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

Does a Cleveland Pear Tree Bear Fruit?

Yes, a Cleveland Pear tree does bear fruit, but not the large, edible pears you'd typically find in a grocery store. Like all flowering pears, it produces small, hard, pea-sized fruits that are generally considered ornamental and not suitable for human consumption. While these small fruits are usually inconspicuous, they play a significant role in the tree's reproductive cycle and can sometimes become a nuisance.
Do Boxwood Shrubs Stay Green in the Winter?

Yes, boxwood shrubs are evergreen and typically should stay green in the winter, providing year-round foliage and structure in the landscape. However, it's not uncommon for boxwoods to exhibit some degree of winter bronzing or discoloration, especially in colder climates or when exposed to specific environmental stressors. While a perfect emerald green might not always be maintained, their leaves generally remain on the plant throughout the cold season.
Can You Prune Hydrangeas in Early Spring?

Yes, you can prune hydrangeas in early spring, but whether it's the best time or even advisable depends entirely on the specific type of hydrangea you are growing. Some hydrangeas, known as "new wood" bloomers, benefit greatly from early spring pruning, while others, the "old wood" bloomers, will have their flower buds removed if pruned at this time, resulting in a significantly reduced or absent bloom for the season. Understanding your hydrangea's blooming habit is crucial.
Does Acid Rain Hurt Plants?

Yes, acid rain can indeed hurt plants, leading to a range of detrimental effects that compromise their health, growth, and survival. While individual instances of slightly acidic rain might not cause immediate catastrophic damage, prolonged or severe exposure can weaken plants, inhibit vital biological processes, and contribute to the decline of entire ecosystems. The damage is often multifaceted, affecting both the foliage and the soil environment.
Do Tulips Bloom More Than Once a Year?

No, tulips do not bloom more than once a year; they are classic spring ephemerals that typically produce a single flower or set of flowers per bulb, per season. Once a tulip bulb has bloomed, that particular flower dies back, and the bulb enters a period of dormancy. While the bulb itself is perennial and can return to bloom in subsequent years, it will only produce flowers once each spring.
Can You Grow Romaine Lettuce Indoors?

Yes, you can absolutely grow Romaine lettuce indoors, and it's a fantastic choice for year-round fresh greens, even in limited spaces. Growing Romaine indoors allows you to control the environment, protect plants from pests and harsh weather, and ensure a continuous supply of crisp, flavorful leaves right from your kitchen counter or a dedicated grow space. With the right setup and consistent care, indoor Romaine cultivation can be highly successful.
Do Plants Use All the Wavelengths in White Light for Photosynthesis or Are Some Wavelengths More Effective Than Others?

No, plants do not use all wavelengths in white light equally for photosynthesis; some wavelengths are significantly more effective than others. While white light (which contains all colors of the visible spectrum) is essential for plant growth, plants have evolved specialized pigments, primarily chlorophyll, that efficiently absorb specific wavelengths of light, notably red and blue light, to drive the photosynthetic process. Other wavelengths, like green light, are largely reflected, which is why most plants appear green to our eyes.
How do You Change a Drive Belt on a Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower?

Changing a drive belt on a Craftsman riding lawn mower is a common maintenance task that many homeowners can perform themselves with the right tools and a clear understanding of the process. While specific steps can vary slightly between models, the general procedure involves safely lifting the mower, removing the old belt from various pulleys and guides, and carefully routing the new belt according to a diagram. It requires patience and attention to detail, but successfully replacing the belt ensures your mower can continue to power its cutting deck or move properly.
Are Hydrangea Flowers Sterile?

No, hydrangea flowers are not entirely sterile; it's more accurate to say that many hydrangea flower heads contain a mix of both sterile and fertile florets, and some popular varieties are bred to have a higher proportion of showy sterile flowers. The large, colorful "petals" we admire are typically the sterile florets, designed to attract pollinators to the smaller, less conspicuous fertile florets that produce seeds. Understanding this distinction is key to appreciating hydrangea biology and their appeal in gardens.
How do You Fix Curly Tomato Leaves?

Fixing curly tomato leaves begins with accurately diagnosing the underlying cause, as there isn't a single solution that fits all scenarios. Leaf curl in tomato plants can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from environmental stress and cultural problems to pests, diseases, or even herbicide damage. Once you identify the specific reason for the curling, you can implement targeted strategies to help your plants recover and thrive.