From Family Plot. The vegetables have sprouted, and it is time to pull the mulch around them to prevent weeds. Peter Richards shows how to mulch between bean plants with hardwood and pine needle mulch. This video is part of an experiment testing five different kinds of mulch: woven landscape fabric, black plastic, pine needles,…

From Family Plot. Planting sunflowers and zinnias in five different types of mulch—woven landscape fabric, black plastic, pine needles, hardwood mulch, and cardboard. UT Extension Horticulture Specialist Celeste Scott shows how to plant in each along with bare soil. Both transplants and direct-seeded flowers are placed using consistent spacing and depth, with planting methods adjusted…

From Family Plot. An overview of easy-to-grow cut flowers suited for home gardens, including both cool-season and warm-season annuals. UT Extension Horticulture Specialist Celleste Scott covers basic placement tips, transplanting versus direct seeding, and strategies for extended bloom periods. She talks about good beginner choices like snapdragons, sweet William, sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, and celosia. She…

From Family Plot. Fire Blight is a serious disease in apple trees. It is a bacterial infection and needs to be removed to keep the tree healthy. Peter Richards shows what fire blight looks like and then shows how to prune it out of an apple tree. He also talks about ways to prevent it.…

From Family Plot. Organic mulches in the vegetable garden will make your life easier by reducing weeds and the amount of water you need to use in your garden. Peter Richards shows how to plant seedlings (tomatoes and peppers) as well as seeds (beans and watermelons) in three different kinds of organic mulch: pine needles,…

From Family Plot. Pole saws let you prune a tree without having to climb a ladder. Peter Richards shows how to use a pole saw to trim tree branches using the pruner feature and also the saw feature. There are several different kinds of pole saw: (Amazon Affiliate Links) Cutter and Saw with telescoping pole:…

From Family Plot. There are several ways to plant vegetables in black plastic and woven landscape fabric. Peter Richards shows how to plant vegetable transplants and seeds in sheet mulch. Once the sheet mulch is laid, he shows how to use a knife or blowtorch to cut holes where you can plant. He also shows…

From Family Plot. Mulch can make your life as a gardener so much easier. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper gives four reasons why you should use mulch in your garden. Subscribe now to Family Plot for more gardening videos like these! https://youtube.com/@FamilyPlotGarden Visit our sister channel for answers to common garden questions: https://www.youtube.com/@GardenQuestionsAnswered For even…

From Family Plot. Applying organic mulches on your vegetable or flower garden reduce weeds, retain soil moisture and build your soil. UT Extension Agent Walter Battle shows how to enhance your garden using pine straw, wood chips, and cardboard. These materials help suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and gradually improve soil structure by adding organic…

From Family Plot. Common Vetch is a weed that spreads and can form a thick mat of foliage. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper talks about how it grows and methods for control, both natural and chemical. Here are links to chemicals Chris talked about (Amazon Affiliate Links): 2,4-D: https://amzn.to/3SDvWea Mixture of 2,4-D and Dicamba: https://amzn.to/4mjMOEv…

From Family Plot. Plastic sheet mulches are commonly used in vegetable and flower gardens to control weeds and manage soil conditions. UT Extension Specialist Walter Battle shows how to lay sheet mulches in a garden. He also gives the pros and cons of both plastic sheeting and woven landscape fabric their differences in permeability, durability,…

From Family Plot. Managing squirrel activity in gardens and yards involves the use of various deterrents, physical barriers, and environmental adjustments. Common approaches include motion-activated devices, wire mesh, and repellents, along with the strategic placement of plants and trees. Certain dog breeds and live traps are also effective in reducing squirrel presence. These methods aim…

From Family Plot. The ingredients of some common garden chemicals are changing, but the labels look the same. Round-up and Sevin are two brand names that have become synonymous with certain chemicals but today it is common to find those brands no longer contain those chemicals. Subscribe now to Family Plot for more gardening videos…

From Family Plot. Choosing the right kind of blueberry is important and there are certain varieties that will do well in certain regions. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison gives an overview of blueberry types suited to different U.S. regions: rabbiteye, southern highbush, northern highbush, lowbush, and half-high. He explains key characteristics such as chill…

From Family Plot. When you are planning your landscape you should make it work for you. Don’t follow outdated habits like foundation plantings. Carol Reese says it’s more useful to define areas based on your needs—such as gardening, entertaining, or play. Think of your landscape as a series of rooms, with elements that create walls,…

From Family Plot. If you are trying to decide if you want to propagate your plants with seeds or cuttings, there are some things you need to consider. Jill Maybry from Memphis Botanic Garden talks about some of the things she looks for when making that decision. Subscribe now to Family Plot for more gardening…

From Family Plot. If your fern is getting to big for its pot, or you want more ferns, it is easy and quick to divide it. Jill Maybry from Memphis Botanic Garden shows how to split a potted fern in half and put it in two pots. Subscribe now to Family Plot for more gardening…

From Family Plot. Grouping plants in garden bed to create appeal. When planting garden beds, grouping plants in varied patterns will create a more dynamic and visually appealing landscape. Joellen Dimond shows how using a mix of leaf sizes and perennials, annuals, bulbs, and shrubs add seasonal interest and texture, while incorporating different shapes and…

From Family Plot. When a tree is stressed it attracts tree borers. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper shows how to tell when a Japanese maple tree has borers and then talks about what to do now. You can’t use an insecticide, so you have to help the tree survive. Subscribe now to Family Plot for…

From Family Plot. Swiss chard can be moved even if it has been growing for awhile in a bed. Carefully dig it up with some soil so it will have some undamaged roots. Then replant it at the same level it was growing before. Water well for several weeks until the plants can grow new…

From Family Plot. Colocasia, Coleus, Angelonia, and Begonia make a great combination in the flower garden. It’s spring and time to plant the summer annuals. Joellen Dimond, Director of Landscape at The University of Memphis shows how to prepare the bed, plant the plants, and give them a good start. She also shows how to…

From Family Plot. Create new plants for free by propagating rhizomatous or rex begonias. It is as simple as cutting off a leaf and sticking it in a pot of soil. Begonias, like the eyelash and beefsteak varieties, are easy to propagate from leaf cuttings by pressing the stem into soil and ensuring the leaf…

From Family Plot. Create new plants for free by propagating cane begonias. It is as simple as cutting off a branch and sticking it in a pot of soil. Cane begonias are easy to propagate by cutting off a stem and replanting in soil, where they quickly root. Jill Maybry from Memphis Botanic Garden shows…

From Family Plot. After blooming a bromeliad will die. This is part of its lifecycle. However often the dying plant will have new pups growing around the base which can become full-sized plants with a bloom. Jill Maybry from Memphis Botanic Garden shows how to care for a neglected plant after it has bloomed. Subscribe…

From Family Plot. Tropical houseplants can bring nature into your home, with vibrant colors, textures, and easy-to-care-for options. Popular choices include the Tradescantia family, like the Pale Puma and Golden Turtle Vine, which thrive in indirect light and are low-maintenance. Bromeliads, Button Ferns, and the Devil’s Backbone succulent add unique beauty, while Aloe and Begonias,…

From Family Plot. Tomatoes come in many varieties, each with a unique flavor. Proper planting techniques will give your tomatoes a strong start. Also, you aren’t the only one who likes tomatoes. Pest control measures are also important. Tomatoes offer a wide range of varieties, each with unique flavors, colors, and uses. Tomato Girl Alainia…

From Family Plot. There are many soil test kits that claim to be able to tell you the nutrients in your soil. Unfortunately, most of them are very inaccurate. Soil testing at home sounds like a good idea: easy quick results. We tested the four main kinds of home soil tests and compared the results…

From Family Plot. Dusty Miller, dichondra, and sweet potato vine can thrive in any light condition and offer a range of colors and leaf shapes to stand out in the garden. Subscribe now to Family Plot for more gardening videos like these! https://youtube.com/@FamilyPlotGarden Visit our sister channel for answers to common garden questions: https://www.youtube.com/@GardenQuestionsAnswered For…

From Family Plot. There are many beautiful annual flower options for a flower bed in the shade. Caladium, lobelia, torenia and New Guinea impatiens, offer a plethora of colors to to make your shady areas pop. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond talks about basic care of each while describing their growth characteristics.…

From Family Plot. There are many beautiful annual flower options for a flower bed in part-sun/part-shade. Caladium, gomphrena, begonia, ageratum, and pansies offer a plethora of colors to suit any aesthetic. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond talks about basic care of each while describing their growth characteristics. Subscribe now to Family Plot…

From Family Plot. There are many beautiful annual flower options for a flower bed in full sun. Lantanas, portulacas, celosias, marigolds and zinnias offer a plethora of colors to suit any aesthetic. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond talks about basic care of each while describing their growth characteristics. Subscribe now to Family…

From Family Plot. The simple math to convert one kind of fertilizer to another and synthetic fertilizer recommendations into organic. Subscribe: youtube.com/@UC1yWvD192f3gHZ08_T-k5lQ There are three main ingredients in fertilizer: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These are mixed in different amounts in different fertilizers. Even if you don’t have the exact blend you want, you can often…

From Family Plot. Get a Good Harvest by Keeping Your Peach Tree Healthy Subscribe: youtube.com/@UC1yWvD192f3gHZ08_T-k5lQ Visit: familyplotgarden.com Peaches face several disease and insect threats. Controlling these diseases and insects, and proper pruning will give you a juicy harvest. Peaches require the proper care to be successful and provide you with lots of juicy fruit to…

From Family Plot. Disease resistance, climate, and rootstock are all important considerations when choosing an apple tree. Visit: familyplotgarden.com Subscribe: youtube.com/@UC1yWvD192f3gHZ08_T-k5lQ There are over 5,000 apple varieties worldwide, with about 2,000 available in the US. Disease-resistant varieties are important for homeowners, as they reduce the need for chemical treatments to control apple scab, fire blight,…

From Family Plot. Choosing which damaged or struggling plants to keep, and which to pull out. More info: familyplotgarden.com When considering which plants are worth saving and which should be replaced, it’s important to assess the health of the plant by examining the canopy and overall growth. Retired MSU Extension Horticulture Specialist Lelia Kelly explains…

From Family Plot. Move beyond simple spring-blooming shrubs or colorful fall trees with plants with a unique look year-around. Retired MSU Extension Horticulture Specialist Lelia Kelly lists her favorite plants that attract attention all year long. Plants like the rabbiteye blueberry, oakleaf hydrangea, and various maples offer spring blooms, summer foliage, and vibrant fall color,…

From Family Plot. In an accidental side-by-side test, bird netting kept deer away from pansies. More Garden info: familyplotgarden.com A few weeks ago, we put bird netting over our pansies. Just after that the landscapers planted a whole bunch of pansies right next to our garden. Well, it did not take long, but the deer…

From Family Plot. Winter is coming and you can protect perennials and shrubs from common winter problems. As winter approaches, gardeners can protect perennials and shrubs by mulching, watering regularly, and removing dead or diseased plant material. For added protection during cold snaps, cover plants with blankets, cheesecloth, or old nursery containers, and consider using…

From Family Plot. Keep Deer and Rabbits from feasting on young tender flowers with bird netting. You can keep them from munching on your young tender plants with almost invisible bird netting. More gardening: familyplotgarden.com Gardener Peter Richards shows how to use a few bamboo stakes, zip ties and some bird netting to cover a…

From Family Plot. Cool season grasses like tall fescue and bluegrass can grow in the southern US, but they require special care. More Garden Videos: youtube.com/@FamilyPlotGarden UT Extension Agent Joseph Seago gives tips for successfully growing cool season grasses in the hot climate of the Southeastern U.S. He gives maintenance practices, including interseeding, irrigation, and…

From Family Plot. How to dig up and save any flower from winter cold. More Videos: youtube.com/@UC1yWvD192f3gHZ08_T-k5lQ More Info: familyplotgarden.com You can dig up plants in your flower bed to keep them over the winter. Joellen Dimond shows how to dig around the plant to be able to lift up a large chunk of soil…

From Family Plot. Fall preparation will help your fruit tree succeed. More Gardening Videos: youtube.com/@UC1yWvD192f3gHZ08_T-k5lQ More Info: https://familyplotgarden.com A fruit tree is a long-term investment in the garden. Preparation for your new tree should begin months before you actually put it in the ground. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison reviews how to plan for…

From Family Plot. Dianthus, pansies and Swiss chard give great color for the winter garden… and greens for the kitchen too. Lots of planting ideas: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLalgWdpIXuNqcvzPkbsRkpqXLhbBI6Qnf Mid-Fall is the time to pull out the summer flowers and plant for the winter. This winter it will be dianthus, pansies and edible Swiss chard. University of Memphis…

From Family Plot. Provide Pollinators Nectar in the Fall. More Videos: https://youtube.com/@FamilyPlotGarden More information: https://www.familyplotgarden.com Fall is a time when most plants have finished blooming for the year, but bees and butterflies still need to eat. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond shows how one good fall nectar source can attract many bees…

From Family Plot. How to Cut Out Spent Oregano Blooms. More Videos: https://youtube.com/@FamilyPlotGarden More Information: https://www.familyplotgarden.com Oregano will bloom with long branches that extend from the main plant. As the blooms fade the plant looks messy and scraggly. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond shows how to prune the dead blooms to neaten…

From Family Plot. Bromeliad plant care, life cycle, bloom, possible problems. More garden videos: https://youtube.com/@FamilyPlotGarden Bromeliads are a diverse family of plants featuring around 2,500 species and thousands of varieties. They are known for their striking foliage and vibrant colors. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond reviews common types of Bromeliads, and tells…

From Family Plot. Get rid of Japanese Privet. https://www.familyplotgarden.com, https://youtube.com/@FamilyPlotGarden Japanese privet is very invasive. Birds spread the seeds and it can now be found growing everywhere and displacing native plants. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond shows how to kill a vigorous privet plant both with and without chemicals. Subscribe now to…