文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月15日
Vinca, also known as catharanthus or Madagascar periwinkle, is a popular annual flower. Growing upwards to 10 to 16 inches tall, with dark green leaves and five-petal blossoms in pink, mauve or white, these flowers spread quickly and require little care. While vincas have few problems, occasionally they will suddenly wilt and die.
Symptoms and Causes
According to the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and Clemson University Extension, there are several diseases and fungus that can cause vincas to wilt, including phytophthora stem blight and root rot, pythium root rot, rhizoctonia stem and root rot, gray mold and the tomato spotted wilt virus. Symptoms of these diseases and fungus include dark colored lesions on the stems and branches, yellowing leaves with stunted growth, spots on the foliage, gray mold on the plant or black concentric rings on the leaves.
Many of these diseases and fungus are prevalent in soil that has poor drainage or gardens that have been watered incorrectly.
Prevention and Treatment
Select healthy vinca to plant in the garden. Enrich the garden's soil with well-rotted manure or compost before planting to help increase the soil's moisture-retention. Do not plant the vinca deeply and space 8 to 12 inches apart to allow for air circulation. Vincas need about 1 inch of water each week; if rainfall is insufficient, avoid overhead irrigation systems and water deeply in the early morning to allow the plants time to dry before nightfall.
Remove and destroy any affected plants. Treat the remaining plants with a fungicide; contact your local extension office to determine which fungicide is needed.
Symptoms and Causes
According to the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and Clemson University Extension, there are several diseases and fungus that can cause vincas to wilt, including phytophthora stem blight and root rot, pythium root rot, rhizoctonia stem and root rot, gray mold and the tomato spotted wilt virus. Symptoms of these diseases and fungus include dark colored lesions on the stems and branches, yellowing leaves with stunted growth, spots on the foliage, gray mold on the plant or black concentric rings on the leaves.
Many of these diseases and fungus are prevalent in soil that has poor drainage or gardens that have been watered incorrectly.
Prevention and Treatment
Select healthy vinca to plant in the garden. Enrich the garden's soil with well-rotted manure or compost before planting to help increase the soil's moisture-retention. Do not plant the vinca deeply and space 8 to 12 inches apart to allow for air circulation. Vincas need about 1 inch of water each week; if rainfall is insufficient, avoid overhead irrigation systems and water deeply in the early morning to allow the plants time to dry before nightfall.
Remove and destroy any affected plants. Treat the remaining plants with a fungicide; contact your local extension office to determine which fungicide is needed.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月09日
Don't expect to find carpets of these lovely orchids; they tend to grow singly or in small groups.
Description
This lovely orchid grows up to 60cm in height, has heavily-ribbed oval leaves, and carries up to 16 white flowers on an upright stem. The flowers do not open fully and so the blunt yellow lip is barely visible.
The flowers are mainly self-pollinated, although pollination by insects has also been recorded. The plants take at least eight years to develop from seed, and flowering can take an additional two to three years after that.
These orchids occur in woodlands (they are more common in Beech woods) where the underlying ground is chalk or limestone, although they are also found in more open positions from time to time.
Distribution
Two of the specimens shown on this page were photographed near Bryanston, in Dorset, and this orchid is only common in South-east England although there are confirmed sites in South-east Wales. Cephalanthera damasonium is in serious decline due to loss of habitat caused by the clearance of woodlands.
The White Helleborine is also found throughout continental Europe and as far east as Asia, where it is widespread but not abundant. We have also photographed this woodland orchid in Slovenia.
Flowering times
Cephalanthera damasonium blooms from early May until the end of June.
Description
This lovely orchid grows up to 60cm in height, has heavily-ribbed oval leaves, and carries up to 16 white flowers on an upright stem. The flowers do not open fully and so the blunt yellow lip is barely visible.
The flowers are mainly self-pollinated, although pollination by insects has also been recorded. The plants take at least eight years to develop from seed, and flowering can take an additional two to three years after that.
These orchids occur in woodlands (they are more common in Beech woods) where the underlying ground is chalk or limestone, although they are also found in more open positions from time to time.
Distribution
Two of the specimens shown on this page were photographed near Bryanston, in Dorset, and this orchid is only common in South-east England although there are confirmed sites in South-east Wales. Cephalanthera damasonium is in serious decline due to loss of habitat caused by the clearance of woodlands.
The White Helleborine is also found throughout continental Europe and as far east as Asia, where it is widespread but not abundant. We have also photographed this woodland orchid in Slovenia.
Flowering times
Cephalanthera damasonium blooms from early May until the end of June.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月06日
BOTANICAL NAME: Spathiphyllum
PLANT TYPE: Houseplant
SUN EXPOSURE: Shade
FLOWER COLOR: White
Peace lilies are one of the most common houseplants because they are so easy to grow. Most household varieties grow up to 16 inches tall, but larger cultivars can reach 6 feet in height.
Peace lilies produce white flowers in the early summer and continue to bloom throughout the year.
Note: Keep peace lilies out of the reach of small children and pets, as all parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate, an irritant and toxin.
PLANTING
Plant with an all-purpose potting soil and keep it lightly moist throughout the year.
Repotting annually in the spring is good for the lily because it will need refreshed soil.
CARE
Keep the soil moist at all times, but do not overwater.
During the winter, fertilize every 6 weeks or so.
Peace lilies enjoy a warmer environment, so keep them in temperatures above 60°F.
Keep out of direct sunlight, but in a well-lit area.
If no flowers are appearing, the plant may not be getting enough light.
PESTS/DISEASES
Brown leaf tips are common with excessive light, over fertilization, or lack of water and/or low humidity. Keeping the plant on a tray of moistened gravel can help increase humidity.
PLANT TYPE: Houseplant
SUN EXPOSURE: Shade
FLOWER COLOR: White
Peace lilies are one of the most common houseplants because they are so easy to grow. Most household varieties grow up to 16 inches tall, but larger cultivars can reach 6 feet in height.
Peace lilies produce white flowers in the early summer and continue to bloom throughout the year.
Note: Keep peace lilies out of the reach of small children and pets, as all parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate, an irritant and toxin.
PLANTING
Plant with an all-purpose potting soil and keep it lightly moist throughout the year.
Repotting annually in the spring is good for the lily because it will need refreshed soil.
CARE
Keep the soil moist at all times, but do not overwater.
During the winter, fertilize every 6 weeks or so.
Peace lilies enjoy a warmer environment, so keep them in temperatures above 60°F.
Keep out of direct sunlight, but in a well-lit area.
If no flowers are appearing, the plant may not be getting enough light.
PESTS/DISEASES
Brown leaf tips are common with excessive light, over fertilization, or lack of water and/or low humidity. Keeping the plant on a tray of moistened gravel can help increase humidity.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月04日
Aphids
Aphids can weaken peanut plants as well as spread disease. The 1/16-inch-long light green bugs multiply rapidly, and by sucking sap from plants can cause considerable damage in a short time. Check the plants regularly and control aphids with insecticidal soap sprays.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungus that's especially prevalent in areas where the weather is warm and moist. Small spots with light centers appear on plant leaves, eventually causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. To control leaf spot, rotate crops, plant certified disease-free seeds, remove and burn damaged leaves, and stay away from plants when they're wet.
Nematodes
Nematodes are microscopic eel-like creatures that can be beneficial or harmful. Several species of nematodes plague southern gardeners, stunting plant growth, killing root systems and cutting down yields. In addition to feeding on plant roots, they may also carry and spread disease. Stunted, yellowed and wilted plants are symptomatic of nematode damage. Preventive measures include crop rotation and adding loads of organic matter to your garden before planting. For information on nematode control in your area, contact your Extension Service agent.
Leafhoppers
Potato leafhoppers suck on the undersides of leaves, spreading diseases and causing the tips of peanut leaves to turn yellow. These tiny green insects are sometimes referred to as "sharpshooters" because of their wedgelike shape. To prevent leafhopper damage, control weeds around your garden and cover plants with floating row covers. If leafhoppers succeed in infesting your plants, spray with pyrethrum.
Rootworms
Southern corn rootworms bore into young plants and feed on peanut pegs and pods in the soil. These insects can slow healthy growth or even kill entire peanut plants. They're about 1/2 inch long, slender and yellowish white with a brown head. This pest is the larval stage of the spotted cucumber beetle. To control corn rootworms, treat your soil with beneficial nematodes.
Thrips
Thrips are microscopic pests that can transmit diseases among vegetables - especially in hot, humid climates. If you notice damage in the form of whitish patches on leaves, control with insecticidal soap or destroy severely infested plants.
Grubs
White grubs live in the soil and feed on the underground parts of peanut plants. The larvae are smooth and grayish white with hard brown heads. Mature grubs have curved 1/2- to one-inch-long bodies with six prominent legs. Control grub damage by growing green manure crops and by not planting peanuts where grass recently grew. Treat the soil with beneficial nematodes or milky spore powder.
Wireworms
Wireworms vary in color from dark brown to pale yellow and reach 1/2 to 1-1/4 inches long when fully grown. Their segmented bodies are hard and shiny, and like white grubs, wireworms feed on roots and other underground parts of peanut plants. Control wireworms with beneficial nematodes.
Aphids can weaken peanut plants as well as spread disease. The 1/16-inch-long light green bugs multiply rapidly, and by sucking sap from plants can cause considerable damage in a short time. Check the plants regularly and control aphids with insecticidal soap sprays.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungus that's especially prevalent in areas where the weather is warm and moist. Small spots with light centers appear on plant leaves, eventually causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. To control leaf spot, rotate crops, plant certified disease-free seeds, remove and burn damaged leaves, and stay away from plants when they're wet.
Nematodes
Nematodes are microscopic eel-like creatures that can be beneficial or harmful. Several species of nematodes plague southern gardeners, stunting plant growth, killing root systems and cutting down yields. In addition to feeding on plant roots, they may also carry and spread disease. Stunted, yellowed and wilted plants are symptomatic of nematode damage. Preventive measures include crop rotation and adding loads of organic matter to your garden before planting. For information on nematode control in your area, contact your Extension Service agent.
Leafhoppers
Potato leafhoppers suck on the undersides of leaves, spreading diseases and causing the tips of peanut leaves to turn yellow. These tiny green insects are sometimes referred to as "sharpshooters" because of their wedgelike shape. To prevent leafhopper damage, control weeds around your garden and cover plants with floating row covers. If leafhoppers succeed in infesting your plants, spray with pyrethrum.
Rootworms
Southern corn rootworms bore into young plants and feed on peanut pegs and pods in the soil. These insects can slow healthy growth or even kill entire peanut plants. They're about 1/2 inch long, slender and yellowish white with a brown head. This pest is the larval stage of the spotted cucumber beetle. To control corn rootworms, treat your soil with beneficial nematodes.
Thrips
Thrips are microscopic pests that can transmit diseases among vegetables - especially in hot, humid climates. If you notice damage in the form of whitish patches on leaves, control with insecticidal soap or destroy severely infested plants.
Grubs
White grubs live in the soil and feed on the underground parts of peanut plants. The larvae are smooth and grayish white with hard brown heads. Mature grubs have curved 1/2- to one-inch-long bodies with six prominent legs. Control grub damage by growing green manure crops and by not planting peanuts where grass recently grew. Treat the soil with beneficial nematodes or milky spore powder.
Wireworms
Wireworms vary in color from dark brown to pale yellow and reach 1/2 to 1-1/4 inches long when fully grown. Their segmented bodies are hard and shiny, and like white grubs, wireworms feed on roots and other underground parts of peanut plants. Control wireworms with beneficial nematodes.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月04日
Find the Right Home for Your Bulbs
Pots and containers come in so many colors, shapes, and sizes, it's hard to decide which ones to choose. If you want to put bulb containers on your patio or deck, make sure that they're at least 16 inches across for impressive color. Containers placed elsewhere should be at least 8 inches across.
Deciding How Deep
How deep your containers should be depends on the size and type of bulb you want to plant. Your container should allow for ample room for root systems to grow. You'll want to plant your bulbs in your container as deeply as you would in the ground. Ask at your garden center which bulbs have deeper roots and what size containers to use.
Choosing Materials
When you choose your containers, remember the weather. Frost can damage terra-cotta containers, but usually won't harm plastic ones. Also, don't forget to choose containers with drainage holes.
Planting the Bulbs
Plant your bulbs in the fall. Start by adding a layer of Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix to your container. Then plant a layer of larger bulbs, like tulips or daffodils. Cover them with another layer of potting mix. Then you can add a layer of smaller bulbs, like crocus. Then add another layer of potting mix, leaving a 1 inch gap at the top of the pot. Place your bulbs in a cold spot - a porch, patio, garage, or shed - for the winter.
Watering Your Bulbs
Water thoroughly after you plant the bulbs. Then, check the soil for moisture every week or so. Make sure the soil stays moist, but not wet, or your bulbs will rot. In several months, when the weather starts to warm, your bulbs will start to emerge, and soon, you'll have beautiful blooms in your containers with hardly any effort.
Pots and containers come in so many colors, shapes, and sizes, it's hard to decide which ones to choose. If you want to put bulb containers on your patio or deck, make sure that they're at least 16 inches across for impressive color. Containers placed elsewhere should be at least 8 inches across.
Deciding How Deep
How deep your containers should be depends on the size and type of bulb you want to plant. Your container should allow for ample room for root systems to grow. You'll want to plant your bulbs in your container as deeply as you would in the ground. Ask at your garden center which bulbs have deeper roots and what size containers to use.
Choosing Materials
When you choose your containers, remember the weather. Frost can damage terra-cotta containers, but usually won't harm plastic ones. Also, don't forget to choose containers with drainage holes.
Planting the Bulbs
Plant your bulbs in the fall. Start by adding a layer of Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix to your container. Then plant a layer of larger bulbs, like tulips or daffodils. Cover them with another layer of potting mix. Then you can add a layer of smaller bulbs, like crocus. Then add another layer of potting mix, leaving a 1 inch gap at the top of the pot. Place your bulbs in a cold spot - a porch, patio, garage, or shed - for the winter.
Watering Your Bulbs
Water thoroughly after you plant the bulbs. Then, check the soil for moisture every week or so. Make sure the soil stays moist, but not wet, or your bulbs will rot. In several months, when the weather starts to warm, your bulbs will start to emerge, and soon, you'll have beautiful blooms in your containers with hardly any effort.
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