Garden Notes
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Which Mulch Is Best? 6 Week Report
Six week into testing five different kinds of mulch, and we can already make some conclusions. While we can’t yet say what mulch is best, we can say that all the mulches have reduced the need to weed by at least 80%, and in one case 94%.
This is an ongoing experiment this year and we will have periodic updates and a final analysis at the end of the year. To see all the videos about this experiment see this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLalgWdpIXuNqKLKg_0gRa1NjmwYFoAJl9 Related Videos: Using Plastic and Woven Landscape Fabric Mulch in the Garden Organic Mulching Options Kinds of Mulch Notes – Why to Use (and Love) Mulch! Related Resources: Types and Uses of Mulch in the Landscape Mulching Your Trees and Landscapes Mulch - A Survey of Available Options Gardening with Mulches |
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Tomato Cages: Not Just for Tomatoes
Although tomato cages are not particularly effective at supporting tomato plants, they offer a range of valuable uses elsewhere in the garden. From propping up peppers to supporting climbing plants, these wire frames are more versatile than they seem. Peter Richards highlights a few creative ways to put them to good use.
Related Videos: How To Support Growing Tomato Plants Training Cucumbers: String and Trellis – Family Plot Related Resources: Tomatoes - Staking Trellises and cages to support garden vegetables |
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Why to Use (and Love) Mulch!
Mulch can make your life as a gardener so much easier. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper gives four reasons why you should use mulch in your garden.
Related Videos: Using Plastic and Woven Landscape Fabric Mulch in the Garden Organic Mulching Options Maximizing Your Garden with Straw Mulch Kinds of Mulch Related Resources: Types and Uses of Mulch in the Landscape Mulching Your Trees and Landscapes Mulch - A Survey of Available Options Gardening with Mulches |
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Common Vetch
Common Vetch is a weed that spreads and can form a thick mat of foliage. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper talks about how it grows and methods for control, both natural and chemical.
Related Videos: Three Common Herbicides Three Ways to Wipe on Herbicide Related Resources: Common Vetch Common vetch |
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Peach Tree Borer
This week in the garden Retired Extension Agent Mike Dennison identifies damage from peach borers and talks about how to spray to prevent them.
Mike referred to the Home Orchard Spray Guide. Get it here Related Videos: Spraying Peach Trees Pruning Nectarines, Peaches, and Plums Thinning Peaches Peach Trees: How-to and Information Related Resources: Peach Tree Borer Peach Tree Borer Peachtree Borer |
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Garden Chemicals: They Aren’t the Same!
The ingredients of some common garden chemicals are changing, but the labels look the same. Round-up and Sevin are two brand names that have become synonymous with certain chemicals but today it is common to find those brands no longer contain those chemicals.
Related Video: Three Ways to Wipe on Herbicide Understanding and Selecting Insecticides for Gardeners Related Resources: Safe Herbicide Use Botanical Insecticides |
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Seeds or Cuttings?
If you are trying to decide if you want to propagate your plants with seeds or cuttings, there are some things you need to consider. Jill Maybry from Memphis Botanic Garden talks about some of the things she looks for when making that decision.
Related Video: Dirt Simple Cane Begonia Propagation Propagating Begonias with Leaf Cuttings Propagating Milkweed Propagating Sweet Potato Vines Related Resources: Propagating Plants from Seed How to Propagate Houseplants by Cuttings |
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Tree Borers in a Japanese Maple: Identification and What to Do NowWhen a tree is stressed it attracts tree borers. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper shows how to tell when a Japanese maple tree has borers and then talks about what to do now. You can’t use an insecticide, so you have to help the tree survive.
Related Video: Tree Borers Problems with Rubbing Branches – Time to Get Out the Pruners Related Resources: Maple Diseases & Insect Pests |
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Frozen Strawberry Blooms
Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison takes a look at some freeze damage on strawberry blooms. The temperature dropped to about 29 degrees a week ago and some of the strawberry blooms were frozen and died. If this happens the plant will just produce more blooms.
Related Video: Moving and Renovating Strawberries Related Resources: Frost/Freeze Protection in Strawberries Critical Temperatures for Strawberry Buds and Blossoms and Freeze Protection |
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Chickweed
Chickweed is a winter annual weed. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper shows what it looks like and gives some control options.
Related Videos: Herbicide Modes Of Action Herbicide Basics Related Resources: Mouseear Chickweed Mouse-ear Chickweed |
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Tools for Pruning Trees
This week in the garden Memphis Botanic Garden Arborist Bo Kelley talks about the different pruning tools available and shows how to use some of them to remove dead branches from a tree.
Related Videos: Tools Every Gardener Needs Pruning (Not Murdering) Crape Myrtles Fruit Tree Pruning Related Resources: Tree Pruning Essentials Pruning Landscape Trees |
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Tree Staking Options
Horticultural Specialist Carol Reese talks about staking trees. If trees are allowed to sway in the wind they get stronger and are less likely to break in high wind. Tightly staking trees when planting prevents swaying, the ties should be loose. Another staking option to let the tree move is to drive the stakes through the root ball into the ground to “nail” the tree to the ground.
Related Videos: Rope Around a Tree Planting a Tree Related Resources: Tree Support Systems Cabling, Bracing and Other Support Systems for Trees |
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Labeling Garden Sprayers
You need to make sure you don’t use the same sprayer for herbicides and fungicides. Residual herbicide in the tank will unintentionally damage plants. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper talks about the importance of labeling your sprayers to make sure you don’t mix them up.
Related Videos: Mixing and Applying Fungicide TWIG - Fix a Sticky Valve on a Garden Sprayer Spreader and Sprayer Calibration |
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Hardiness
Horticulture expert Dr. Lelia Kelly defines the gardening term hardiness. Usually this refers to cold hardiness or the ability for a plant to withstand cold temperatures. USDA plant zones are based on how cold it gets in the winter which then determines how hardy plants need to be if planted in that zone. A plant that is only hardy to 10 degrees will die if the temperature gets lower. Another kind of hardiness is heat hardiness which determines how hot of temperatures the plant can tolerate.
Related Videos: H - Garden Glossary Protecting Plants From Frost Related Resources: Plant Growth Factors: Temperature USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map |
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Node
Retired MSU Extension Agent Dr. Lelia Kelly defines the gardening term node. Nodes are buds on plant stems from which buds or flowers grow. They can usually be seen as a bump on the stem of the plant.
Related Videos: Spring Flowering Shrubs Basic Rose Care Related Resources: Garden Terms: Vegetative plant morphology — stems, leaves, and roots Pruning Terminology |
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Lichen on Trees
Lichen often grows on the trunk of a tree. Certified Arborist Wes Hopper says lichen will not kill the tree but is often a sign of other problems. The tree he is inspecting is in a poor site in a parking lot island and is probably not getting the water or nutrients it needs.
Related Videos: Help Lichen is killing my tree What can I do to keep lichen from growing on my azaleas? Related Resources: Lichens are harmless to trees Do not bother removing lichens from landscape |
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Bird Feeders
Debbie Bruce from Wild Birds Unlimited talks about which birds you can attract to your yard with seed birdfeeders and suet feeders.
Related Videos: Setting Up a Bird Feeder Hanging a Hummingbird Feeder Related Resources: Feeding Wild Birds Attracting Backyard Birds: Bird Feeder Selection Bird Feeding - Tips for Beginners & Veterans |
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Late Fall Lawn Fertilization
UT Extension Agent Booker T. Leigh talks about when to fertilize and not fertilize the lawn in late fall. If you have warm season turf like Bermuda or zoysia you should not use a nitrogen fertilizer or just not fertilize. If you have a cool season grass like fescue, fall is a good time to fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer because the grass is actively growing.
Related Videos: Fall Lawn Care Lawn Aeration Related Resources: Soil Compaction Soil Compaction: Causes, Concerns, and Cures |
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Volunteer Plants
UT Assistant Professor of Residential and Consumer Horticulture, Natalie Bumgarner, shows a volunteer gourd growing in the Family Plot garden and talks about the genetics of volunteer plants.
Related Videos: Squash How do I get female flowers on my zucchini plant? Related Resources: Gourds Gourd Production in Kentucky |
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Bird Netting Saved My Flowers from Deer!
In an accidental side-by-side test, bird netting kept deer away from pansies. A few weeks ago, we put bird netting over our pansies. Just after that the landscapers planted a whole bunch of pansies right next to our garden. Well, it did not take long, but the deer ate all the landscaper’s pansies and left ours alone. Not a nibble!
Related Videos: Protect Your Garden from Hungry Animals: Use Bird Netting Transforming Your Flower Bed for Winter: Planting Swiss Chard Related Resources: Reduce Deer Damage in Your Yard Growing Pansies |
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Bacterial Leaf Scorch
Bacterial leaf scorch is a serious disease in several trees, especially pin oaks. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper identifies the symptoms and describes the progression of the disease.
Related Videos: Bacterial Leaf Scorch Does this coloring on my oak leaves indicate a disease? Related Resources: Bacterial Leaf Scorch Bacterial Leaf Scorch in Landscape Trees |
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Powdery Mildew on Zinnias
This week in the garden UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper finds some powdery mildew on the zinnias and talks about how to prevent it next year.
Related Videos: How do I know I have killed the mildew on my phlox? My peonies have a powdery look with black spots. What do I do? Related Resources: Powdery Mildews Powdery Mildew in the Flower Garden |
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Why Fall Blooms are so Important for Pollinators
Fall is a time when most plants have finished blooming for the year, but bees and butterflies still need to eat. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond shows how one good fall nectar source can attract many bees and butterflies to your garden.
Related Videos: Planting a Butterfly Garden Sedums Other Pollinators in the Butterfly Garden Related Resources: Fall Pollinator Plants Add fall bloomers to the garden |
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Sunscald on Blackberry
Blackberries naturally grow in partly shady locations and so they can get sunscald if they are in hot direct sun. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison shows a branch of a blackberry plant that is suffering from sunscald.
Related Videos: Effects of Sunscald Blackberry Pruning and Fertilizing Related Resources: Leaf Scorch and Sunscald in the Garden Blackberry Damage and Disorders |
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Tomato Plant Protection Test: Results
It’s been four months since we planted three cherry tomato plants. Some plants were mulched, and one was sprayed with fungicide. These are the results so far: 1. The tomato plant that has no mulch and no fungicide has the most disease and fungus. 2. The tomato plant with only mulch has less disease and there is some fungus damage. 3. The tomato plant with both mulch and has been treated with fungicide is the most disease free. Summary: Mulch and fungicide are effective at reducing blight and fungal diseases on tomato plants.
Related Videos: Tomato Plant Protection Test: Mulch vs. Fungicide vs. Nothing Tomato Early Blight How To Support Growing Tomato Plants Related Resources: Control of Tomato Blights in the Home Garden Early Blight of Tomatoes |
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Controlling Squash Bug Infestations
Dealing with squash bugs can be a significant challenge for gardeners. Despite their name, squash bugs are not limited to squash plants; they can also target many other plants including cucumbers. These pests have piercing-sucking mouthparts, which they use to feed on the stems and fruit of the plant. This feeding can lead to considerable damage and potentially spread diseases and viruses, further complicating the situation.
To effectively manage a heavy infestation, a robust approach is necessary. Synthetic pyrethroids, such as esfenvalerate or lambda-cyhalothrin, are recommended due to their effectiveness against these pests. Utilizing these insecticides can help control the squash bugs and mitigate the damage they cause. Prompt action is crucial to prevent further harm and to preserve the health of the cucumber plants. Related Videos: Organic Control of Squash Bugs Will I kill squash bugs and squash vine borers if I till in the winter? Related Resources: Squash Bug - Vegetables Squash Bug |
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Identifying Crape Myrtle Bark Scale
Crape myrtle bark scale can severely weaken or even kill crape myrtles. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper finds some crape myrtle bark scale and talks about how to control it.
Related Videos: Treating Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Scale When and how should I treat crape myrtle bark scale? Related Resources: Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Identification and Control Crape Myrtle Bark Scale: A New Exotic Pest Crapemyrtle Bark Scale |
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Control Weeds with Landscape Fabric in the Vegetable Garden
Landscape fabric is often used around perennials, but it can also be used to almost eliminate weeds in the vegetable garden. Horticulturist Jason Reeves shows a planting of pumpkins and other squash that has no weeds thanks to the landscape fabric. He also talks about how landscape fabric helps conserve water.
Related Videos: Should I remove landscape fabric in the winter? Maximizing Your Garden with Straw Mulch Related Resources: Landscape Fabric Landscape Fabric for Garden Bed Weed Control: Good or Bad choice? |
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What Does “AAS Winner” mean on Seed Packets and Plant Containers?
AAS stands for All-American Selections, which is an independent non-profit plant testing organization. Horticulturist Jason Reeves describes the testing process plants go through to get this certification. A plant that performs well in many areas of the United States is granted the “AAS winner” label and will probably grow well in your garden.
Related Videos: Plant Societies and Garden Clubs Interesting Houseplant Options Related Resources: Pruning Trees and Shrubs Pruning and Care of Tree wounds |
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Spraying Fungicide
This week in the garden UT Professor of Residential and Consumer Horticulture Natalie Bumgarner applies fungicide. Fungicide is preventative, it will only prevent a new infection, it won’t cure an infection that is already present. Natalie says there are many fungicide options on the market. Choose one that will address the problem you are dealing with and read the label. Good coverage is critical. Fungicide will only work on the surfaces it has been applied to. Reapplying every 7-10 days will maintain that protection.
Related Videos: Mixing and Applying Fungicide Fungicides Related Resources: Fungicides and Bactericides for Home Fruits, Vegetables, and Ornamentals (UT Redbook) Using Organic Fungicides |
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Problems with Rubbing Branches –
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Aphids on Tomatoes
Aphids are a very common insect pest in the garden. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper identifies aphids living on tomatoes and talks about what to do to get rid of them.
Related Videos: Aphids on Milkweed Ladybugs Rescuing Us from Aphids Related Resources: Aphids in home yards and gardens Tomato Insect IPM Guidelines |
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Ladybugs Rescuing Us from AphidsThe tomato plants in the Family Plot garden are infested with aphids. This could be a huge problem, but on closer inspection, ladybugs are working on controlling the problem. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper was able to easily find every stage of the ladybug lifecycle on the plants: larvae, adult, and egg. They are happily munching on aphids and getting them under control. If you have an aphid problem, wait, don’t spray insecticides. The beneficial insects are not far behind.
Related Videos: Beneficial Garden Bugs How do I control aphids on my greens? Aphids on Milkweed Related Resources: Beneficial Insects, Spiders, and Other Mini Creatures in Your Garden Beneficial Insects in the Yard and Garden Beneficial Insects and other Arthropods |
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Annual Flowers: Plan Before You Plant
By carefully choosing the kinds of flowers you plant you can create a beautiful flowerbed. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond shows a flowerbed planted seven weeks ago. The bed was planned with complementing colors and textures and it looks good.
Related Videos: Annual Flowers for Full Sun, Part-Shade, or Shade Planting Spring Annuals: SunPatiens, Sweet Potato Vine, and Blue Ageratum Landscape Planning Related Resources: Developing a Home Landscape Plan Growing Annual Flowers: Planning, starting and caring for a garden |
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Powdery Mildew on Coneflower
Powdery mildew can ruin your coneflowers, but it can be treated. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper identifies powdery mildew and then talks about treatment options.
Related Videos: Powdery Mildew on Zinnias Planting Coneflower, Beebalm, and Black-Eyed Susan in the Butterfly Garden Fungicides Related Resources: Powdery Mildews Powdery mildew in the flower garden |
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Chrysanthemum Lace Bug
Chrysanthemum Lace Bugs are small insects that feed on plants in the chrysanthemum family. UT Extension Agent Celeste Scott shows the damage these insects cause and talks about how to control them.
Related Videos: Systemic Insecticides Azalea Lace Bugs Related Resources: Chrysanthemum Lace Bug Control of Lace Bugs on Ornamental Plants |
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Mushrooms in Mulch
After long periods of rain, mushrooms appear in mulch. They can spring up overnight and can be unsightly. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper talks about what to do.
Related Videos: What is this? We found it in the garden. A - Bird Nest Fungus I have fungus growing on the side of my oak tree. What should I do? What is this growing in my mulch? Related Resources: Nuisance Fungi in Landscape Mulch Fungi in mulch Mulch Molds – What is Growing on my Mulch? |
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Holly Scale and Sooty MoldThis week in the garden UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper shows a holly tree that is infested by holly scale. As the holly scale feeds on the sap of the tree, it produces honeydew which the sooty mold – a fungus – grows on. Chris recommends using a soil drench with the active ingredient imidacloprid. This will control the scale. The sooty mold will then disappear on its own over time.
Related Videos: Scale Holly Scale and Sooty Mold Horticultural Oils Related Resources: Sooty Mold The Plant Doctor - Sooty Mold |
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What Happens when a Rose is Frozen to the Ground
Garden roses are often made of parts of two different plants grafted together. One part is the plant you see, and the other part is the roots. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper shows a rose bush where the top was killed by a hard freeze. The roots survived and they are now sending up new growth that is not the same as the old plant.
Related Videos: Basic Rose Care Planting Potted Roses Related Resources: Growing Roses Pruning Roses Roses: fertilizing |
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Understanding Vegetable Bolting
Understanding the concept of bolting is crucial for gardeners cultivating Brassica plants like kale, broccoli, turnip greens, and collards, as well as lettuce. UT Extension Area Speciaist Walter Battle explains bolting marks a pivotal phase in the plant's lifecycle, transitioning from vegetative growth to seed production, rendering its edible parts less desirable. While the leaves remain technically edible post-bolting, they often become tougher and potentially bitter. This natural progression is irreversible, emphasizing the importance of timely harvest and attentive garden management.
Related Videos: Protecting Cabbage, Broccoli, and Cauliflower from Hungry Worms Is there a way to keep cool season vegetables from bolting? Cool Season Vegetables Planting Cool Season Vegetables Related Resources: Vegetable Bolting Cool-season vs. Warm-season Vegetables |
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Plant Boosting Mycorrhizae
Adding fertilizer when planting will help a plant, but adding mycorrhizae fungi will help the plant better absorb water and nutrients from the soil for the rest of its life. Kyle McLane, Manager of Grounds Horticulture at Dixon Gallery and Gardens shows the mycorrhizae blend they use when planting. And explains how it works.
Related Videos: Use Red Sand in Your Garden: Get Better Drainage Amendment Related Resources: Mycorrhizal Fungi Mycorrhizal Fungi |
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Spring Dead Spot
Spring dead spot is a fungal disease that affects warm season grass in the spring. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says it usually appears after a wet fall and keeps patches of grass from greening up in the spring. It can be treated with a lawn fungicide. If you leave it untreated it will not go away but get worse.
Related Videos: Mixing and Applying Fungicide Fungicides Related Resources: Brown Patch & Large Patch Diseases of Lawns Spring Dead Spot in Turf |
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Spring Azalea Care
The spring is a time to enjoy the flowers on your azaleas, but maintenance should wait. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says you could apply some fertilizer or do a soil test, but don’t do any pruning until after they have finished blooming.
Related Videos: Planting Native Azaleas: Tips for Success Native Azaleas: Add Classic Spring Color to Your Southern Landscape Related Resources: Azalea Care Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons |
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Native Azaleas: Add Classic Spring Color to Your Southern Landscape
Azaleas, synonymous with spring, hold a secret: their often, overlooked native counterparts. Meet Rhododendron canescens, a native azalea, a member of the Rhododendron genus. These azaleas shed leaves in winter, blooming fragrant pink trusses come spring.
In the wilds of Tennessee and North Carolina, enthusiasts seek out these botanical wonders. Around 15 species live in the southeastern U.S., with a lone representative on the West Coast. Native azaleas thrive in morning sun, but prefer afternoon shade. Despite their beauty, native azaleas are not usually found in nurseries due to slow growth. Yet, their eventual bloom rewards patience with a burst of natural splendor. As interest in native plants grows, these gems reclaim their place in our gardens. Related Videos: Planting Native Azaleas: Tips for Success When is the correct time to prune my encore azaleas? Related Resources: Selecting and Growing Azaleas Native azaleas add charm, early blooms to landscapes |
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Use Red Sand in Your Garden: Get
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Labeling Garden SprayersYou need to make sure you don’t use the same sprayer for herbicides and fungicides. Residual herbicide in the tank will unintentionally damage plants. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper talks about the importance of labeling your sprayers to make sure you don’t mix them up.
Related Videos: Mixing and Applying Fungicide TWIG - Fix a Sticky Valve on a Garden Sprayer Spreader and Sprayer Calibration |