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

Do Black Eyed Susans Grow in Shade?

No, Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta and its relatives) do not grow well in full shade and will typically struggle or fail to thrive in such conditions. While they can tolerate a small amount of partial shade, particularly in very hot climates, their optimal growth and abundant flowering depend heavily on receiving ample direct sunlight. In deep shade, you can expect significantly reduced bloom, leggy growth, and increased susceptibility to disease.
Is Beets Safe for Crotons Plants?

No, beets are not safe for Croton plants (Codiaeum variegatum), nor are they beneficial or recommended as any form of plant food or amendment. Ingesting any part of a Croton plant is known to be toxic to humans and animals, and attempting to "feed" a Croton with beets or beet products can introduce unsuitable organic matter, attract pests, or disrupt the plant's delicate nutrient balance, potentially causing harm rather than help. Crotons require specific, balanced nutrients, not raw food scraps.
Can You Put Cedar Mulch Around Fruit Trees?

Yes, you can use cedar mulch around fruit trees, and it often offers several benefits, but it's important to understand the specific characteristics of cedar mulch to apply it correctly. While cedar mulch is known for its aromatic properties and longevity, proper application is key to maximizing its advantages and avoiding potential drawbacks for fruit trees. The main consideration is its potential for nitrogen tie-up and its impact on soil pH over a very long time.
Do Succulents Tolerate Frost?

Most succulents do not tolerate frost well and can suffer significant damage or death when exposed to freezing temperatures. While some specific "hardy" succulent varieties can withstand cold, the majority, especially the popular soft succulents, are native to warm, arid, or semi-arid regions and are highly susceptible to frost injury. Their water-filled leaves freeze, burst cell walls, and turn to mush.
Do Maple Leaves Make Good Mulch?

Yes, maple leaves make excellent mulch for many garden applications, offering numerous benefits for soil health and plant vitality. When properly prepared and applied, fallen maple leaves can be a free, abundant, and environmentally friendly resource to enrich your garden beds. Their broad, relatively soft structure allows them to break down effectively, improving soil over time.
Do Flower Bulbs Come Back Every Year?

Many flower bulbs do come back every year, a characteristic known as perennializing. However, this depends significantly on the specific bulb type, your climate, and the care they receive after blooming. Some bulbs are true perennials, returning reliably for years, while others are typically treated as annuals in colder zones, requiring replanting each season.
Do Boxwoods Grow in Florida?

Yes, certain varieties of boxwoods can grow in Florida, particularly in the northern and central parts of the state, though they face unique challenges due to Florida's intense heat, high humidity, and often sandy soils. While the classic European and American boxwoods struggle in much of Florida, newer, more heat-tolerant cultivars of Asian and Buxus microphylla varieties offer better success for Florida gardeners seeking that distinctive boxwood look.
Does Vinegar Kill Snails?

Yes, vinegar can kill snails, but it's generally not recommended as a safe or efficient method for pest control in a garden setting. The acetic acid in vinegar is corrosive and will desiccate (dry out) a snail's delicate body on contact, leading to its death. However, applying vinegar strong enough to kill snails also risks harming your plants and altering your soil's pH.
How do You Get Rid of Mold and Mildew Naturally?

You can effectively get rid of mold and mildew naturally using a variety of household ingredients and proactive measures. While chemical solutions are potent, natural alternatives offer a safer, eco-friendly way to tackle these common fungal growths without harsh fumes or residues. The key is often combining cleaning agents with thorough drying and prevention.
Are Fuchsia Plants Perennials?

Yes, fuchsia plants are perennials, but their perennial nature depends heavily on the specific variety and your local climate. While many fuchsias are technically woody shrubs or sub-shrubs that can live for many years, their ability to survive winter outdoors hinges on their cold hardiness. In colder climates, many popular fuchsia varieties are grown as annuals, dying back with the first hard frost, while in milder regions, they can indeed return year after year.