**Gardening News**

You can see the clear blue flowers of chicory plants rising high on stiff stems along roadsides and in wild, uncultivated areas in this country. These plants have many different uses, but most gardeners simply grow them as edible vegetables. If you decide to plant chicory in your garden, you’ll want to scope out different chicory plant varieties. Each has its own characteristics, uses and growth requirements. Read on to learn about different chicory plants and how to choose among the many varieties of chicory. Types of Chicory If you have decided to plant chicory in your garden, you will have several chicory plant varieties to choose among. The three basic types of chicory are Belgian endive, radicchio and puntarelle, but you can get different cultivars of some of these. Belgian Endive – One of the three different chicory plants available for your garden is Belgian endive. Do not confuse

Catnip is a hardy herb, and catnip problems are usually fairly easy to figure out. If you’re dealing with catnip issues, read on and we’ll troubleshoot a few of the most common problems with catnip plants. Problems with Catnip Here are some of more common catnip problems and how to solve them: Cats – Most cats love catnip and they are frequently to blame for catnip plants not thriving. If this is the case, you can cat-proof the plant by surrounding it with wire fencing. Be sure the holes are small enough that kitty can’t reach through and grab the leaves. An old birdcage makes a decorative enclosure for a catnip plant. Insects – Catnip may be affected by pests such as aphids, spider mites, thrips, whiteflies or flea beetles. The best way to prevent pests is to water and fertilize properly (Don’t overdo either one.). Insecticidal soap spray is