Asian beetles, also called lady beetles or ladybugs, are one of the most well-received insects; however, many gardeners aren't fans. Asian beetles are considered beneficial to most gardens, as they often eat ants and keep their presence to a minimum. They also eat certain plants, which has some gard

It is important to have a properly functioning water distiller, as these devices purify your water to make it potable. Water distillers remove minerals, chemicals, and potentially harmful bacteria and organisms from your water supply, making it safe to drink. Water distillers should be routinely cle

A prayer plant, or marantaceae, gets its name from the dark patterns that resemble hands on its foliage. Prized for their ability to survive low-light situations, prayer plants are commonly grown indoors. However, prayer plants are not immune to pests such as fungus gnats. Fungus gnats cause a host

Fruit flies are pesky little flies that can be hard to get rid of. They usually come in summer and fall months because they are attracted to overly ripe or rotten fruit. Commercial pesticides are not very effective at killing them unless the actual breeding nest can be located. A better way of getti

Juniper bushes can handle the north side, as long as they get a little sun each day.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty ImagesIt's a common practice to plant bushes or flower beds around the perimeter of your home, hiding the foundation and livening up your yard. When choosing what to plant on...

Phoenix Roebellini, or Pygmy Date Palm, is a medium palm that is slow growing and can reach a height of 10 to 15 feet. This palm originates from Southern China and likes tropical weather but can exist in extreme heat and survive cold down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Landscapers love to use its elegant

Weeping willows' sweeping branches add grace to any landscape.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty ImagesWeeping willows have been immortalized in all forms of art, and are renowned for their graceful, sweeping branches. Considered a perennial tree, they shed their leaves in late fall and are...

To grow healthy crops and produce high yields of fruits and vegetables, fertilize your garden using the quantity of fertilizer shown to produce the best crops. Use commercially available fertilizer for ease of application and consistency in its active ingredients. All commercially available fertiliz

Fall planting of garlic develops the best bulbs the following late spring to early summer. Planting the garlic organically requires that no chemical fertilizer or pesticides is applied to the soil or earth. Like onions, garlic grows best in a rich humus soil. The growing bed must be deeply cultivate

Laurus nobilis, also known as bay laurel, is a slow-growing tree with attractive, dark green foliage. Once established, the tree is virtually maintenance free. Laurus nobilis is a great candidate for a topiary, and can be pruned to any size or shape. Bay laurel has an added benefit, as the leaves ca

Grass can be very difficult to grow under and around mature trees, especially oaks. Oak trees can easily out-compete lawn grass for water and nutrients as well as cast shade to prevent the photosynthesis of the grass blades. If numerous attempts to grow grass have proved futile, consider some altern

With their large, showy leaves, bananas make attractive indoor and outdoor plants. Growing a dwarf variety such as Dwarf Cavendish in a pot allows you to move your plant inside during cold winter weather. Although often called a tree, bananas are actually classified as an herb. Understanding your ba

Commercial weed killers often contain dangerous chemicals that may threaten the health and safety of your children or pets and may be harmful to the environment. Getting rid of annoying weeds without using chemicals may seem like a challenge, but with these homemade organic mixtures, it can be done.

Apples from grafted trees yield seeds capable of maturing into fruit-producing apple trees, but the fruit from these seeds will not be true to the parent plant, which means that the fruit is not identical to the parent plant. One of the reasons why apple trees are grown from grafts is to help grower

Many homeowners opt for brick sidewalks. Brick is much more durable than concrete. In fact, many brick sidewalks still function without repair 100 years or so after their original installation. But while brick is durable, the concrete or sand beneath the pavers may not last so long. Over time, the s

Kentucky holds a variety of edible mushrooms ranging from the medicinal Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) to culinary oyster mushrooms, morels, chanterelles, boletes and honey mushrooms. Mushroom finds do not end at the woods' edge. For example, King Stropharia (Stropharia rugoso-annulata) are fou

Daylilies grow from a fan-like root system with small slender tubers. Transplant them when the plants just sprout in spring or after the summer blooming period ends. According to the American Horticultural Society, gardeners in the northern United States should transplant daylilies in early spring w

The ideal temperature for a greenhouse is determined by the plants that are grown in the structure. The median temperature for a greenhouse grower to start with is 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most people dream of an organized, uncluttered home, but there are usually obstacles to clearing out your space. Frequently, people worry that they will regret getting rid of something. They might miss sentimental keepsakes or realize that they need something that they threw out. In order to really

Orchids are delicate flowers that require constant attention. After months of anticipation, a non-blooming orchid is a major disappointment, but just a few minor adjustments to its care routine can stimulate the orchid to bloom. If the potting mix has not been replaced in two years or more, move the