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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Gardeners often have mixed feelings about snails. These slow-moving creatures can bring both benefits and challenges to a garden, making it essential to understand their roles and how to manage them. Snails as a Friend Snails can be beneficial in a garden ecosystem. They feed on decaying plant material, helping to break down organic matter and enrich the soil, which boosts nutrient availability for other plants. Snails also play a…
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Description A hybrid succulent is a cross between separate succulent species, often times belonging to separate genera. A few examples of hybrid genera (sometimes referred to as nothogenera) include xGraptosedum, xGraptoveria, and xSedeveria. As the names imply, these nothogenera come from the cross between Graptopetalum, Echeveria, and Sedum respectively. Creating hybrid succulents can be incredibly challenging, but the results are well worth the effort, as you will soon read. Advantages…
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Enclosed ecosystems, often called closed terrariums, are self-sustaining mini-habitats where plants and microorganisms work together to create a balanced environment inside a sealed container. These unique ecosystems mimic the natural processes found in the wild, as water, oxygen, and nutrients cycle continuously, providing the plants with everything they need to thrive. By observing an enclosed ecosystem, we get a glimpse of how nature manages its resources, making it a captivating…
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Overview Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts, and for good reason. Known for its heart-shaped leaves streaked with golden-yellow, this hardy plant not only adds a pop of color to any room but is also incredibly easy to care for. Golden Pothos is a versatile choice for both new and experienced gardeners, thriving in a range of indoor conditions and bouncing back even when it faces…
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Propagation Methods Propagation and succulents go hand-in-hand. There are several ways to propagate your succulents; however, stem cuttings and leaf cuttings are the usually easiest method. Experienced horticulturist may instead opt for propagation through seed because of the added benefits, such as the potential for genetic mutation, or the ability to create hybrids, but this method can be incredibly difficult. Luckily if you follow these propagation guides then even the…
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Description Echeveria is a large and diverse genus of flowering succulent plants native to Mexico. These plants are known for their tight rosette clusters that stay close to the ground, unlike some other succulents that grow long stems. Echeveria is a hardy genus, with some species being evergreen, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. They propagate themselves through offshoots and seeds, usually producing new growth…
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The peacock flower (aka Caesalpinia pulcherrima) is a member of the pea family native to the tropics of the Americas. The peacock flower is quite a captivating plant because of its fern-like leaves and unique orange flowers. Thriving in full sun with well-draining soil, this plant is just as easy to grow as it is beautiful. Seed propagation is supposed to be fairly easy with this plant. I am in…
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Graptopetalum, also known as Leather pedal, is a genus of 19 succulent plants native to Mexico. Members of this genus sport pinkish-blue fleshy leaves that grow in tight rosettes. Many of the species belonging to this genus are immensely hardy and incredibly easy to propagate. All of these wonderful traits make Graptopetalum an excellent genus for beginner gardeners. Scientific Classification Hardiness Zone Graptopetalum can tolerate USDA hardiness zones 8b –…
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