Hot Gardening How-Tos

How To: Prune roses in the spring

In this video, we learn how to prune roses in the spring. When you prune the roses, you want to cut the branches with shears at the bottom of the plant. Cut any of the dead parts that you see before the flowers start to grow back. If you see any short stubs that haven't and won't grow out, trim those off as well. Leave any healthy branches to keep growing, but trim the tops of them. When you finish, you should end with just a few branches left that are ready for the new growing season. Remove...

How To: Style an old yamadori bonsai

The previous owner chose this view. The trunk is naturally hollow. Dead wood is coming toward us. Branches are coming to the back so we will have to do some manipulation. The two parts of deadwood play together in an interesting dance. The piece of deadwood can be improved and the branches can be moved more to this side of the tree as a front. This is what we'll go with. (Using various tools, the bark is removed from the left side deadwood). Height has been added to the branches. Lots of torn...

How To: Use micro-misters for drip irrigation systems

Micro misters allow for low volume of water over a wide area. They give good moisture coverage. Systems can be pulled up, changed and made into what you need it to be. Keep potted plants separate from other plants. They should have their own system. There is a system to encourage growth of root systems of various plants. Shrubs get two emitters in case one clogs up, the plant still has moisture. Having the water at the base of the plant limits weed growth. There is a temporary system to get t...

How To: Grow strawberries easily in a container

In this tutorial, we learn how to grow strawberries easily in a container. First, you will need your refrigerated bare root strawberries laid out in front of you. Next, prepare your soil by using a high quality potting mix and adding 1/3 compost to the mixture. Take your soil and place it into a plastic bin, then add in some water. Mix the water with a trowel, then place your soil into a strawberry jar up to the first row of pockets. Next, plant your strawberries into the pockets on the side ...

How To: Get rid of Japanese beetles

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to get rid of Japanese beetles. This task is very easy, fast and simple to do. Begin by filling a bucket with some water and liquid soap. Then simply shake the leaves and catch the beetles in the bucket. Another way to is attach a funnel on top of the bucket's lid. Place a 4 wall trap on top of the funnel. This will allow the beetles to instantly fall through the funnel when they hit the wall. This video will benefit those viewers who have a backyard ...

How To: Make nitrogen enriched manure tea for garden plants

Are your plants dying? Are they in dire need of some fertilizer? Is your compost not cutting it anymore? Well, save your garden plants with this recipe for nitrogen rich manure tea fertilizer. It's a really easy all natural fertilizer anyone can make. You can collect manure in your pasture or buy it by the bag at a garden center. You can also reuse the manure over and over again. Keep chemicals out of your garden and go green!

How To: Grow wheatgrass in your home garden

Interested in growing your own wheatgrass? This gardener's guide will show you how it's done. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the process in just over a minute and a half minutes' time. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, watch this video.

How To: Grow tomatoes upside down in a bucket

Interested in less-conventional container gardening methods? Say, growing tomatoes upside-down in a bucket? This video will show you how it's done! It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the process in about 7 minutes' time. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Preserve and dry herbs

In this tutorial, we learn how to preserve and dry herbs. First, you will want to cut your herbs fresh from the garden. Next, use scissors to cut the herbs into small pieces. After this, place the herbs on a piece of wax paper on a plate. Now, place the plate into the microwave on half power for three minutes. Look at the herbs to see what they look like when they come out of the microwave. If there is still moisture in them, place them in a microwave again. Adjust the power and time you cook...

How To: Build a cheap worm composting box

In this tutorial, we learn how to build a cheap worm composting box. Start out by using a large plastic box that has a lid, a storage box works great. Also, grab two vents that you will place on the sides. Lay your vents down on the sides of the box and outline how large they are. Now, cut the box and place the vents on the sides with screw to keep it in place. This box is made to keep worms inside, so it doesn't need to look fancy or be decorated on the outside. Once you're finished drilling...

How To: Prune trees and shrubs in your garden

In this tutorial, we learn how to prune trees and shrubs in your garden. If you want to have a natural looking appearance to your plants, make sure you prune them often! A lot of plants will grow out of shape quickly, so make sure you trim them often. Don't square them off on top so your plant doesn't look fake and un-natural. To begin, you will want to take your tallest branches off first, from the bottom of the tree. Keep doing this until the very tall branches have been removed and you are...

How To: Plant narcissus bulbs

In this tutorial, we learn how to plant narcissus bulbs. To pick out the best bulbs, look for a nice healthy sprout and a nice firm bulb. These plants grow very fast and they grow during the winter. You can plant these and within 2-4 weeks you will have flowers growing. You can plant either a small or large bulb, just make sure it's healthy. To plant these, you can either grow them in rocks and water or soil. To grow in soil, place the bulb all the way into the soil then pour water into the p...

How To: Prune pine shrubs or trees

In order to prune pine shrubs or trees, you will need the following: pruning sheers. Conifers can be pruned, whenever they aren't growing. Pruning when a plant is actively growing will retard the growth. Therefore, if you need to restrict the height of a tree or shrub, then you would prune it, when it is in active phase. New bud formation will begin at the point where you trim. Future trimming should be done where new bud growth is found.

How To: Collect fern spores for propagation

In this tutorial, we learn how to collect fern spores with Nancy Swell. If you turn a fern over, you will see the spores on the back of them. The green spores are green and will not shed from the plant. You will first need to collect the fern leaves and place them in an envelope so they dry out and the spores are released. When they are dried, you will see a substance that looks like dirt in your envelope. When finished, separate the light spores from the dark ones, and use how you wish. Make...

How To: Prune hybrid tea roses

In this tutorial, we learn how to prune hybrid tea roses with Peter Kukielski. When pruning, look at the entire plant and cut the upper branches to simplify the plant. You will remove the bush down to 12 or 14 inches. If you have a lot of branching, reduce them by trimming at the bottom and another branch will grow in where that was. Also, remove any buds that are swollen and aren't going to grow out. You can also trim off any interior growing buds that are growing the wrong way. If you notic...

How To: Pinch coleus plants

In this tutorial, we learn how to pinch coleus plants. This plant is great for containers and the garden, but you need to pinch it for it to become more full. If it's not pinched, it will grow straight up without and lateral branching. To do this, pinch off the stem right at the base of the stem. You can do this with a pruner or your fingernails. So, instead of one stem coming from the middle, two stems will come up from separate sides. You can be rough with this plant and pinch the stem many...

How To: Build a greenhouse to grow flowers or vegetables

In this tutorial, we learn how to build a greenhouse to grow flowers or vegetables. A greenhouse means the growing season doesn't have to end. You should plan the greenhouse out on paper before you begin, and allow space for walkways, location, and more. Make sure you can afford one and know that it will cost more for you to keep the climate in this preferable to grow plants. You can put a number of different glasses on the greenhouse, so pick which one you can afford and prefer the most. Pla...

How To: Let Mother Nature take care of roses during winter

Every time fall rolls around, gardeners tend to take their time when pruning plants in their garden. Roses are the most commonly pruned plants during the fall since many are trying to help protect them before the cold winter months arrive. But it's sometimes best to listen to Mother Nature on when is the best time to prune.

How To: Harvest herbs like basil, cilantro, dill, and chervil

In this tutorial, Susan Belsinger tells us how to harvest herbs. Don't let your basil flower because it's an annual herb and it will set seed if you do this. When you put the plant out, you have to cut the plant so it doesn't grow out to much. When you cut, more leaves will grow and it will get to a foot tall. Cut all of your basil like this, and cut it once a month. By cutting the seeds, you will get 20 cups of leaves per plant during a season. If you don't cut your plant back, you won't get...