Star Anise Growing Conditions

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Chinese star anise is a seed whose flavoring is used in many Eastern cuisines like Chinese, Indian and Indonesian. The tree is native to the Mediterranean and is an evergreen in the magnolia family. Its name is derived from the six- to eight-point star-shaped fruit that houses the mildly licorice-fl

DIY Moisture Meter

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A moisture meter is used to measure the moisture of a certain substance. There are two main reasons for using a moisture meter. The first is testing soil, which can be very important for various types of farming, since moisture levels need to be maintained at certain levels throughout the year based

Florida Plants That Sting

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Nettle plants are known for stinging hairs.nettle in dark image by .shock from Fotolia.comFlorida may seem like a paradise, but it has its share of biting insects and dangerous animals. Even some of the plants can leave painful injuries. One of the most prominent of these is the family of...

How to Plant Hot Pepper & Cantaloupe

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Hot peppers (thin-skinned peppers with a zing, including jalapeno, anaheim and long-red cayenne) and cantaloupe are warm-season vegetables with similar growing requirements. They both love warm, sunny days and even moisture. Hardy to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4, both crops need a long growing season

Types & Varieties of Hydrangea Care

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Hydranges add color and visual appeal to the garden.hydrangeas image by Ruslana Stovner from Fotolia.comHydrangea is an easy to grow summer blooming shrub.Soft shadings of white, ivory, pink, lavender and blue make Big Leaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) the most commonly grown...

Vanda Care

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The Vanda orchid is a hybrid plant great for use as a houseplant because it's adaptable, easy to grow and has beautiful flowers. Native to the Philippines, the Vanda orchid produces tall, strong stems with up to 12 flowers on each. You can expect the blooms to last for at least three weeks under ide

Natural Sand Fly Repellent

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Sand flies are blood-sucking insects typically found in sandy areas. While they are generally harmless, their bites can turn into skin irritations or become itchy bumps. In extreme cases, they transmit serious diseases. Apply natural substances to repel their unwanted advances.

How to Tell When Potato Plants Are Ready

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The potato was originally an Andean crop that became widespread throughout the world. That adaptation indicates how diverse this group of plants is. Not only do you find them in most corners, they also appear in round, elongated and odd shapes. Potatoes are small, medium or large, purple, yellow and

The Best Ways to Prune Tomato Plants

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Pruning a tomato plant involves removing the small branches, called suckers, that develop in the Y between a branch and the main stem. The advantages to pruning include concentrating growth on the fruit instead of foliage and preventing exposure to insects and disease. Pruning results in healthier p

How to Care For Escallonias

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Escallonias are delicate, warmth-loving shrubs that come in many attractive varieties. Although evergreen, they are delicate and cannot tolerate colder climates. Learn how to plant and care for escallonias so you can enjoy them year after year.

How Do I Lower the pH Levels in Soil?

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A pH over 7 is alkaline or basic, while a pH under 7 is acidic. Most plants have specific pH ranges they prefer; some plants like blueberries, azaleas and gardenias, actually thrive best in acidic soils. If you want to grow one of these plants and find the pH of your soil is over their optimal range

Problems With Lost Foliage on Gardenias

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Any one of a number of problems can cause gardenia leaves to drop.Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty ImagesGardeners can see their gardenias' leaves die and drop off for several reasons. The plant requires specific conditions for growth and survival, with a limited acceptable...

How to Control Crab Grass

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Crab grass is a late-emerging grass species often referred to as "Fall grass." Crab grass is thicker and taller than most other grass types found in lawns and thus gives your lawn a patchy look that many homeowners despise. Controlling crab grass is possible, however, if careful attention is paid to

How to Identify Large, Brown Beetles in Virginia

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Large, brown beetles are common garden pests in the southern and mid-Atlantic states, including Virginia. Brown beetles target gardens and shrubbery, but you may also find them clinging to siding or even inside your home. Of the different types of large brown beetles, most are harmless, but some can

Landscaping Trees to Use As a Screen

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Trees that provide privacy screening are an essential element in home landscaping. Not only do these plants serve to add privacy from strangers, they can mark borders and add visual interest. Growers can select a number of trees for this job, but evergreens are preferred since they are fast-growing

What Is the Fruit of a Hosta?

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Hostas are members of a large plant group called angiosperms that flower and reproduce themselves by producing seeds. The group includes perennials, herbs, trees, shrubs, fruits and vegetables. All angiosperms, including hostas, produce fruit that follows flowers and protects seeds.

How to Grow Vegetables in Seattle

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The Seattle area could be challenging when it comes to starting a vegetable garden because the weather is cool and wet. However, this does not exclude the possibility of a thriving garden. There are quite a few different vegetables that will grow in the cooler climate of Seattle. Starting a vegetabl

What Is the Most Common Plant in the Tundra?

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The word "tundra" comes from a Finnish word meaning barren or treeless land. Yet, the tundra holds a wealth of plant life. The more common plants offer wildlife and birds important resources for food, shelter and nesting locations.

Tools I Will Need to Grow Peppers Indoors

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Although peppers are usually a warm-season outdoor plant, it's possible to grow them indoors if you have the right tools to emulate their natural growing conditions. You can grow the peppers to maturity indoors or start the young plants inside with the intention of later transplanting them to the ga

Shrub Care Year-Round

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Seasonal shrub care keeps your bushes, hedges and shrubs looking their best and helps them remain healthy regardless of the time of year. Each variety of plant has its own pruning, moisture and fertilizer needs, but most shrubs need these elements tended to at similar times. Create a calendar specia