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Abundant Living in Flyover Country

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Ornamental Plants

How to Test Seed Germination Rates

February 20, 2018 by hsotr

How to Test Seed Germination Rates

Spring is only a month away, and with spring comes gardening season. Now is a good time to check the germination rates of those seeds you have stashed away in the basement—before you need to plant them! You Will Need Seeds. Paper towel. Large Ziploc bag. Instructions Lightly moisten a square of paper towel. (Take […]

Filed Under: The Garden Tagged With: Herbs, How-To, Ornamental Plants, Seed Saving, Stewardship, Vegetables

The Two Easiest Ways to Attract Hummingbirds

July 18, 2017 by hsotr

The Two Easiest Ways to Attract Hummingbirds

Attracting hummingbirds to your backyard doesn’t have to be complicated! If you want to enjoy the beautiful sight of these tiny creatures hovering outside, there are two incredibly simple ways to put out the welcome mat. One requires a little advanced planning, and one can be implemented today.   Plant Hummingbird-Friendly Flowers A diverse display […]

Filed Under: The Sunflower State Tagged With: Birdwatching, Nature, Ornamental Plants, Supplies

Seeds From the Tombs

May 23, 2017 by hsotr

Seeds from the Tombs

Many gardeners know that cool, dry, dark places are ideal for long-term seed storage. Many gardeners cite the seeds found in ancient Egyptian pyramids as evidence. According to the popular story, these seeds, after lying dormant for thousands of years, sprouted when planted. Most scientists would agree on the perfect conditions for storing seeds. However, […]

Filed Under: The Garden Tagged With: Field Crops, History, Ornamental Plants, Seed Saving, Vegetables

Keeping a Garden Journal

March 28, 2017 by hsotr

Keeping a Garden Journal

Gardening season is finally upon us! If you’re like most gardeners, you are looking forward to planting seeds with the full expectation of making this the best gardening year yet. While much of gardening comes down to experience, diligence, and creativity, having the right tools makes a big difference. One handy tool is the garden […]

Filed Under: The Garden Tagged With: Fruit, Insect Pests, Journals, Ornamental Plants, Plant Health, Vegetables

Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Test Kit

February 23, 2017 by hsotr

Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Test Kit

This pH and NPK test kit is simple and inexpensive—perfect for the budget-conscious gardener.

Filed Under: The Garden Tagged With: Fruit, Ornamental Plants, Plant Health, Soil, Stewardship, Supplies, Vegetables

Walnut Toxicity

November 16, 2016 by hsotr

Walnut Toxicity

To protect themselves from competition, black walnut trees exude a toxin called juglone.  Gardens planted near black walnut trees or roostocks frequently fail to thrive due to this toxin.  Many plants can be affected, but tomatoes and potatoes show the greatest susceptibility.

Filed Under: The Garden Tagged With: Fruit, Nature, Ornamental Plants, Plant Health, Vegetables

Verticillium Wilt

November 8, 2016 by hsotr

Verticillium Wilt

Verticillium wilt is caused by six different species of fungus, all of the genus Verticillium.  These six fungi can attack most of the plants and trees that gardeners like to grow, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants.

Filed Under: The Garden Tagged With: Fruit, Ornamental Plants, Plant Health, Soil, Vegetables

Tobacco Mosaic Virus

November 2, 2016 by hsotr

Tobacco Mosaic Virus

Although its most common victims are from the nightshade family, tobacco mosaic virus can infect a surprising array of garden plants.

Filed Under: The Garden Tagged With: Ornamental Plants, Plant Health, Vegetables

Powdery Mildew

October 26, 2016 by hsotr

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is caused by one of the most common and widely distributed fungi that plague gardens.  The disease can attack a wide range of plants, as it is caused by several species of the order Erysiphales.  A sampling of commonly affected plants includes: Cucumbers. Pumpkins. Squash. Melons. Grapes. Phlox. Peonies. Lilacs. Bluegrass. Fescue. The […]

Filed Under: The Garden Tagged With: Fruit, Lawns, Ornamental Plants, Plant Health, Vegetables

Fusarium Wilt

September 21, 2016 by hsotr

Fusarium Wilt

Fusarium wilt is a disease common to the southeastern United States.  It is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum and affects numerous garden plants, including vegetables, small fruits, and flowers.  The most susceptible host species include: Tomatoes. Sweet potatoes. Cucumbers. Watermelons. The disease is spread through infected soil.  Once it is introduced, it is nearly […]

Filed Under: The Garden Tagged With: Fruit, Ornamental Plants, Plant Health, Soil, Vegetables

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