Spiny Orb Weaver

Beneficial Insects

The Spiny orb weaver is one of many species of beneficial spider that feasts on small garden pests.  Their common name is appropriately labelled, the spider has six pointy projections located around its abdomen.  Bright coloration of the abdomen such as yellow, red,...

Praying Mantis

Beneficial Insects

Similar to the common names of the gypsy moth and emperor scorpion, which have nothing to do with gypsies or emperors, the praying mantis (Stagmomantus sp.) has nothing to do with praying. The common name praying mantis refers to the typical “prayer-like” posture...

Midsummer Night Meadows, Backyard Garden

Backyard Gardens

Summer in Central Texas is once again in full swing, and it is flaunting its lush growth potential beautifully on Larry and Brenda Johnson’s rural property in their EzGro Backyard Garden, Midsummer Night Meadows. Larry Johnson, the founder and developer of the...

Reverse Osmosis also known as “RO”

Hydroponics

Reverse osmosis is a process of separation that uses pressure to force a highly concentrated solute through a semi-permeable membrane to a region of lower solute concentration, which leaves the solute on one side and only the solvent on the other. The image below...

Sage Mind Homestead in Texas

Backyard Gardens

To say the gardens at Sage Mind Homestead are impressive would be an understatement. This garden is just 30’ by 60’, a total of 1800 square feet, and grows 1200 plants! Herbs grown include parsley and mint. Vegetables and leafy greens such as chard, arugula, and...