Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez is a scientific and agricultural writer with a B.S. in Plant Sciences from Cornell University and a PhD in Chemical Biology and Infectious Disease from Harvard University.
Latest articles by Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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What Is A Systemic Pesticide: Using Systemic Insecticides In Gardens
If you have ever heard the term "systemic pesticide," you may have wondered what it means. This is actually an important thing to know. It?s also important to know how to use a systemic insecticide should such use be warranted. This article will help with that.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Growing Lavender In Zone 9 – Best Lavender Varieties For Zone 9
Many varieties of lavender do well in regions of zone 9 with hot, dry summers and mild winters, like much of Southern California. But even in difficult areas like the American South, there are lavender varieties that do well. Click here to learn more.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Staghorn Fern Varieties: Are There Different Kinds Of Staghorn Ferns
Staghorn ferns are unusual, exotic-looking plants that will definitely attract guests? attention. The plants known as staghorn ferns include the 18 species in the Platycerium genus plus many hybrids and varieties of those species. Learn more in this article.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Cold Hardy Swiss Chard – Can Swiss Chard Grow In Winter
Swiss chard not only grows well in the hot temperatures of summer, but it also tolerates frost. In fact, chard may actually taste better when it?s grown in cold weather. Click this article for information on caring for Swiss chard in winter.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Zone 8 Climbing Roses: Learn About Roses That Climb In Zone 8
For almost every color and flower characteristic that you can find in other roses, you can find the same among roses that climb. In zone 8, many climbing rose varieties can be grown successfully. Find recommendations in this article for zone 8 climbing roses.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Zone 8 Tropical Plants: Can You Grow Tropical Plants In Zone 8
Can you grow tropical plants in zone 8? You may have wondered this after a trip to a tropical country or a visit to the tropical section of a botanical garden. Well, the answer may surprise you. Learn more in this article.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Holly Spring Leaf Loss: Learn About Holly Leaf Loss In Spring
It?s springtime, and your otherwise healthy holly shrub develops yellowing leaves. The leaves soon begin dropping off. Is there a problem, or is your plant okay? Find out why this happens and what can be done about it in this article.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Oxygen For Plants – Can Plants Live Without Oxygen
You probably know that plants generate oxygen during photosynthesis. Since it?s common knowledge that plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere during this process, it may be a surprise that plants also need oxygen to survive. Learn more here.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Growing Peruvian Daffodils: How To Grow Peruvian Daffodil Plants
Looking for something different in your garden? The Peruvian daffodil is a lovely perennial bulb that produces white-petaled flowers with pale green to yellow interior markings. You can learn more about this interesting plant in this article.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Zone 8 Boundary Trees – Choosing Trees For Privacy In Zone 8
Want to add more privacy to your property? Be sure to select trees that are suited to your climate and to the characteristics of your property. This article will give you ideas for zone 8 boundary trees to choose from in planning an effective and attractive privacy screen.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Knock Out Rose Varieties: Can You Grow Knock Out Roses In Zone 8
Easy to care for, superior disease resistance, and abundant blooming make Knock Out? roses popular plants in the garden. With all these good qualities, many gardeners have wondered whether it's possible to grow Knock Out roses in zone 8. Find out in this article.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Applying Acaricide Insecticides: Using An Acaricide For Tick Control
Acaricides are pesticides that kill ticks and mites. They are one part of a strategy for controlling ticks around homes and should be combined with measures to reduce tick habitats. Learn more about acaricides in this article.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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What Are Sunflower Midges: Signs Of Sunflower Midge Damage
If you grow sunflowers in the Great Plains region of the United States and Canada, you should know about a sunflower pest called the sunflower midge. Learn more about this insect pest and how to keep your sunflower plants safe by clicking here.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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What Is Cactus Sunscald: Tips On Treating Cactus Sunscald In Gardens
Opuntia are lovely cactus plants that can be planted in an outdoor desert garden or kept as a houseplant. Unfortunately, there are several common diseases that can attack these beautiful plants. One of the most serious diseases is cactus sunscald. Learn more here.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Does Schefflera Bloom: Information On Schefflera Plant Flowers
Schefflera is popular as a houseplant and is usually grown for its attractive foliage. Most people in temperate regions have never seen a schefflera blooming, and it would be easy to assume that the plant doesn't produce flowers. Learn more in this article.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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What Are Vernalization Requirements And Why Plants Need Vernalization
Apple and peach trees, tulips and daffodils, hollyhocks and foxgloves, and many other plants wouldn't produce their flowers or fruit without cold winters. Click this article to learn about this process and why plants need vernalization.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Nicking Plant Seeds: Why Should You Nick Seed Coats Before Planting
You may have heard that nicking plant seeds before attempting to germinate them is a good idea. In fact, some seeds require this, so it?s important to know how to nick flower seeds as well as other plant seeds before starting your garden. Learn more in this article.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Zone 7 Shade Plants – Shade Gardening In Zone 7 Climates
Plants that tolerate shade and also provide interesting foliage or beautiful flowers are highly sought after. The plants you choose depend on your region and can vary widely. This article will provide suggestions for shade gardening in zone 7.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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What Are Microbes: The Benefits Of Microbes In Soil
Microbes in the soil and associated with plant roots provide a multitude of benefits, from improving the nutrient content of our crops to enhancing their resistance against diseases. For more information on how these beneficial microbes work, click here.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Almond Tree Hand Pollination: How To Hand Pollinate Almonds
With the decline in honeybee populations, home almond growers may wonder, "Can you pollinate almonds by hand?". Hand pollinating almond trees is possible, but it is a slow process, so it's only a possibility on a small scale. Learn more in this article.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Thigmomorphogenesis Info: Why Should I Tickle My Plants
Have you heard of tickling plants to help them grow? If you saw someone tickling, stroking, or bending plants, you might assume they were crazy. "Why should I tickle my plants?" you may wonder. This article will explain the reasons behind this unusual practice.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
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Mosaic Virus On Beets: How To Prevent Beet Mosaic Virus
Beet mosaic virus, known scientifically as BtMV, is an unfamiliar disease for most gardeners. It can, however, show up in home gardens, especially in areas where beets or spinach are grown commercially. So what is mosaic virus on beets? Click here to learn more.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez