Question Answer Gardening Tips and Plant Care

Got a question about growing vegetables, caring for houseplants, or fixing lawn problems? This Q&A section shares quick, practical answers from real gardening experiences. Learn how to keep roses blooming, stop pests from eating your lettuce, and choose the right soil for potted herbs. Whether you’re curious about composting tips or need help reviving drooping leaves, you’ll find simple, step-by-step advice here. Each answer is designed to save you time, prevent mistakes, and make gardening more enjoyable. Explore topics for every season, from spring planting to winter plant care, so you can grow healthier, more beautiful plants all year long.

Recent Question Answer - Plant Care Tips

Can You Grow Strawberry Plants from Strawberries?

Yes, you can absolutely grow strawberry plants from strawberries, specifically from the tiny seeds embedded on the fruit's surface. However, it's generally a more challenging, time-consuming, and less reliable method than propagating strawberries from runners or buying bare-root plants. The resulting plants may also not be true to the parent variety due to genetic variation.
Do Sod Plugs Work?

Yes, sod plugs definitely work, and they are a highly effective method for establishing or repairing certain types of lawns, particularly warm-season grasses. While requiring more patience than laying full sod, sod plugging offers a cost-effective and successful way to grow a new lawn or fill in bare spots by allowing existing turfgrass to spread and fill in the gaps.
Can You Water Your Lawn in the Afternoon?

You can water your lawn in the afternoon, but it is generally considered the least effective and most problematic time to do so. While providing some temporary relief to a severely stressed lawn, afternoon watering leads to significant water waste due to evaporation and can increase the risk of fungal diseases. The optimal time for lawn watering remains early morning.
Do Lemon Trees Grow in Illinois?

No, lemon trees generally do not grow outdoors in Illinois as perennial trees due to the state's cold winters. Lemon trees are subtropical plants highly sensitive to frost. However, you can successfully grow lemon trees in Illinois as container plants, bringing them indoors during the cold months to protect them from freezing temperatures. It requires a specific care strategy but is entirely achievable.
Can You Trim Cherry Tree in Summer?

Yes, you can absolutely trim a cherry tree in summer, and for many cherry varieties, summer pruning is actually the preferred time for certain tasks. While dormant season pruning (late winter/early spring) is common for many trees, summer pruning of cherry trees offers specific advantages, particularly in terms of disease prevention and managing tree vigor. It's a strategic approach to maintaining health and productivity.
Do Palo Verde Beetles Kill Trees?

Palo Verde beetles primarily attack and kill already stressed or dead trees, acting as decomposers rather than primary killers of healthy plants. While the presence of a Palo Verde root borer can certainly be alarming due to its size and potential damage, it's generally considered an opportunistic pest. A strong, healthy tree is typically able to defend itself, whereas a weakened or ailing tree is much more vulnerable to the extensive damage caused by the beetle's larvae.
Does Chocolate and Coke Come from the Same Plant?

No, chocolate and Coca-Cola do not come from the same plant. Chocolate is derived from the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), specifically from the beans found within its pods. Coca-Cola, while historically containing extracts from two plants, primarily relies on the kola nut (Cola acuminata) for some of its original flavor profile and the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca) for its decocainized leaf extract, which is now primarily for flavor. These are three distinct plant species with different origins and characteristics.
How do You Get the Bitterness Out of Watercress?

The bitterness in watercress is a natural characteristic due to compounds called isothiocyanates, which are responsible for its peppery, pungent flavor. While it's part of its charm and health benefits, if you find it too intense, you can temper the bitterness by blanching, pairing it with creamy or sweet ingredients, or selecting younger, milder leaves. The goal isn't to eliminate its unique taste entirely but to balance it.
Can You Grow Roses in Shade?

While roses are generally known for thriving in full sun, it is indeed possible to grow certain varieties of roses in partial shade, though their performance may differ from those grown in ideal sunny conditions. The key is to select shade-tolerant rose types, ensure they receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight (preferably morning sun), and provide excellent care to compensate for reduced light. Deep shade, however, is almost always detrimental to rose health and bloom production.
Can You Grow Popcorn from Popcorn Kernels?

Yes, you can grow popcorn from popcorn kernels, provided you use kernels specifically intended for planting rather than the typically processed kernels sold for popping. While store-bought popping kernels might sprout, their viability can be inconsistent due to age, storage conditions, or treatment. For reliable success, it's best to purchase popcorn seeds from a reputable garden supplier.