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Ponytail Palm

updated 2010-11-22 22:40:56

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Henry Fields Seed Catalog

updated 2010-07-17 07:29:10

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Bagworms

No matter which control method is employed, it is best done in the winter or very early spring before the larvae emerge from the egg bags.

Hand Picking -

For small infestations, the caterpillars and their bags can be picked right off of the trees or plants and disposed of.http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef440.asp

Birds -

There are a number of birds that prey on bagworms, opening up the bags with their beaks and munching on the caterpillars inside. Encouraging birds in problem area by placing bird houses or baths may offer some form of limited control.http://woodypests.cas.psu.edu/factsheets/insectfactsheets/html/bagworm.html

Insecticides -

For serious infestations, chemical treatments may be required. Homeowners wishing to use chemical sprays should use only products that are labeled for use on bagworms, and product directions should be followed exactly.

Bacterial Control -

The bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be used to fight bagworms and should be applied toward the end of June (again, product directions should be followed carefully). Bt is available for commercial purchase online and at some well-stocked garden centers.http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2149.html

updated 2010-07-27 18:51:30

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How to Prune a Tree

• Introduction
• Step 1: Before You Cut
• Step 2: Cutting Your Tree
• Why Prune?
• When to Prune
• Common Pruning Tools
• Conclusion

updated 2012-04-19 18:58:35

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Braided Ficus Tree

The braided ficus requires a warm environment. They are able to withstand a great deal of heat, but cannot tolerate cold or drafts. The tree can grow up to six feet in height indoors with adequate lighting. The tree requires thorough watering, until the roots are completely wet, with water that is lukewarm or at room temperature. The soil must be allowed to dry slightly before re-watering. Fertilize the plant according to its growth cycle. When it is producing new leaves, it should be fertilized every three or four weeks. Pruning follows the same guidelines as any other wooded plant, with cuts just above where a leaf is attached to the stem, or where another stem branches off. http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h146ficus.html

updated 2010-11-24 18:20:07

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How to Water a Bonsai Tree

1. Water the pot.

• Give it a light watering, just enough to get the pot wet.

2. Moisten the soil.

• Once the pot is wet, you will move onto wetting the soil only until moistened.

3. Water the bonsai tree.

• The final step is to water the bonsai tree itself. In the morning, water the pot and the soil but do not give the tree too much water as it could cause it to burn. In the evening, water it from top to bottom but be careful not to over water it. Over watering a bonsai tree could cause root rot which would cause the tree to die. This is where the fine line comes in. You must be able to know when the bonsai tree has had enough water, without over watering it. Follow these steps to help grow a healthy Bonsai tree.http://www.bonsaigardener.org/bonsai-tree-care.htmlhttp://www.the-bonsai-tree.com/tbt/

updated 2010-07-17 10:06:38

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Nerium Oleander

Oleanders are generally healthy shrubs; however, they do have some problems and pests that may inhibit growth and flowering. The pests include:

• Oleander aphids: Bright yellow pests that may damage young growth. These are specific to the oleander and may be treated with insecticides or natural remedies.http://cfextension.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/nursery_production/documents/Oleander.pdf
• Oleander caterpillar: A bright orange caterpillar that will cause oleanders to lose their leaves.http://cfextension.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/nursery_production/documents/Oleander.pdf
• Sphaeropsis gall: A fungus that causes woody lumps to grow on the stems of the oleander. Pruning may spread this organism rapidly.http://cfextension.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/nursery_production/documents/Oleander.pdf
• Oleander Leaf Scorch: An infecting bacteria that will cause the leaves of the oleander to yellow, and may kill the plant within two years of first being infected.http://cfextension.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/nursery_production/documents/Oleander.pdf
• Scales: White insects that are found on the oleander's leaves.http://cfextension.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/nursery_production/documents/Oleander.pdf

updated 2011-01-05 00:01:53

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How to Plant a Bonsai Tree

Most planting soils are dried out and because the tree is kept in a small space, watering is important. In order to train the soil to hold water, the potted tree should be placed in a tub with a handful of water. Give it only enough time for the soil to absorb the water. Never leave the tree in water for more than a few hours. For the first few weeks after planting it is important that the plant be watered twice a day. The soil should stay moist and not be allowed to dry out.

However, beware of over watering your plant, as the roots may begin to rot away. If the soil is moist through out then it is unlikely that it is time for the next watering. Some like to place moss in the pot along with the tree in an effort to make it look like a tree on a grassy hillside. While lovely, if the moss growth is too much, it can be harmful. The moss could act as a shield on top of the soil, keeping the water from reaching the roots below.http://www.bonsaiprimer.com/watering/watering.html

updated 2010-07-17 09:37:40

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How to Graft a Tree

There are a couple of different ways of bud grafting. You will need a sharp knife and something to wrap the bud with (there are special rubber bud bands you can get from a gardening store, but duct tape will also work well).

Budding should be done in late Spring or Summer.

The T method of budding is the most commonly used method. Make a small T shaped cut into the stock tree, cutting only as deep as the cambium layer. Make this cut away from any other buds. Twist the knife slightly at the cross of the T to loosen the bark.

Slice off a shield shaped peice of the scion tree, of approximately the same dimensions, and containing a bud. This should be deep enough to contain a thin slice of wood. Gently insert the scion piece into the T shape, closing the bark around it. Then, bind the bark to the scion with your tape or bud bands.

Alternatively, when bark is difficult to loosen, you can chip bud, which involves cutting at a shallow angle into the wood of the stock tree (exposing as much cambium layer as possible within the section) and removing a small section, then replacing it with a similarly sized section containing a bud and cut to the same shape from the scion tree. Bind the scion bud to the stock tree.

The following spring, the stock tree branch above the new bud can be cut, encouraging the bud to grow.

updated 2010-07-17 08:55:07

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