Alex Jones

Philadelphia

Journalist, Copywriter and Content Strategist at Freelance

🧀 Independent food & ag journalist, author, cheese maven ✍️ Newsletter on cheese, culture & climate: https://t.co/Mg0iazYnlb

Articles

Sticky Plant Leaves? This Tiny Culprit Might Be the Problem - How to Get Rid of It

6 days ago | yahoo.com | Alex Jones

Key PointsSticky plant leaves are a sign that insect pests are attacking your plants. This honeydew isn't harmful, but it's a good idea to treat plants for pests right away. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove honeydew or allow it to wear away naturally over time. Sticky plant leaves are something no indoor gardener wants to see on the plants in their collection.
4 Ways Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Is Telling You It's Not Getting Enough Sun

1 week ago | thespruce.com | Alex Jones

Key Points Fiddle leaf figs have a reputation for being difficult to grow, and with good reason. If you don't meet this tall, large-leaved plant's growing requirements, its leaves will turn yellow, develop brown spots, or even fall off all at once. Fiddle leaf figs need lots of bright sunlight, and a lack of light is one of the biggest reasons yours might be struggling.
11 Shade-Tolerant Trees That Grow Fast and Add Privacy to Your Backyard

1 week ago | thespruce.com | Alex Jones

Fast-growing trees can add character and color to your home's landscape relatively quickly, but those varieties often require full sun to add height so quickly. However, there are plenty of shade-tolerant trees that grow at least moderately quickly, including many native species, flowering trees, and even trees with edible fruits. Here are 11 fast-growing, shade-tolerant trees to consider planting in your yard. Tip Want more gardening tips?
The Best Shade-Loving Trees That Grow Fast and Look Great in Any Yard

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Alex Jones

Fast-growing trees can add character and color to your home's landscape relatively quickly, but those varieties often require full sun to add height so quickly. However, there are plenty of shade-tolerant trees that grow at least moderately quickly, including many native species, flowering trees, and even trees with edible fruits. Here are 11 fast-growing, shade-tolerant trees to consider planting in your yard. TipEven trees that can tolerate shade require at least some direct sun to grow.
A 4-Step Guide to Making the Crispiest Air Fryer French Fries

1 week ago | cnet.com | Alex Jones

No matter the variety you reach for -- curly, crinkle, waffle or wedge -- French fries are best when they're made in an air fryer. You don't need to mess around with a messy deep fryer or an oven that will dry out the fries, but you do need to follow a few simple rules for the absolute best air fryer French fries.
Is Epsom Salt Actually Good for Your Plants? Here's What A Gardener Really Thinks

1 week ago | thespruce.com | Alex Jones

Key PointsEpsom salts are often touted as a cure-all for just about any garden ailment. However, this DIY soil amendment probably isn't necessary for you to grow healthy plants. In fact, applying Epsom salt to your garden is likely to do more harm than good. Here's why this home remedy is actually a myth, plus gardening methods you can use instead to help your plants thrive. Is Epsom Salt Good for Plants? Epsom salt can help plants thrive, but only if they're deficient in magnesium.
Is Epsom Salt Actually Good for Your Plants? Here's What A Gardener Really Thinks

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Alex Jones

Epsom salt can be good for plants, but only if your soil is deficient in magnesium. A soil test is the best way to know if you need to add magnesium to your garden. Applying Epsom salt to healthy plants can be harmful, so it's best to avoid it unless soil test results indicate a magnesium deficiency. Epsom salts are often touted as a cure-all for just about any garden ailment. However, this DIY soil amendment probably isn't necessary for you to grow healthy plants.
Stop Guessing-Here's When (and How) to Harvest Rosemary the Right Way

1 week ago | thespruce.com | Alex Jones

Key Points Fragrant rosemary is a staple in your culinary toolkit-and it's even better when you've harvested your own. Fresh rosemary is more flavorful and aromatic than dried, and the plant is easy to grow in your yard, kitchen garden, or even in a container on your patio. Here's how to harvest rosemary the right way, plus tips for storing and preserving this tasty herb for later use. When to Harvest Rosemary You can harvest small amounts of rosemary as needed at any time of year.
Don’t Cut Too Soon-The Right Way to Harvest Rosemary Without Ruining Your Plant

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Alex Jones

Harvest small amounts of rosemary throughout the year, but wait until spring or summer for larger harvests. Frequent small harvests can support regrowth and a bushy growth habit. Use fresh rosemary in recipes, or freeze or dry it for later use. Fragrant rosemary is a staple in your culinary toolkit—and it's even better when you've harvested your own.
Does Eating Local Honey Actually Help with Allergies? Here’s What Experts Say

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Alex Jones

Reviewed by Dietitian Kelli McGrane, M.S., RDDesign elements: Getty Images. EatingWell design. Key PointsExperts and research agree that local honey isn’t effective for alleviating seasonal allergies. Local honey may still have some health benefits and contains important nutrients. Over-the-counter medications and saline rinses remain the best ways to manage seasonal allergies.