Different pruning techniques are needed for different types of orchids. Justin Kondratis the lead horticulturist at the Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection in Suitland, Maryland. Monopodial orchidsgrow on a single stem that grows straight up and does not branch out. Credit:Adam Albright These orchids grow flower spikes, leaves, and aerial roots from a single growth point on that stem. Phalaenopsis, ormoth orchids, fall into this category, as do vanda orchids. Sympodial orchidsgrow from a rhizome or bulb and have multiple root systems....

Get more sweet bells and spicy jalapenos with these must-know tips for pruning pepper plants. Early season pruningis usually done whenpepper seedlings are first transplanted into your gardenin late spring. Pruning at this time can force any peppers that are remaining on your plants toripen before frost arrives. Credit:VITALII BORKOVSKYI / Getty Images It also helps shape your pepper plants for the season to come. First, remove any early flowers to redirect your plants energy to more leaf and root development....

so that grow the best fruit, you have to make some cuts. They are typically small deciduous trees that produce flowers and fruit on second year growth. Fruit sizes and colors vary, but are commonly found in both green and purple forms. Credit:Mike Powles / Getty Images Some varieties of common plums are grown specifically for producing prunes. Many aregrown as large shrubs rather than trees. When is the Best Time to Prune Plums?...

Learning how to prune thyme will ensure bushy, vigorous plants full of new growth for your kitchen use. But knowing how to prune thyme can help when your plant starts getting leggy or straggly. Occasional pruning will help keep it from getting woody and sparse at the base. Credit:Jurgute / Getty Images Encourage a bushy shape. Thyme plants, even upright varieties, tend to be a bit sprawling and can look loose and carefree....

The “burrito method” makes this tedious chore so much easier. Luckily, we have the tips you better put on a duvet cover with ease. How Does a Duvet Cover Work? Credit: Edmund Barr A duvet cover slips over the insert and stays fastened with buttons, strings, or zippers. To pick the right material, first, brainstorm your sleeping preferences. In this case, you could search for brands that design duvets based on temperature regulation....

If your noisy air conditioner is becoming a nuisance, use these easy fixes from the pros. Whether you have a window unit or built-in ducts, air conditioners are a necessity in warm climates. However, over time, they can develop a familiar rattle that doesn’t seem to go away. Credit: NoDerog/Getty Images Yet, turning the air off can be punishing. These irritating squeaks might seem like a small price to pay for the cooling benefit of an AC unit....

Coastal colors, rustic accents, and a laidback vibe characterize this maritime-inspired aesthetic. The fisherman aesthetic is expected to be big this year in everything from fashion to lifestyleand even home decor. This fisherman is laid-back and earthy with an effortlessly cool European flair. Credit:Edmund Barr So, how can you achieve this rugged yetcharming coastal lookin your home? According to interior designers, keeping it subtle and sophisticated is the key. Here are a few ways to capture the trending fisherman aesthetic in your home decor this year....

If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation. Refinishing your deck requires good preparation for a successful result. Starting with a clean surface and the right tools will make staining a wood deck much easier. Credit: Peter Krumhardt Use this step-by-step guide on how to refinish a deck to revamp your outdoor space with a brand-new look. Some professionals prefer brush scrubbing as a less harsh alternative to power washing....

Learn how to remove rust from metal patio furniture and paint over it with fresh color. Before you begin this outdoor project, ensure the rust hasnt damaged the structural integrity of the item. Small spots of rust are likely manageable, but large corroded areas might not be salvageable. Credit: Tria Giovan Remove Loose Rust Examine each furniture piece to determine any rusted areas that need attention. Gently use a paint scraper (available at The Home Depot) to remove loose, corroded material....

Learn how to refinish a dresserand give your old wood furniture an updated lookusing our easy step-by-step guide. Next, weadded painted hardwarefor a contemporary touch and finished with a coat of polyurethane. Discard the paint remnants in a scrap bucket. Credit: Jay Wilde Use a small wire-bristle brush to remove any paint from crevices. You might see bits of paint still on the surface, but that’s OK. Allow the wood surface to dry for about 15 minutes....

Tile outlasts grout, so regroutingmatching the original color or trying something newcan give your space a new look. Getty Images / Ruslan Sidorov Instead of replacing expensive tile, considerrefreshing the surrounding grout. Whether on a kitchen floor or a shower wall, tile typically outlasts grout. Credit:Getty Images / Ruslan Sidorov Over time, grout can accumulate stains or cracks, leaving a dingy appearance. Refrain from forcing the blade into the grout....

Yes, it’s possible for you to regrow carrots from the tops for their tasty greens. Jacob Fox Can you regrow carrots from the tops you cut off? The big edible root part wont regrow from the tops, but their leaves will. Credit:Jacob Fox The greens make tasty additions to salads,pesto, and more. Packed with parsley-like flavor, bright green carrot leaves can be used fresh ordried as an herb. They can also be enjoyed as a unique houseplant that may reward you with carrot seeds for future planting....

you’re free to grow a whole new celery plant from a celery scrap. Dont throw out the celery base that didnt make it onto thecrudite platteror into thegumbo recipe. Its not a kitchen scrap; its a propagation project. Credit: Jacob Fox you could use that chunk of unused vegetable togrow a new celery plant. All you need is a celery base, a dish of water, and a sunny windowsill. Its the growth center of the plant and can rejuvenate itself in the right conditions....