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 Cypress Trees Turn Brown?

Yes, many types of Cypress trees turn brown, either as a normal part of their seasonal cycle or as a symptom of stress or disease. Notably, the Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a deciduous conifer that completely sheds its needles after turning a beautiful coppery-brown in the fall. Other evergreen cypress species might show browning as a sign of environmental stress or pest/disease issues.
Are Orchids Poisonous to Cats?

No, most common orchids are not poisonous to cats and are generally considered non-toxic. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists various popular orchid genera, including Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid), Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Oncidium, as non-toxic to felines. While ingesting any plant material can potentially cause mild stomach upset if consumed in large quantities, orchids do not contain harmful toxins.
How do You Store Fresh French Beans?

To store fresh French beans and maximize their shelf life, the ideal method is to keep them unwashed in an airtight container or a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. This environment helps maintain a cool temperature and high humidity, which are crucial for preventing them from wilting and losing their crisp texture. Proper storage can keep them fresh for up to a week or slightly longer.
Do Orchids Change Color?

No, orchids do not change color in the sense that a single flower will magically transform its hue during its bloom cycle or from one bloom cycle to the next. The color of an orchid's flower is genetically determined and will remain consistent. However, various factors can influence the perception of its color, its vibrancy, or cause slight shifts in tone, leading to the misconception that orchids change color.
Are Eggplant Self Pollinating?

Yes, eggplant flowers are self-pollinating, meaning they contain both male and female reproductive organs within the same flower and can successfully fertilize themselves to produce fruit. While they possess this ability, external factors like wind, gravity, or the activity of insects (especially "buzz pollinators" like bumblebees) can significantly improve the efficiency of pollen transfer and lead to better fruit set and higher yields.
Do Catalpa Trees Grow Fast?

Yes, Catalpa trees do grow fast, typically exhibiting a moderate to rapid growth rate, making them a popular choice for gardeners seeking quick shade or ornamental interest. While growth rates can vary depending on the specific species, climate, and growing conditions, most Catalpa trees can add 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) of height per year, and sometimes even more when young.
Does Mistletoe Kill Mesquite Trees?

No, mistletoe does not typically kill healthy mesquite trees, but it can significantly weaken them, reduce their vigor, and make them more susceptible to other stressors, potentially contributing to their eventual decline or death if the infestation is severe. Mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.) is a parasitic plant that taps into the host tree's water and nutrient supply, acting as a drain on its resources rather than delivering an immediate death blow.
How to Store Harvested Install Drip Irrigation for Winter?

To properly store harvested drip irrigation components for winter, you must first completely drain all water from the system, disassemble the above-ground parts, clean them thoroughly, and then store them in a dry, frost-free location. Protecting your drip irrigation system from freezing temperatures, debris, and UV damage during the off-season is crucial for its longevity and optimal performance in subsequent growing seasons.
Do Pond Plants Use Oxygen?

Yes, pond plants absolutely use oxygen through a process called respiration, just like all living organisms. However, during daylight hours, their primary contribution to a pond ecosystem is to produce a significant amount of oxygen through photosynthesis, which is why they are often referred to as "oxygenating plants." At night, or in periods of low light, they consume oxygen without producing it.
Can You Dig up Grape Vines?

Yes, you can absolutely dig up grapevines and successfully transplant them, especially when they are young or if you take careful measures to preserve a significant portion of their root system. While it requires effort and attention to timing and technique, relocating or propagating grapevines is a common practice for gardeners and viticulturists.