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By fall, some mature plants will also offer a cluster of showy red berries that become more visible after the spathe withers away. The berries shine brightly and will add considerable luster to your shade garden late in the growing season. Jack-in-the-pulpit is a slow-growing perennial that is usually planted from corm-like roots in the fall, or potted nursery plants in the spring. Be aware that this plant contains oxalate crystals and is very toxic to people and animals if consumed....

Also known as yam bean, Mexican potato, and Mexican turnip, jicama requires roughly nine months of hot weather to produce a healthy crop. Thankfully, this requirement can be managed in colder regions by starting seeds indoors before warm weather is consistent (and a greenhouse doesn’t hurt, either). Just be careful to plant your jicama in a place securely away from children and pets, as the skin, stems, seeds, and leaves are toxic—so only the vegetable’s flesh is safe to eat....

Tall varieties of African marigold are sometimes planted by stripping off the lower leaves and burying the stems extra deep. This encourages an extra sturdy root system and minimizes the need for staking the plants. Light For the most flowers and the healthiest plants, plant your marigolds in full sun. Shady conditions will cause the plants to become leggy and to flower less profusely. Soil Marigolds are not fussy. Any good garden soil (and a little water during dry spells) should keep them happy, as long as the soil is not too acidic....

Deer are known to eat the foliage and blooms of this type of rose bush, so it is important to protect the plant. Aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, and black spot may also cause damage. Overly humid or wet conditions can result in fungal diseases. Light Rosa chinensis plants thrive in full sun but can tolerate filtered shade. For the best growing results and bloom, choose a location with at least 6 hours of sunlight....

Trumpet vines are best planted in the spring or early fall. It is both a fast-growing plant and one that can live for many decades if given a favorable garden location. Trumpet vine is mildly toxic to people and animals. Trumpet vines require little care in order to thrive. Fertilization typically is not necessary and watering usually is only required during periods of drought. But trumpet vine is still a high-maintenance plant, as aggressive regular pruning is mandatory in order to control growth and spread....

Though attractive in the landscape, Morus alba should only be planted if and only if it is not illegal to do so and if you plant one of the numerous sterile cultivars available in the nursery trade. Otherwise, if you have your heart set on some delicious mulberries, choose the native red mulberry (Morus rubra) or Texas mulberry (Morus microphylla). If a white mulberry is located in your garden, pruning and removing new seedlings will also be part of your yearly lift....

Hunting for morel mushrooms in the spring becomes a sort of mythical quest for those who crave these forest dwellers. The netted brown caps of the low-growing fungi are perfectly camouflaged in their woodland habitat, blending in with the leaf litter and decaying wood that nourishes morels from one season to the next. You don’t need to have access to large tracts of forestland to enjoy morel mushrooms if you grow them at home....

Because this genus is so diverse, it is perilous to generalize about it. Consequently, we will use yellow nutsedge as an example, discussing this particular nutsedge in detail and mentioning others as the context warrants. Yellow nutsedge is considered invasive in the United States and listed as a noxious weed in some states. Its native range extends from the Mediterranean to India. There is a debate as to how it arrived in the United States, with some even suggesting that its plant parts capable of self-propagation originally floated across the ocean from Africa to arrive on American shores and establish themselves....

How to Iron Without an Ironing Board A firm, flat surface is key to successful ironing. You can use a wooden or tile floor, a table, a kitchen or bathroom counter. A carpeted floor or bed can work well if you are not looking for sharp creases—for those you need a firmer surface. Whatever you choose, you must cover the surface to protect it from the heat and steam from the iron....

Here’s how to make your Christmas tree last extra long this holiday season. Buying a Christmas Tree Consider the timing of your tree purchase. Some people faithfully set the tree up the day after Thanksgiving, and take it down the day after Christmas. Some people wait until the week before Christmas, or even Christmas Eve. If you wait, it may be harder to get a freshly-cut tree. And the longer your tree stays up, the more it can dry out....

1. Measure Your Sheet Pockets First, it is important to take a look at your sheet’s pocket size. Although people generally look at what size mattress a sheet set will fit, such as queen, full, or twin, the pocket size is often overlooked. The pocket of the sheet refers to how deep the sheets are. It will determine how thick of a mattress the sheets can accommodate. So before purchasing sheets, be sure to know what pocket size you need....