Orris Root
Orris root is a classified as a fixative (to keep color and fragrance longer) for making potpourri and can be purchased in small quantities at most pharmacies and drug stores. It can be poisonous and should be ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is used to de-activate pesticides (mainly herbicides) and is available at water conditioning companies. [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Poinsettia -- Reblooming
After the colored bracts (the blooms are small yellow flowers in the center of the bracts) fall, cut the plant back by half. Place outdoors during the summer, on the east or north side of the house. Fertilize and ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Pesticides
Try to purchase only the amount of pesticide that you need for a job you doesn't have any leftover chemical. But if you end up with excess pesticide concentrate, dilute it as directed on the label; then apply it to ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Chrysanthemum -- Winter Protection
Mums should also be mulched to limit the heaving action of the ground to winter's freezing and thawing. Chrysanthemum roots exposed to the winter sun and wind will dry out. Cut plants off an inch above ground after ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Tuberous Begonia -- Winter Storage
Store tubers in cardboard boxes between layers of vermiculite, peat moss, sawdust or wood shavings. Place a 2 to 3 inch layer of material in the box and then a layer of the tuberous begonias. Cover lightly with ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Fall Webworms
Fall webworms spin webs on various ornamental and flowering trees during late July through October. Caterpillars are greenish yellow with lots of hair and black dots and feed on leaves. As feeding continues, the ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Milorganite
Milorganite is a type of sewage/sludge fertilizer first produced and marketed in Milwaukee. The fertilizer analysis is 5-2-0 and slightly acidic. ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Chestnuts -- Harvesting
The soft nuts should be cured for two weeks on screens, with warm circulating air. Avoid placing the nut in an open garage that may invite squirrel pirates. Skins will be hard when cured and nuts firm. ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Scales
Many houseplant scales are brown, hard-shelled insects that suck the sap from plants. A sap-like substance is usually found on leaves. Scales can be found on petioles (leaf stems), leaves and stems of various ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Birch -- Causes Of Yellow Leaves
Lack of moisture. Birches are shallow rooted trees and require anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of water per week depending on soil types (more on sandy, less on clay) and temperatures (more during hot weather, less in ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Avoiding Junk Mail
You can also write directly to the sender of the unwanted mail and ask to be removed from their mailing list. Enclose the mailing label from the unwanted mail. Watch for the option on catalog order forms. Check the ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
