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Co-authored by Andrew Carberry, Food Systems Expert Updated: March 29, 2019 Commercial cherries are grown from grafts so the growers know exactly what they're getting. This is because planting cherries from seeds may produce bitter fruit. Planting cherry pits is a project for home growers who want to take on a challenge and who are looking for an ornamental plant. To plant cherry seeds, plant the dried pit of a cherry in well-draining, neutral soil outdoors during the early fall, choosing a spot with plenty of sun and pressing the pit 1 inch (2.5 cm) beneath the soil. You may also...

To grow an orchid, you have to think like an orchid. The golden rule for orchid success is to duplicate the plant's natural conditions as closely as possible. In nature, most orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other objects, clinging to rough bark or even stone. The showy orchids favored by most people are usually either phalaenopsis hybrids (so-called moth orchids) or dendrobium hybrids. Optimal Growing Conditions for Orchid Plants These plants thrive in strong light, but not direct late-afternoon sunlight (although dendrobiums can handle more sun). They also need high humidity and turbulent airflow around the roots. They need regular periods of...

Growing cacti and succulents from seed is relatively straightforward, and can produce a diverse collection of plants in only a few years. There are more than 2,000 species of cacti and succulents suitable as tabletop potted plants or tall floor plants. Cactus and succulent seeds are generally available from commercial seed companies. Clean propagation pans by washing them with disinfectant. Pans should be small and shallow, no more than 4 inches deep and 6 inches in diameter. There are many different suggested growing media formulas to experiment with. One formula calls for mixing a coarsely sifted organic growing medium, such...

By Julie Christensen What’s the most troublesome area in your home landscape? If you’re like many homeowners, it’s probably the area under evergreen or shade trees. These areas are problematic for a few reasons. First, the area under a tree rarely receives enough sunlight to grow grass well. And if grass does grow there, accessing it with a lawn mower can be difficult if the tree has low-lying branches. The canopy of the tree tends to prevent rainfall from reaching the ground. Also, the tree’s roots compete with other plants for water and nutrients.   If you’ve given up on...