Have you ever wondered how much biodiversity is in your own backyard? Three housemates in Brisbane, Australia, decided to challenge each other to find out. Not only did they identify 1,150 unique plant, fungi and animal species in their suburban backyard, they wrote an academic research paper detailing the perhaps surprisingly extensive biodiversity to be […]
The peels of the aloe vera plant — as aloe barbadensis is commonly called — are routinely thrown away as agricultural waste, but scientists have found that these rinds can ward off bugs, acting as a natural insecticide for crops. The aloe plant has been used for millennia in the treatment of wounds, skin problems […]
Since the beginning of the 21st century, the western United States has been experiencing some of the driest conditions on record, and according to the UN, more than 75% of the world could be facing drought conditions by 2050. Bottom line: as climate change continues to cause water stress, we need to find ways to […]
Humanity’s efforts to conserve biodiversity are falling short and will continue to do so without focusing on retaining 79% of the remaining vegetation on the planet, according to a new study. Meeting this goal is important to achieving climate and conservation goals set by the United Nations. The study, published in Conservation Biology, notes that […]
Quick Key Facts What Is Xeriscaping? While you may not have heard the term “xeriscaping” before, you likely already have a pretty good idea of what it is in practice. Xeriscaping refers to landscaping an area in a way that requires little to no irrigation. It’s common in drought-prone areas, but xeriscaping is a water-wise […]
In the UK, experts have expressed concern that some foragers for wild mushrooms and garlic have been taking too many ingredients from protected sites, putting wildlife at risk, reported The Guardian. The National Trust is concerned that people have been gathering foraged foods to sell them, damaging delicately-balanced ecosystems. “Foraging brings us closer to nature […]
Not all creepy-crawlers are welcome in the garden, but some insects are very beneficial to the success of your flowers, herbs and veggies. According to Almanac, beneficial bugs fall into three categories: pollinators, which help pollinate plants; predators, which feed on garden pests; and parasitizers, like parasitic wasps and other insects that lay eggs inside […]
With spring settling in across the U.S. and days lengthening, many people are ready to spend more time outside. But after a walk outdoors, have you ever found seeds clinging to your clothes? Lodged in your socks and shoelaces? Perhaps tangled in your pet’s fur? While most of us don’t give these hitchhikers much thought, seeds and burrs may be the first signs of invasive plant spread.
In the dreary winter months, the spring feels a long way out — but warmer days are approaching fast! Pretty soon it’ll be time to dust off the gardening supplies and plan out your plots for the growing season. Vegetable gardens are already a money-saving venture, and the initial input costs lead to a season […]
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