The History Behind the Petunias In 2024, my great aunt, Nelda, showed me a group of petunias growing wild on her property. These plants were immediately familiar to me. As a child, I remember playing among this group of petunias in her backyard when I would come to visit. The petunias have grown on her property without human care for at least 25 years. They reseed themselves, survive in heavy…
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Overview Composting is one of the most effective ways to improve your soil naturally. By recycling kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials, you can create a nutrient-rich amendment that strengthens your plants, boosts soil structure, and supports long-term garden health. For beginners, composting may seem complicated, but the truth is that anyone can do it. Whether you garden on a small porch or several acres, there is a…
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This is the story of the illusive, endangered, and mysterious hybrid we call Aloe ‘Lode’s Yellow’. From accidental origins to controlled cultivation, and now a risk of extinction – learn all about my journey uncovering this remarkable story! What is Aloe ‘Lode’s Yellow’? At first glance, this plant could fool you into thinking it is a common Aloe vera due to its yellow flowers, but the leaves grow long and…
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Most people grow roses from cuttings or potted transplants, but did you know you can also grow them from seed? While growing roses from seed is a slower process, it allows you to explore natural variety, experiment with breeding, and experience the joy of watching a rose grow from the very beginning. In East Texas, this process can be rewarding—but it requires patience, care, and the right timing. Step-by-Step: Growing…
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Protect Your Landscape Without Compromising Beauty If you live in East Texas, then you know how beautiful—yet hungry—our local deer population can be. For gardeners, this often means chewed leaves, missing flowers, and a lot of frustration. Fortunately, there are many plants that deer tend to avoid, allowing you to enjoy a thriving flowerbed without constant worry. Below is a region-specific list of deer-resistant plants for East Texas, grouped by light preference…
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Overview Plant breeding has changed dramatically in the last century. As tools like F1 hybridization, tissue culture, and genetic mapping have become standard in modern horticulture, breeders and growers alike are faced with the question: Are these newer methods better than the traditional ones? Using the petunia as a central example, this article explores the strengths and weaknesses of modern-day breeding methods compared to historical approaches—and considers what this means…
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At Gen1 Greenhouse, we are exploring the wild side of petunias.Our breeding project mixes wild species, heirlooms, and hybrids to see what happens when resilience and beauty collide. From Petunia axillaris’s powerful scent, to Petunia Integrifolia‘s vigorous growth, and even to Petunia exserta’s rare red blooms, we are crossing, observing, and documenting, while chasing petunias that are as tough as wild species and as stunning as the modern hybrid. Experimental…
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We all understand how difficult it can be to keep succulents alive, and it is even harder to keep them thriving. The biggest factor at play in allowing your succulents to thrive is the soil, because soil holds the key to root growth, nutrient supply. and much more. The soil can either help water flow through the roots like a refreshing drink or let it build up in the pot…
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Pruning Tomatoes and Growing Them Successfully in East Texas Tomatoes are a staple in many home gardens, and for good reason—they are productive, versatile, and relatively easy to grow with the right care. In East Texas, our warm climate allows for a long growing season, but high humidity and pests can pose challenges. Proper pruning is one of the best ways to keep your tomato plants healthy and productive. How…
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Introduction No-till gardening is a sustainable method that improves soil health while reducing labor and disruption to the garden ecosystem. By eliminating traditional tilling, this technique preserves soil structure, boosts beneficial microbial activity, and prevents erosion, making it an excellent choice for both home gardeners and large-scale growers. Why Choose No-Till Gardening? Tilling may seem like a quick way to loosen soil, but it actually disrupts essential soil life, leading…
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