Water and air in the soil are important for good plant growth. Good drainage and a porous surface helps water penetrate the soil into the root zone. Water and organic materials in the soil together interact in such a way as to benefit the roses. As organic matter decomposes in the soil, it gives off carbon dioxide which replaces some of the oxygen in the soil. Thus, soil air contains less oxygen and more carbon dioxide, but carbon dioxide is dissolved by water in the soil to form a weak acid.
- Sunday, 05 May 2013 22:38
- by Ed Zasadzinski, past president of NE Ohio Rose Society
- Sunday, 05 May 2013 13:14
- By Kathy Van Mullekom Daily Press (Newport News, Va.) (MCT)
Any azaleas flowering in your yard this spring are probably Asian in origin _ not American species that offer different sights and pleasing scents.
"Azaleas native to the United States are colorful and well adapted to our challenging climate," says Les Parks, curator of herbaceous plants at Norfolk Botanical Garden in southeastern Virginia.
- Sunday, 05 May 2013 13:13
- By Angie Hicks (MCT)
The garbage disposal is often one of the most-used appliances in the kitchen. It's also the most abused.
"Foreign objects in the disposal is the most common issue," said Kevin Harner of Kevin Harner Appliance Services Co. in Enola, Pa. "I've seen everything run the gamut from paper clips and bottle caps, to nails and screws in there.
- Sunday, 05 May 2013 13:12
- By Norman Winter McClatchy-Tribune News Service (MCT)
Mixed floral hanging containers have become the rage across the country, and thanks to the coconut liner it is easy to jump on the basket bandwagon.
It wasn't long ago that you only saw such beautiful displays when visiting mild-climate tourist areas, and now everyone can either buy them already made or be like Monet, and create a piece of floral art.
- Sunday, 17 March 2013 09:43
- By Mary Beth Breckenridge Akron Beacon Journal (MCT)
You probably hate reading about bedbugs.
Believe me, I'm not too crazy about having to write about them.
But bedbugs are an increasingly vexing problem.