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Experienced gardeners are well aware of this reality and have even come to enjoy the ephemeral nature of their outdoor spaces.
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Do you have a cedar tree in your yard, but aren't quite sure what to plant underneath it? Certain plants will grow much better underneath cedar trees, but how do you know which ones to pick? Cedar trees are a favorite landscaping tree for many people all over the world. But finding the perfect plant to grow underneath them can be a bit of a challenge because of their structure, and root system. Adding plants under any tree is a common technique for integrating that tree into a landscape and avoiding empty space. You can also create an interesting layering effect by adding a mix of ground cover and shrubs. However, there are some important considerations when choosing these plants, especially for cedars. The wrong plants could harm nearby trees or not do well if they have to compete with the tree’s root system for water and nutrients. Read on to learn more about cedar trees and which plants do well underneath them.Cedar trees belong to the Pinaceae family. They’re native to the Himalayas and the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. These evergreen trees are incredibly resilient. They don’t need a lot of water and thrive in slightly acidic soil with no fertilizer. The only maintenance they require is the occasional mulching and some light pruning. You’ll also have to water regularly when you first plant a cedar tree, but adult trees only need rainwater. Cedars need plenty of sun. They grow rapidly and do well in Zones 7 through 9A, but it’s a very versatile tree that can adapt to different conditions. There are a few diseases to watch out for, including cedar-apple rust, a type of fungal disease that affects cedar trees and apple trees. Port-oxford-cedar root disease is a condition that can spread through soil movement. Besides improving the aesthetics of your yard, plants that grow underneath your cedar tree can help loosen the soil and help the tree’s root system absorb more oxygen and nutrients. Another benefit is that plants will absorb excess water and help create ideal conditions for the cedar, especially if you live in an area with heavy precipitations. If water accumulates at the base of a tree, it can make the soil too compact and make it difficult for the roots to grow.Some plants do well under cedars and others don’t. Cedars thrive in soil that is slightly acidic, but they can grow in soil with a pH of anywhere from 5.5 to 7.2, so don’t assume your garden soil is necessarily acidic if you have a cedar tree. It’s best to test the soil before selecting plants that will go underneath the tree, to figure out whether you should select species that do well in acidic soil or not. Shade can be a challenge. Cedars are evergreens with dense foliage. Cedars can provide similar challenges to growing under other shade trees like oaks. Depending on the cedar variety, they can cast a big area of shade, making planting underneath them a challenge. The dripline can be another issue. Because of the dense foliage, water will drip where it ends and create a zone that could get saturated with water. The root system can vary from one type of cedar tree to another, but lots of trees in that family have shallow and fibrous roots. Limiting the number of plants you add around the tree is important so the tree can still get the water and nutrients it needs from the soil.
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When it comes to growing your own food, you want to consume the healthiest produce and ensure that you are continuing the safest practices possible. This is why organic gardening and the techniques associated with it are so important in our day and age. While much of the world has given themselves over to GMO (genetically modified organism) plants with unknown chemical compositions, organically focused growers are continuing onward with traditional methods that are thousands of years old. Not only is this the most feasible option, it is also the most nutritious and most logical way to grow our food. When growing organic food, you know exactly what you are going to be putting into your mouth, rather than the modern practice of ignoring unknown chemicals and mutations in your food. This means that you are going to avoid unknown complications from chemically induced mutations and will logically ensure that you are only eating food that you know is healthy for you. This practice has been proven to improve your health and comes with no unknown health risks, unlike the alternative. Organic gardening challenges and rewards Growing using more traditional methods does come with some challenges that seem unique in our current world. While GMO plants grow under almost any conditions, cultivating natural varieties takes more time and added attention to their proper growing conditions. This can manifest in the form of extended growing times, shade requirements, soil drainage needs, and even fertilizer needs. However, these challenges have been around for centuries and there are easy solutions available for each and every one of them. Growing in this manner does have a number of benefits outside of health as well. There are exciting opportunities to create familial heirloom varieties that can be passed on to newer generations or cross bred with other gardener’s crops. This is possible because heirloom seeds and plants grown using natural methods maintain their ability to produce viable seeds, something that mainstream crops have lost. This lack of terminal seeds makes breeding and continuing on centuries old traditions easy and cost efficient. Organic gardening preparation When choosing to create an organic garden you will need to ensure that you have the correct tools, soil, and maintenance plan in place. The best way to accomplish this is by researching the crop that you want to buy, purchasing seeds from a reputable breeder, and then following their instructions for the crop. Any good breeder will give you information about the soil, shade, water, and growth needs of the seeds that they sell. Heal the worldThe next step is to ensure that your soil is the right condition for the seeds and that it will be able to sustain life. This is usually accomplished by getting a soil test and then correcting for any deficiencies in the soil. When doing this you should avoid any and all commercial treatments as they contain unknown components and can damage the soil or transfer over to your produce. Instead, organic matter such as manure, moss, clippings, and fungi can be introduced and tilled into the soil to create the correct nutrient profile. Organic garden maintenance Once you have begun growing your crop you will want to ensure that you continue with natural maintenance methods. Avoid chemical additives like Miracle Grow for water, commercial potting soils, and any root additives. It is also important to avoid any pesticides and sprays that contain inorganic compounds. Remember, anything that you put in the ground, on your plants, or into the water can end up in your mouth and in your body as well. Depending on the variety that you have chosen to plant you may have different harvest times. It is important to keep track of approximate dates and to check on your plants every single day. When growing traditional produce you will have a much shorter time to harvest and utilize your crop as they have not been engineered with preservatives. However, this means that they will always taste fresh when they are picked and will have a much fuller flavor profile than anything you buy at the store. Any fruit or vegetable that you grow using organic methods will be healthier and have a better taste than chemically treated foods. The unadulterated flavors contained within your harvested goods will ensure that all of your food has vibrant and exciting flavors. By avoiding the chemical infestation of modern GMO foods you prevent traditional breeding and growth methods from stalling and ensure that a new generation of real food will be created and enjoyed by health conscious individuals.
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Narcissus flowers are beautiful, low-maintenance plants. For a beautiful daffodil display in spring, get planting in the fall. Lorin Nielsen will share our best daffodil care tips here and provide a full growing guide.We all love the early flowers of the spring months. Start in the fall to produce those gorgeous displays. Narcissus flowers are high on that list. Daffodils, jonquils, and narcissus are all from the same genus of plant, and are easy plants to care for. These produce bright, showy flowers in sunny spots, delighting the eyes. And a few even produce a sweet scent, too! Excited to see narcissus flowers springing up after a cold winter? You’re not alone. Read on to discover exactly how to have this prolific spring surprise appear!The genus Narcissus covers a lot of ground and includes a wide number of plants. The American Daffodil Society has established thirteen separate divisions of narcissus. These divisions are usually based on the shape of the flower, as it’s the easiest identifier.Narcissus as a species is native to regions in Europe and North Africa, with a primary concentration in Spain and Portugal. These bulbous plants thrive in a variety of habitats, ranging from meadows and woodlands to rocky slopes and riverbanks, depending on the species. They are particularly well-suited to Mediterranean climates, characterized by wet winters and dry summers. Due to their striking blooms and adaptability, they have been widely cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world over time.Narcissus flowers have three basic components. At the back of the flower is the hypanthium, sometimes referred to as the floral tube. This is the point at which the flower joins the stem. Tepals, or the petals that form the base of the flower, sit low on the perianth (base) of the flower. Finally in the center is the corona, which forms the well-known tube or trumpet-like shape. Most people identify narcissus, daffodils, or jonquils solely from that corona. Some varieties are more distinctively-shaped than others, but they’re all beautiful! Miniature cultivars can fall into any of the American Daffodil Society’s divisions. These are usually hybrids or crossbreeds which have been cultivated for their size. The divisions currently in use include the following list. Trumpet daffodils: These have a large corona or “trumpet” in the center of the flower with petals as long as the outer tepals, with one flower per stem. Large-cupped daffodils: One flower to a stem, large corona which is more than a third of the length of the outer tepals but shorter. Small-cupped daffodils: One flower per stem, small corona which is less than a third the length of the outer tepals. Double daffodils: One or more flowers per stem, has doubling of the outer perianth tepals or the corona or both. Triandrus daffodils: Two or more flowers per stem, has the distinct look of Narcissus triandrus with slightly backward-flexed perianth tepals. Cyclamineus daffodils: One flower per stem, perianth tepals bent backwards from the corona, distinct Narcissus cyclamineus look. Jonquilla daffodils: One to five flowers per stem typical, corona may be cup, funnel, or flared in shape, wider than long, and may be scented. Tazetta daffodils: Three to twenty flowers per thick stem, usually fragrant, with perianth tepals curling slightly forward. Poeticus daffodils: white perianth tepals with a disc-shaped or short corona, has characteristics of Narcissus poeticus. Bulbocodium hybrids: One flower per stem usually, extremely large corona with minimal perianth tepals Split-cupped collar or papillon daffodils: Two variations (collar or papillon) of daffodil with split corona rather than tubed. Other daffodil cultivars: Narcissi that don’t fall into the above categories, usually inter-category hybrids. Daffodils distinguished by botanical name only: Species, wild variants, and wild hybrids found outside established gardens.
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Although not a common ingredient in home kitchens, most are aware of the humble horseradish, a root vegetable used as a herb for its pungent flavor. Whether you can it or grate it fresh, there is nothing quite like the quintessential horseradish taste – strong and overpowering, but undeniably delicious at the same time. This taste is even better at its freshest: straight from the garden. Horseradish is a popular perennial vegetable due to its prolific growth. In fact, horseradish grows so well without any care, it is often labeled invasive. You’ll have far more trouble getting rid of the plant (if you ever actually want to) than when you actually plant it. Besides taste and incredible ease of growth, this plant also comes with a wide range of health benefits, used in ancient medicine hundreds and thousands of years ago. Growing this plant in your own backyard will not only add diversity to your diet, but to your garden too. Plant History This root vegetable goes back to ancient times, with Greek, Egyptian, and Roman history. Like many common herbs and spices with medicinal benefits, horseradish history goes back centuries, further than the historical record of the plant. The ancient history of horseradish is shrouded in myth and miscommunication – such as the belief that it was a prominent herb in Ancient Egypt. However, what we do know about its history is no less fascinating. The written history of horseradish first appears in Ancient Greece, where the root was prized for its medicinal value. Roman Pliny the Elder recommended the plant in his famous work Natural History. It also features in popular Greek Mythology, where the Oracle of Delphi is believed to have told Apollo that horseradish is worth its weight in gold. Early consumption was mostly medicinal, especially during the Middle Ages. It was used to treat a myriad of ills, from coughing to digestive issues. Due to increased travel during the Renaissance and the Age of Exploration, the plant spread to the rest of Europe around the 15th and 16th centuries. Here, it gained a new value as a spice and condiment, used alongside meat dishes for its intense flavor. In the 1600s, horseradish was most popular in Germany, Scandinavia, and Britain. Around the same time, horseradish was transported from Europe to North America, where it gained the same level of popularity. Common in 18th century home gardens, records show it was even grown by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Horseradish remains popular 200 years later. It is still part of Jewish tradition, on the Passover Seder plate, and continues to be used in herbal remedies. By planting horseradish in your own backyard, you can preserve a little piece of this history. Cultivation Spicy horseradish is considered invasive to some people, as it is near impossible to get rid of. Horseradish is cultivated for its long roots and a special chemical makeup that gives the plant a spicy kick. The root contains glucosinolates that break down to form isothiocyanates when the tissues are damaged, like when grating or chopping. Most commercial production occurs in Europe, where this vegetable is most often used. When cultivated in gardens, horseradish can become invasive. This is due to the aggressively spreading tap roots that burrow deep into the ground. Older roots, although largely woody and inedible, make way for the spread of new, tender roots that spawn new leaves every season. Even the smallest piece of horseradish root left in the ground can grow into a fully-fledged plant, making it incredibly difficult to completely remove once planted. Gardeners attempt to control this growth by planting horseradish in pots or in a cordoned-off area of the garden. Frequent harvesting also limits the spread of the plant but often does not stop it completely. While many see this as a burden, the aggressive spread is ideal for gardeners with an intense appreciation for horseradish – plant it once and you’ll have a lifetime supply. It’s also ideal for beginners due to its rapid growth and ease of care. Propagation If you’re looking to grow even more horseradish plants faster than the plant will spread on its own, they are incredibly easy to propagate. In fact, they probably sit high on the list of easiest garden plants to propagate, as the tiniest piece of root will quickly grow into a full plant. These plants are commonly propagated by division. This method is also useful if your plant begins spreading and becomes too densely packed. Simply divide the plants and place in pots or in another area of your garden to continue growing. Propagating by Division It is possible to split the root of a horseradish plant to propagate it. To propagate horseradish, first begin by preparing your soil. As a root vegetable, it’s important that the site is completely free of weeds and is amended with plenty of organic matter for healthy growth. If growing in containers, ensure the medium is light (preferably mixed with a peat alternative or perlite) to prevent waterlogging and rotting of the roots. Lift the plant out of the soil gently using a fork. Ensure you don’t damage any parts of the root or break any off, as any roots left in the soil will likely regrow. Once the plant is lifted, you can either cut at the crown of the plant, or at the root, depending on the growing season. In colder areas, crown cuttings will help the plant establish quicker before the leaves die back. Once the roots are cleaned and dried, split the plant vertically with each section containing a healthy amount of leaves. These cuttings can then be planted deeply back into the soil as they are. In warmer areas, root cuttings are a viable option and will likely yield more plants. This can be done when the leaves of the plant die back around autumn. Simply cut the roots into 6-inch pieces and plant each piece around 1-2 feet apart. Come spring, leaves should emerge from the planting spot, indicating the roots have been established. Planting The most important factor in planting horseradish is quality soil. Planting horseradish could be as easy as throwing the root in the ground and letting it grow. However, in order to keep your plants as healthy and productive as possible, there are a few factors to consider. The first is soil. As horseradish is a root vegetable, soil quality is incredibly important. Ensure you loosen the soil at least 10 inches down to help root growth and amend with plenty of compost. Remove any weeds or materials that could hinder the root’s prolific growth. Once the ground is prepared, the roots can be planted 1-2 feet apart. Ensure you place the root in the ground the right way up – the roots won’t grow upside down. If you’ve purchased your horseradish set from a nursery, the bottom end is usually cut at an angle, with the top end square. It’s best to plant at a slight angle (45°) to allow the roots to grow without interfering with the neighboring plants. Ensure these roots are all placed in the same direction for easy harvesting. Once placed in the planting hole, cover with 2 inches of soil and gently press to secure in place. Follow the same procedure when planting in containers. Ensure your container is deep enough to accommodate the long roots without crowding, at least 25 inches deep. How to Grow Horseradish is so tolerant of such a wide range of conditions that it is almost impossible to get growing wrong. When gardeners say “plant it and forget it”, they really mean it. In fact, you probably will forget about it when the leaves die back in winter, only to be welcomed by masses of lush green foliage in spring. If you want the best roots possible, there are a few conditions to consider, but they don’t need to be followed too closely – horseradish will grow just about anywhere. Light Horseradish thrives where it can receive full sun, at least six hours. Horseradish grows best in areas with full sun. This greatly improves root growth, making the roots you eventually harvest bigger and tastier. They can also grow well in areas with partial shade, but the roots will not grow as well with less sunlight. If you’re planting several horseradish plants, shade is not a problem, but if you’ve only got one or two and want a significant harvest, focus on full sun. Those lacking the right planting spot can always plant in containers. This is recommended anyway to avoid the intense spread of horseradish through the rest of your garden, but it also allows you to modify the light conditions throughout the day, ensuring your horseradish remains in a full sun spot while accounting for the movement of the sun. Water Horseradish needs just the right amount of water to keep the roots from getting to hard without rotting. Watering often when the plants are young helps speed up growth and keep the roots healthy. But, once established, horseradish is considered relatively drought tolerant and isn’t a high water consumer. If the soil remains dry for too long, the roots may become woody and unpleasant to eat. This won’t damage the plant in the long term, as new growth will appear from these woody roots, but it will ruin your harvest. Ensure you water just as the soil dries out to keep the roots and leaves in the best possible shape. Avoid overwatering at all costs. Excess water in the soil can lead to root rot and encourage a wide range of diseases that will permanently damage your plants. Rather underwater and stay on the safe side than overwater. Soil It can’t be said enough: the soil is the most important factor if you want to grow horseradish in your garden. Horseradish will grow in a wide range of soils, even those considered poor quality. However, it is unlikely to grow well under these conditions. For thick, healthy roots and a long-lasting plant, soil is the most important condition to consider. The soil should be incredibly loose and well-draining. This provides the least resistance, allowing the roots to travel downwards without trouble, and prevents waterlogging that ultimately leads to root rot. The pH is not a major factor impacting growth, but these plants do prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil rather than an alkaline soil. Amend the soil with plenty of compost before planting and often afterward to promote soil health. The good organisms and nutrients from the compost will go straight to improving the roots, bettering your harvest overall. Climate and Temperature Cooler climates are favored by horseradish, and frost should not kill it. These plants prefer temperatures on the cool side. Cold soil over winter actually improves the flavor of the roots, so tough winters are not a problem for this plant. Frost is also not a problem – it will kill the leaves, but the roots will remain alive and well in the soil below, ready to bounce back next season. Horseradish grows best in USDA Zones 4-7 or 8. It may occasionally grow well in Zones 3 or 9, with some conditions adjusted for optimal growth. In general, cool moderate climates are best, but this plant is incredibly adaptable to a wide range of conditions. Fertilizer If planted in nutrient-dense soil, your horseradish plant should have no need for fertilizer. Fertilizing horseradish is not a necessity as these plants grow relatively well without any added nutrients when planted in the right soil. Regular composting, before planting and throughout growth, will improve soil health enough to keep your horseradish roots growing rapidly. Those wanting to boost their harvest and improve overall growth, or those will poor soil nutrients, can apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer at the beginning of spring. Vigorous leaf growth is a good sign as the plant focuses its attention on the leaves in spring and summer, switching to the storage of starches in the roots over autumn as the leaves die back. Maintenance It is highly important to maintain horseradish so it does not take over your entire garden. Horseradish requires little to no maintenance, making it ideal for beginners or the occasionally lazy gardener (guilty as charged). Regular weeding is encouraged during the early stages of growth for good root health, but not much else is needed to keep these plants in great shape. Rather than maintenance, your most important task will likely be control. Keeping these plants contained to the area you planted them in is not an easy task. Monitoring their spread and harvesting or dividing plants when necessary is just about the only maintenance you’ll need to manage. Harvesting You should have plenty of horseradish root to harvest in the spring or fall. Horseradish needs time to establish; at least one season, but preferably two. Harvest when needed, ideally in spring or autumn for the best flavor, by loosening the soil with a gardening fork. Follow the direction of the root, loosening the soil as you go, to make it easier to remove. If you don’t want any horseradish to grow back next season, make sure you remove the entire root and any smaller roots that come off during removal. Once pulled, scrub the roots clean and leave them to dry. They can then be stored in the fridge for several months in a plastic bag or container. You likely won’t have any problems with harvesting, but rather the problem of having too much to harvest, and more than you know what to do with.
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No need to overpay for springs roll anymore. You can easily make them right at home and they taste so much better!
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This shrimp scampi recipe has it all — it's buttery, garlicky, lemony, and gets a hint of heat from crushed red pepper and bright herbal flavor from basil. The air fryer makes it especially easy. You start the sauce in a pan in the air fryer, then add the shrimp and remaining sauce ingredients. Once the shrimp is cooked, just toss it with cooked linguine and you're ready to go. For a deeper sweet seafood flavor in the sauce, leave the shells on the shrimp. You can also serve the shrimp with crusty bread instead of pasta if you'd prefer.
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