Author: Joseph Greenfinger
Uneven Adventure Apple maggot is annoying and powdery mildew is a headache, but when it comes to apple tree problems, scab is a big deal. The disease costs commercial growers millions of dollars each year and is a constant headache for home growers. In addition to apples, it also ravages native wild apples. Wherever apples are grown, scab is sure to occur, and while it is not a major problem in hot regions, trees grown in cool, wet climates can be in serious trouble. We link to suppliers to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of…
Propagating roses from cuttings is a great way to expand your collection of plants and even start a free rose garden. These precious shrubs can be expensive to buy, so learning how to take cuttings is one of the most economical gardening ideas for growing in your garden beds and pots.Unfortunately, many gardeners have tried and failed to grow roses from cuttings, leading them to believe that it is a complicated endeavor. However, once you learn the easiest method, you will be one step closer to knowing all the secrets of professional rose growers. All you need is time and…
Have you ever been in this situation? You bought a beautiful hanging basket filled with colorful flowers in late May, only to find that by mid-summer it looks a little… droopy and sad, with too many leaves and not enough flowers? There are many reasons why hanging baskets may not be doing as well as they did at the beginning of the season, as they have a number of needs that need to be met on a regular basis. Typically, hanging baskets are made up of annuals or tender perennials. In the small containers such as hanging baskets, these plants…
With their iconic bright petals and reputation for hardiness, it’s no surprise that sunflowers are one of the best-selling flowers year after year. These easy-to-grow plants come in a variety of colors and sizes, depending on what you need for your garden or arrangement. If you’re ready to add this staple to your summer garden, this post will cover everything you need to know about growing sunflowers. Sunflowers can be the perfect low-maintenance, eye-catching addition to your garden. These striking plants are easy to grow and are a staple. You’ll find sunflowers at the flower stands at your local farmers…
With sustainable gardening Rainwater harvesting is becoming more important than ever, and is one of the easiest ways to be more environmentally friendly while still caring for your own little piece of heaven on earth. Investing in a rainwater conservation system such as a water barrel or rainwater tank is well worth the investment, and once they are set up, they require little maintenance. But you may be wondering what are the main benefits of water barrels and rainwater tanks?From boosting natural water storage during dry weather to preventing runoff when the rain comes, we round up the key reasons…
Whether you’re interested in reselling or recycling a piece of furniture for personal use in your home or to resell as a side hustle, you’ll want to avoid common mistakes that professional resellers see novices make. Meet the expert Carrie Spalding is the founder of the DIY home decor blog and YouTube channel Lovely Etc. Deborah Meyers is a furniture restoration artist. Not using the right type of paint for furniture lovely etc It’s easy to buy paint from your local hardware store or reuse leftover paint from a previous home project. But be forewarned that paint meant for walls…
Happy Monday GPODers! We start this week with a garden that looks magical no matter the time of year. Hi, my name is Terry Redling and I live in Gillette, NJ, a semi-rural suburb about 28 miles from New York City. Previously living in a 6b zone, we now have a 7a garden. I am a geriatrician by day (and on call at night) and enjoy the meditation and beauty of the garden to relieve stress and recharge. I love all types of lilies (including Money treeor commonly known as the lily). Deer are a big problem, but the screen…
Warm-toned metals are on the rise – we’ve seen unvarnished gold and brass finishes take the interior design world by storm. But like any trend with such strong appeal, we wonder if the trend will start to shift towards cooler metals, especially classic chrome. We surveyed four designers to get their views on whether chrome is making a comeback. Their answers varied slightly, but they all agreed with the verdict: It’s time to install chrome plating on your home. Breaking News: Chrome is Coming Back Jenn Pablo Studio Three designers we spoke to agreed that chrome is starting to make…
Choosing the right insect repellent from the myriad of bottles, sprays and pills at the store isn’t easy, but there’s one thing you probably already have in your kitchen that’s worth experimenting with. Before using pesticides, try using beer as an effective insect repellent. For a natural way to repel specific insects, here’s everything you need to know about why bugs hate beer and how to use beer in the garden. Meet the expert Josh Payne has over 25 years experience in the landscape and garden industry and is the founder of Classic Landscapes. Does beer repel bugs? Spruce Tree…
Garage doors not only protect your car, they also dramatically shape the exterior appearance of your home. Learn about the main types of garage doors to get the most attractive door while keeping your car clean and safe. Sectional Garage Doors Sectional garage doors consist of four or five horizontally oriented panels connected by hinges. When the garage door opener is activated, the door slides up a curve into the garage. When open, the door remains approximately 7 feet above the garage floor. The torsion springs on top of the garage door help lift the door. These doors are so…