I. What is Rose of Sharon? Rose of Sharon, also known by its botanical name Hibiscus syriacus, is a flowering shrub that belongs to the mallow family. It is native to Asia and is commonly found in gardens and landscapes around the world. The plant gets its name from the biblical reference to a flower … Read more
I. What are living mulches? Living mulches are plants that are grown alongside main crops to provide a variety of benefits. They are typically low-growing plants that help to suppress weeds, conserve soil moisture, and improve soil health. Living mulches can be annual or perennial plants that are either sown directly into the soil or … Read more
I. What is Hydroponics? Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. Instead of using traditional soil-based methods, hydroponic systems use nutrient-rich water solutions to deliver essential nutrients directly to the plant roots. This innovative approach to gardening has gained popularity in recent years due to its efficiency and ability to produce higher yields … Read more
I. What is Allelopathy? Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon in which one plant releases chemicals into the environment that affect the growth, development, and survival of other plants. These chemicals, known as allelochemicals, can have both positive and negative effects on neighboring plants, depending on the concentration and type of compound being released. Allelopathy is … Read more
I. What is Turf Management? Turf management is the practice of maintaining and caring for turfgrass, which is commonly found in lawns, parks, sports fields, and golf courses. Turfgrass provides numerous benefits, including erosion control, noise reduction, air purification, and aesthetic appeal. Proper turf management involves a combination of techniques such as mowing, watering, fertilizing, … Read more
I. What is Rototilling? Rototilling is a gardening technique that involves breaking up and turning over soil using a machine called a rototiller. This process helps to aerate the soil, mix in organic matter, and create a loose, friable seedbed for planting. Rototilling is commonly used in both small and large-scale gardening and farming operations … Read more
I. What is Gray Water? Gray water is wastewater generated from activities such as washing dishes, doing laundry, and bathing. Unlike black water, which contains fecal matter and other contaminants, gray water is relatively clean and can be reused for non-potable purposes such as irrigation and flushing toilets. Gray water typically contains traces of soap, … Read more
I. What is a cloche? A cloche is a protective covering used in gardening to shield plants from harsh weather conditions such as frost, wind, and heavy rain. It is typically a transparent or translucent dome-shaped structure that is placed over individual plants or rows of plants to create a mini greenhouse effect. Cloches can … Read more
I. What is a Balloon Flower? Balloon flowers, also known as Platycodon grandiflorus, are beautiful perennial plants that are native to East Asia. They get their name from the unique shape of their buds, which resemble balloons before they bloom into stunning star-shaped flowers. These flowers come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, … Read more
I. What is Liming? Liming is the process of applying materials such as limestone to soil in order to raise its pH level. This is done to counteract the effects of soil acidity, which can have negative impacts on plant growth and nutrient availability. Liming is a common practice in agriculture and gardening to improve … Read more