Let me know when new articles from this expert are published
Thanks! We will email you next time Ben Barkan publishes a new article!
+ FollowBen Barkan
Garden & Landscape Designer
Education
- Associates degree in Sustainable Food and Farming, Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Professional Achievements
- He has over 15 years experience leading HomeHarvest LLC
Certifications & Organizations
- General Contractor's license, Permaculture Design Certificate
wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Co-authored Articles (386)
How to Replace Your Weed Eater String
A no-nonsense guide on restringing a weed wacker If your weed wacker keeps getting caught on thick overgrowth or the string on your trimmer keeps getting tangled up, it may be time to replace the wire. Rest assured that ...
How to Remove Suckers from a Cucumber Plant
Increase your cucumber yield by removing vines and suckers With their delicious, refreshing fruits and beautiful vining ways, cucumbers are some of the best garden plants to grow. These plants tend to grow very quickly, ...
6 Ways to Make a DIY, Natural Rooting Hormone
Effective, safe rooting tonics for healthy growth and propagation If you’re worried about the synthetic chemicals in commercial rooting hormones or just want to take your green thumb to the next level and make your own...
How to
Use a Weed Whacker
Weed whacking is an integral component of yard maintenance, especially in the spring and summer. A weed whacker, also known as a weed eater or trimmer, uses a spinning wire to cut overgrown grass and brush in a small are...
How to
Cut Garlic Scapes
Learn to harvest garlic scapes and incorporate them into your dishesThe green, twisting stalks that sprout from the tops of young garlic plants are known as scapes. Though they’re often discarded when the garlic is har...
How to
Prune Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons are beautiful shrubs/trees that grow in almost all areas of the world. They are great for landscaping and produce beautiful flowers in the spring and summer. You can keep your rhododendrons healthy and look...
How to
Get Rid of Web Worms
Although web worms typically aren't too damaging to healthy trees, they are a nuisance and can strip away some vegetation and form thick webs. Web worms are commonly found in Texas, and affect mostly pecan, elm, cottonwo...
How to
Level Dirt
Leveling is the first step in many lawn-improvement projects, such as building a deck, paving a patio, or putting in a vegetable garden. “Level” isn’t the same thing as “flat,” however, which is why it’s impo...
How to
Identify Stinging Nettle
Hundreds of species of plants that are commonly called "nettles" exist in the world, many which are named because of the similarity to a common weed known as Stinging Nettle or Common Nettle (''Urtica dioica'') by leaf s...
How to
Attach Garden Hose Fittings
If you spend much time in your yard, you already know how essential a good garden hose is. But if it's leaky or the attachments are worn out, how do you go about changing the fittings? Whether you need to replace the end...
How to
Replace the Line on a Black and Decker Trimmer
Black and Decker trimmers are useful gardening tools that can help you eradicate weeds and trim your shrubs. Over time, however, your line may become worn out or broken, making your trimmer useless. Luckily you can easil...
How to
Make Garlic Garden Spray
Use this organic, plant-based remedy to repel pests and improve your garden’s health Garlic isn't just a delicious and nutritious aromatic to use in the kitchen, and you can also use it in the garden. Because garlic co...
How to
Get Rid of Thistles
Thistles are one of the most stubborn weeds out there. They’re so invasive and obnoxious that it’s even illegal in some places to not remove them. They can be really tricky to kill, but you can definitely get rid of ...
How to
Identify Sweetgrass
Sweetgrass, botanically known known as Hierochloe odorata or Anthoxanthum, is a tall, flowering grass that grows near wetlands and rivers across the United States and Canada. This plant has played a significant role in N...
How and When to Apply Weed & Feed to Your Lawn
What you need to know about preparation, application, and aftercare Got a lackluster lawn with wild and wicked weeds? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Weed and feed products can be a helpful tool for eradicating ...
How to Grow & Care for a Banana Plant
A beginner’s guide to let your banana tree thrive Having your own access to delicious, healthy bananas can be wonderful if you're prepared for an extensive growing period. If you live in a warm climate or have a good i...
How to
Care for Hostas
Keep your hostas happy and healthy with these plant care tips Hostas, or plantain lilies, are the perfect low-maintenance perennials to fill out your summer garden. They thrive in outdoor, shaded areas and can range in ...
How to
Remove Cactus Needles
Whether you’re cultivating prickly pears at home or exploring wide-open desert trails, getting pierced by a cactus plant can put a major damper on an otherwise pleasant day. Thankfully, there are plenty of different wa...
How to
Trim a Palm Tree
There is a common misconception when it comes to palm trees. Many think regularly trimming palms will help them grow when in fact just the opposite is true. Low maintenance and fuss free, palm trees have become a landsc...
Self-Watering Planters: How to Use Them & How They Work
If you want to add some lush plants to your decor but don’t have the time to water them, then a self-watering pot may be a good fit for you. Self-watering pots absorb as much water as they need from reservoirs on the b...