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 Hydrangeas Grow Well in South Carolina?

Yes, hydrangeas do grow well in South Carolina, with several species thriving in the state's warm, humid climate, especially with proper site selection and care. While bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are iconic, other types like smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens), panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata), and native oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) are exceptionally well-suited to South Carolina's conditions, offering abundant and reliable blooms.
Can You Pick Walnuts Off the Tree?

No, you generally should not pick walnuts off the tree because they are not truly ripe and ready for harvest until they naturally fall to the ground. Walnuts mature on the tree, and when ready, their outer green husks will begin to split and drop, indicating the nut inside is fully developed. Attempting to pick them prematurely can result in underdeveloped, bitter nuts and may damage the tree.
Can Succulents Survive a Freeze?

No, not all succulents can survive a freeze; their tolerance to cold temperatures varies widely by species. While some succulents are remarkably cold-hardy and can withstand freezing temperatures well below 20°F (-6°C), many popular varieties, particularly those from tropical or arid regions, are very tender and will suffer severe damage or die with even a light frost. Understanding the specific hardiness of your succulent types is crucial for winter protection.
How do Peppered Moths Avoid Predators?

Peppered moths (Biston betularia) primarily avoid predators through camouflage, a remarkable adaptation that allows them to blend seamlessly with their background. Their famous story illustrates industrial melanism, where changes in environmental conditions (like soot pollution) drove a rapid evolutionary shift in their coloration, allowing different morphs to achieve optimal camouflage against changing tree bark. This selective pressure from predators, mainly birds, is what fuels their survival strategy.
Does the pH of the Soil Affect the Color of Hydrangea Flowers?

Yes, the pH of the soil significantly affects the color of certain hydrangea flowers, particularly Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) and Mountain Hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata). This fascinating phenomenon is due to the soil pH influencing the availability of aluminum to the plant. Acidic soils (low pH) make aluminum more available, resulting in blue flowers, while alkaline soils (high pH) bind aluminum, leading to pink flowers.
How do You Care for Potted Daffodils After They Bloom?

To care for potted daffodils after they bloom, the most crucial steps involve deadheading spent flowers, allowing the foliage to yellow and die back naturally, and providing a light fertilizer boost. This post-bloom period is vital for the daffodil bulb to store energy for next year's flowering. Once the foliage is completely withered, you can then decide whether to transplant the bulbs to the garden, store them, or leave them in the pot for another season, depending on your climate and goals.
Does Trumpet Vine Bloom on Old Wood?

No, trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) does not bloom on old wood; instead, it primarily produces its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers on new wood (current season's growth). This distinction is crucial for proper pruning, as cutting back old growth in late winter or early spring will encourage the vigorous new growth that will bear the summer flowers. Understanding this flowering habit is key to maximizing its prolific display and managing its often enthusiastic growth.
How do You Build Crown Molding Shelves?

To build crown molding shelves, you primarily create a sturdy, flat base (the shelf itself) and then attach decorative crown molding to the underside of the shelf's front edge, giving it an elegant, built-in appearance. This DIY project requires precise measurements, accurate cutting (especially mitered corners for the molding), and secure fastening to wall studs for stability. The combination of a simple shelf and decorative trim elevates ordinary storage into a sophisticated design feature.
Are Knockout Roses Low Maintenance?

Yes, Knock Out roses are exceptionally low-maintenance compared to traditional hybrid tea roses, making them a popular choice for busy gardeners seeking continuous bloom with minimal effort. Their inherent disease resistance, self-cleaning habit, and robust nature significantly reduce the need for constant spraying, deadheading, and intricate pruning, earning them a well-deserved reputation for being easy to grow.
Can You Plant House Plants in Garden Soil?

No, you should generally not plant houseplants in garden soil, especially when potting them for indoor use. While garden soil is suitable for outdoor planting beds, its composition is fundamentally different from what container-grown houseplants require. Using garden soil in pots can lead to severe drainage issues, compaction, pest infestations, and disease, ultimately harming or killing your houseplants.