Book Review: Growing Your Own Tea Garden
Karen Meyers Author, Jodi Helmer, provides an introduction to raising your own tea in her book, Growing Your Own Tea Garden. She gives practical information on planning, planting cultivating, harvesting, drying, storing,…
Common Diseases of Tomato and Their Control: Southern Bacterial Wilt
Southern bacterial wilt of tomato is a soil-borne disease caused by the bacterium, Ralstonia solanacearum. It also affects many other plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), including potato, eggplant, pepper,…
Plant Profile: Russian Pea Shrub (Caragana frutex)
Karen Native to Turkestan and Siberia, this deciduous suckering shrub is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae, that also includes beans, lupines and mimosa. It grows 6-10′ tall and forms…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
This deciduous small tree is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes cherry, almond, and lady’s mantle. It’s origin is uncertain but it was extensively cultivated in…
Plant Profile: Japanese Anemone (Anemone tomentosa)
Earlier to flower and hardier than other Japanese anemones, this herbaceous perennial is native to open grassy slopes in northern China. Also known as windflower, it is a member of…
Book Review: DIY Hydroponic Gardens
Tyler Baras’ book, DIY Hydroponic Gardens, provides information on choosing, building, planting and maintaining over a dozen hydroponic growing system so that plants can be grown anywhere. Written for beginners…
Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects: Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)
March marigold is a herbaceous perennial native to the Northern Hemisphere where it is found growing in marshes, stream edges, and other wet areas. It is a member of the…
Plant Profile: Mediterranean Sea Holly (Eryngium bourgatii)
Native to Morocco, Lebanon, Turkey, France, and Spain, this rosette-forming herbaceous perennial is a member of the parsley family, Apiaceae, that also includes dill, celery, and Queen Anne’s lace. It…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
Native to maritime habitats of Europe and western temperate Asia, asparagus is a herbaceous perennial and member of the Asparagaceae plant family that also includes yucca, hosta, and spider plant.…
Plant Profile: Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis)
Summer savory is an annual and a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, that also includes rosemary, thyme, and beebalm. It is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.…