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Banana Plant Splitting In time, whether your banana plant is container grown or grown in ground, it will send out banana plant pups. Container grown banana plants may sprout suckers as a sign of stress — from being pot bound, under watered or unhappy for some other reason. Sending out suckers is their way of trying to survive conditions that they are struggling in. The new pups will grow new roots that can suck up more water and nutrients for the parent plant....

Rhubarb Spots on Leaves There are a couple of diseases common to rhubarb, which may result in spots on rhubarb leaves. Usually, leaf spots are more of an aesthetic issue and the unsightly spots don’t affect the edibility of the plant. The two most common diseases seen in rhubarb that result in spotted foliage are Ascochyta rei and Ramularia rei. Ascochyta leaf spot is first seen as small, greenish-yellow blotches, less than ½ inch (1 cm....

About Mandrake History The history of mandrake plants and their use and legends goes back to ancient times. Ancient Romans, Greeks, and Middle Eastern cultures were all aware of mandrake and all believed the plant had magical powers, not always for good. Mandrake is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a perennial herb with a large root and poisonous fruits. One of the oldest references to mandrake is from the Bible and probably dates to 4,000 B....

Squash Seed Harvesting More and more often of late, plants and seeds available at the local home and garden center are comprised of hybrid varieties that have been engineered to retain selected characteristics. This hybridization, unfortunately, breeds out the plants’ innate ability to adapt to inhospitable or challenging conditions. Luckily, there is a resurgence to save some of our heirloom fruit and vegetable varietals. Saving squash seeds for future propagation can be a bit of a challenge since some squash will cross pollinate, resulting in something less than appetizing....

Best Tropical Plants for Full Sun Locations Want to add a bit of the exotic in your summer garden? The following tropical plants prefer full sun to achieve their best size and performance. Full sun is defined as an area receiving at least six or more hours of direct sun each day. Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) – Hardy in zones 9 to 11, the vivid orange and blue flowers on birds of paradise resemble birds in flight....

Do I Need Superphosphate? Increasing the blooms and fruit on your plants leads to higher yields. Whether you want more tomatoes, or bigger, more bountiful roses, superphosphate can be the key to success. Industry superphosphate information states the product is for increasing root development and to help plant sugars move around more efficiently for quicker ripening. Its more common use is in the promotion of larger flowers and more fruits. No matter what you need it for, it is important to know when to use superphosphate for best results and higher yields....

Propagating Thyme Plants Thyme propagation can be accomplished in a number of ways. It is a hardy little plant most commonly grown for its essence of thymol, which gives a distinct flavor to foods in cuisines from French (herbs de Provence) and Lebanese to Italian, Greek, Turkish, Portuguese, and even the Caribbean. This herb may be sprouted from seed with additional propagating of thyme plants accomplished via root division, cuttings, and even layering....

How to Grow a Lemon Tree Outdoors Lemons are more cold-sensitive than all other citrus trees. Due to this cold sensitivity, lemon trees should be planted near the south side of the home. Lemon trees need protection from frost. Growing them near the house should help with this. Lemon trees also require full sunlight for adequate growth. While lemon trees can tolerate a range of soils, including poor soil, most prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil....

How Do I Kill a Mole? Moles can be so frustrating that many people wonder, “How do I kill a mole?” The most effective method for killing moles is using traps or poisons. Traps are usually set in spring or fall when moles are most active, with early spring being the most favorable time, as this is when females are pregnant. There are several types available, all of which should be placed near active tunnels, especially where they are known to feed....

When is a Good Time to Transplant? Experts agree that fall is one of the best times for transplanting, but spring is also considered good. Each season has advantages that the other lacks. Many claim that fall is the best time to transplant trees and shrubs. Fall transplants can benefit from the months of cooler, moister weather ahead. Thanks to autumn rains, the plant’s roots get a chance to grow before summer’s heat dries up the earth....

Common Broccoli Pests Insects enjoy eating broccoli plants almost as much as the people who grow them do. Here are some of the most common broccoli pests and tips for treating broccoli issues associated with them: Cabbage worms – These pests are the larvae of moths and butterflies. You may notice white or gray moths fluttering around the plant—a sure sign that you’ll soon have problems with their offspring. Cabbage worms cause serious damage by feeding on broccoli leaves....

Mites That Affect Succulents Due to the dizzying array of succulents to choose from, many people are so fascinated by them they become virtual succulent hoarders. Collecting succulents is a great hobby, but the one downside may be if the collection becomes pest infested. Pest and diseases especially afflict large collections and can be difficult to control in its entirety. Mealybugs, scale, whitefly, various weevils, and a few varieties of mites are examples of pests that attack succulents....

Ready to try unconventional Christmas trees? Read on for our take on top Christmas tree alternatives. Unusual Christmas Trees Ready, set, let’s wade into unusual Christmas tree territory by thinking about a tree constructed of succulents. You can probably find one for sale online and you’re good to go. If you are a succulent fan, this is a DIY project that may appeal to you. All you need to get started is a cone of chicken wire, some sphagnum moss, and lots of little succulents or succulent cuttings....

What is a Backyard Farm? Would you like to take control of what you put on your plate? Sick of processed foods, high veggie and fruit costs, or chemicals and dyes in your food? Urban backyard farming may be your answer. What is a backyard farm? It encompasses sustainable ideas, combines a variety of your favorite foods, and enhances the space. Your farm can provide you with organic meals and enough produce to share with family and friends....

Cooking With Guava Guava trees are commonly cultivated in South and Central Americas, as well as India, Spain, and several South Pacific islands. It is not certain from whence it came, but many scholars believe it might have been introduced by explorers to certain regions and distributed by animals and birds in others. The trees have a short bearing season but can be prolific with the fruit. This leaves the gardener wondering what to do with guavas?...

Today, people are using garden fire pits for social gatherings, for outdoor grilling and even for an attractive landscape focal point. They sometimes position the fire pit for convenience in movement between important outdoor areas. It is nice when our guests can easily transition from the outdoor dining table, pool, or spa to the fire pit and back again. Tips on Building a Backyard Fire Pit If you are building a backyard fire pit, consider the size and location of the fire pit....

Dandelion Flower Varieties The name “dandelion” comes from a French word, “dent-de-lion,” or lion’s tooth, which refers to the deeply serrated leaves. If you take a close look, you’ll notice that dandelion flowers actually consist of masses of tiny flowers, or florets. The blooms are an important source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. More than 250 species of dandelions have been identified, and unless you’re a botanist, you may find it difficult to tell the difference between types of dandelion plants....

What Causes Spinach Stress? Spinach has a host of uses and is packed with powerful antioxidants and vitamins. It even has a ton of fiber and protein, making it a perfect ingredient in many cuisines. As an added bonus, it grows quickly from seed to harvest. But what do you do about stressed spinach plants? These cool season greens can suffer from several cultural problems. Managing spinach stress when plants are young is crucial to harvesting a healthy, nutritious crop....

What is a Ring Garden? Love them or hate them, ring gardens around trees and shrubs are a common sight in residential landscapes. What is a ring garden? You can find them in many different forms, but the basic concept is the same. A circular area around a tree is bordered at any diameter and filled with mulch, plants, rocks or other material. The idea may be for visual interest or simply to keep the tree from mechanical injury....

Cactus potting soil can enhance drainage, increase evaporation and provide the dry conditions that cacti favor. What is cactus mix? This medium promotes optimum health for your cactus and mimics the natural gritty, arid and low nutrient soils they grow in naturally. You can purchase the mixture or learn how to make cactus soil yourself. Cactus Growing Conditions The cacti families are succulents which store moisture in their pads, stems and trunks to use during dry and drought periods....