Question Answer Gardening Tips and Plant Care

Question Answer - Gardening and Plant Care Guide

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 revive a dead plant?

You cannot truly revive a dead plant in the strictest sense, as "dead" implies that all plant cells and meristematic tissue (growth points) have completely ceased functioning. However, many plants that appear dead or are severely ailing can often be saved and brought back to health if there is still some viable living tissue remaining, particularly in the roots, stem, or crown. The key is distinguishing between a truly dead plant and a very sick one.
Are Cranberries grown in Australia?

While cranberries are not extensively grown commercially in Australia on the large scale seen in North America, there are some small-scale cultivation efforts and niche growers, particularly in cooler, high-rainfall regions. The specific climate and soil requirements of cranberries make large-scale production challenging across much of Australia. Most cranberries consumed in Australia are imported.
Are there small dogwood trees?

Yes, there are many small dogwood trees, making them incredibly versatile for various garden sizes and landscape designs. While some dogwood species can grow quite large, numerous cultivars and even specific species are naturally compact, offering all the beauty of traditional dogwoods in a more manageable size suitable for small yards, urban spaces, or as understory trees.
Can you save a dying bamboo plant?

Yes, you can often save a dying bamboo plant, particularly if the signs of distress are identified and addressed early. The chances of revival depend on the severity of the damage and whether the root system or rhizome (the underground stem) is still healthy. The first step is always to accurately diagnose the problem, which is usually related to improper watering, light, or nutrient conditions.
Can you put olive oil on plant leaves?

While a very dilute, properly formulated horticultural oil (which can be derived from plant oils) can be used on plant leaves for pest control, directly applying pure olive oil on plant leaves is generally not recommended and can actually cause more harm than good. Pure olive oil is too heavy and can block leaf pores, interfere with essential plant functions, and potentially lead to other problems.
How do you get a caterpillar out of your garden?

To get a caterpillar out of your garden, the most effective approach combines manual removal, biological controls, and physical barriers, all while understanding that not all caterpillars are pests. Identifying the specific type of caterpillar and the level of damage it's causing is the first step in deciding the best course of action.
How do you get dust off of fake plants?

To get dust off of fake plants, the best method depends on the material, size, and level of dust accumulation, ranging from simple dusting to more thorough washing. Regular, gentle cleaning is key to maintaining their vibrant appearance and preventing dust from building up and becoming difficult to remove.
Do all locust trees have pods?

Not all locust trees produce abundant, noticeable pods, and some varieties are specifically cultivated to be pod-less. While most true locust species (Robinia and Gleditsia) naturally produce distinct seed pods as part of their reproductive cycle, modern horticultural selections have introduced cultivars that are either sterile or produce very few pods, making them cleaner landscape trees.
Does soapy water keep bugs off plants?

Soapy water can indeed help keep bugs off plants, but it's crucial to understand that not all soapy water is created equal. The effectiveness and safety depend entirely on using the correct type of soap and the right concentration. When properly formulated as an insecticidal soap, it works by directly contacting and disrupting the waxy coating of certain soft-bodied pests, rather than acting as a repellent.
When should I repot identify plant diseases?

You should repot a plant to identify plant diseases specifically when you suspect root rot or other soil-borne pathogens are causing the plant's decline. While visual inspection of foliage often indicates disease, examining the root system after carefully unpotting the plant provides a definitive diagnosis for root-related illnesses. Repotting also offers an opportunity to remove infected soil and provide fresh, sterile potting mix, which is often a critical step in disease management.