in individuals who are sensitive to the pollen. Fifty million Americans suffer from allergies related to annual pollen production.
The Advantages of the Rafflesia
According to the Library of Congress, Rafflesia arnoldii produces the world’s largest flowers, which can grow up to 3 feet in diameter and weigh up to 15 pounds. They are also one of the world’s stinkiest flowers, with a fragrance that’s been compared to that of rotting meat or dec
How to Make a Round Pen out of Hay Bales
Making a pen out of hay bales is a fast and easy way to contain smaller farm animals temporarily while you fix or build their permanent home. As an owner of such animals you probably already have the bales laying around along with the rest of the supplies necessary to complete this project. Dependin
Outdoor Planting Tips
When planning to put in an outdoor garden, it's important to consider what type of flowers and plants will be used, as well as their bloom cycles. Check what plant zone you live in to decide which flowers and plants will thrive in your garden. The United States Department of Agriculture has a map of
The Parts of a Flower Bulb
Tulips grow from bulbs.pink tulip image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.comMany flowers grow from bulbs. Some examples of flowers that begin as bulbs are tulips, hyacinths and snowdrops. Bulbs are easy to grow because all the nutrients a flower needs is located inside the bulb. If you cut a...
Do Termites Make Nests in Soil?
There are nearly 2,600 species of termites. Many of them are considered pests amongst homeowners. In order to survive, many species require moist environments. There are termites that live within wood structures, such as the drywood termites and dampwood termites. Subterranean termites usually build
How to Spot Wild Edible Weeds
There are many wild edible weeds. Depending on the weed variety, you can eat the leaves, flowers, stems, shoots, and even the roots of the plant. You can cook them just about any way you can imagine to add variety, color and nutrition to your meals.
How to Steam Paper Apart
Steaming paper apart might sound like something out of a novel, where jealous husbands and wives steam open each other's letters. While it might sound dramatic and theatrical, you really can use steam to gently pry apart pieces of paper that are stuck together. This can happen with certain types of
Home Weed-Killer Remedies That Are Pet Safe
Our pets are members of the family, and we want to protect them from harm just as we do our children. Pets are snoopy creatures and enjoy sniffing and digging in the yard. This means they risk being exposed to herbicides and other toxins that could pose a risk to their health. It is our responsibili
How to Start Crape Myrtles
Crape myrtle trees, depending on the variety, are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 11. Dwarf crape myrtle trees, suitable for growing in a pot, can grow 1 to 3 feet, but other varieties can grow to over 20 feet. Crape myrtle trees bloom in a wide range of colo
Bushes With Leaves That Ooze Red Sap
Sap is the vital liquid contained in many plants. It is responsible for carrying nutrients throughout the plant, including to its leaves. Sap is like a plant's blood and in some plants, the sap can even appear like blood with a crimson-red appearance. Red sap is used for many humans purposes, includ
Types of Tree Fungus
Many types of tree fungus enter the tree in open wounds in the bark or wood.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty ImagesMany problems that affect trees are the result of fungal infections. Fungi typically act as parasites, robbing the trees of nutrients and causing rot and decay. Many types of...
How to Grow Lucky Bamboo in North Carolina
Though not really bamboo at all, lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) looks like a small version of the large bamboo plant. Lucky bamboo is quickly becoming a common household and office plant, mainly due to the little care and attention it requires, and the many decorative designs that both the lucky
How do I Build a Hanging Tomato Plant?
Fresh garden tomatoes are the epitome of summer and a longtime home garden favorite. This tender, warm-season perennial is grown as an annual in temperate areas, because winter and early spring freezes can kill the plant. For those who live in apartments or have limited garden space, growing tomatoe
Common Maple Trees
Maple trees contribute vibrant reds, oranges and yellows to autumnal landscapes.maple leaf image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.comMaple trees are a family of deciduous hardwood trees commonly found in temperate climate zones around the world. There are over 125 native maple species...