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

What is the easiest way to grow attract pollinators?

The easiest way to attract pollinators to your garden is by consistently providing a diverse and continuous supply of nectar and pollen-rich flowers. This involves planting a variety of flowers that bloom from early spring through late fall, ensuring there's always a food source available, and choosing native plants that are particularly appealing to local pollinators. Avoiding pesticides is equally critical to protect these essential garden helpers.
Can you grow Cherry Laurel from cuttings?

Yes, you can grow Cherry Laurel from cuttings, and it is a very common and effective method of propagation for this popular evergreen shrub or tree (Prunus laurocerasus). Taking semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early fall, preparing them correctly, and providing a warm, humid environment dramatically increases the success rate. Growing Cherry Laurel from cuttings allows you to easily multiply your plants for hedges, screens, or specimen planting.
Can transplanting shock be a factor?

Yes, transplanting shock can absolutely be a factor whenever a plant is moved from one growing environment to another. It's a common physiological reaction to the stress caused by root disturbance, changes in light, temperature, humidity, and soil conditions. Symptoms often include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth, and if severe, transplanting shock can even lead to the death of the plant. Understanding and mitigating the causes of transplanting shock is crucial for successful plant establishment.
Can I use hibiscus as mulch for summer?

No, you cannot use hibiscus as mulch for summer in the traditional sense of spreading its foliage or stems as a protective layer. While the plant itself (especially herbaceous varieties) adds beauty during the summer, if you were to cut down hibiscus leaves and stems and spread them as mulch, they would be too slow to decompose, could potentially harbor pests or diseases, and would create a messy, unappealing layer. The concept is generally unsuitable. The focus should be on using appropriate mulch around your hibiscus plants and understanding how to grow them for their summer beauty.
Does Cedar Mulch Repel Mice?

While anecdotal evidence and common belief suggest that cedar mulch repels mice, scientific research offers mixed and often inconclusive results for its effectiveness in consistently deterring them in a garden setting. The strong aromatic compounds (phenols and cedrol) in cedar wood are known to repel moths and some insects, but for mammals like mice, the repellent effect is typically weak, temporary, and localized. Therefore, relying solely on cedar mulch for comprehensive mice control is generally not recommended.
Do i need to fertilize before laying sod?

Yes, you do need to fertilize before laying sod, as it is a critical step in preparing the soil for successful root establishment. Applying a "starter fertilizer" specifically designed for new lawns provides essential nutrients (particularly phosphorus) directly into the root zone, encouraging rapid root growth and helping the new sod knit quickly into the existing soil. Skipping this step can lead to slower establishment, weaker turf, and an unhealthy lawn.
Can you plant tomatoes and cucumbers next to each other?

Yes, you can plant tomatoes and cucumbers next to each other, and many gardeners do so successfully. They are not considered "bad" companion plants in the sense that they inhibit each other's growth or attract opposing pests. However, it's crucial to understand their individual needs, particularly regarding space, water, and disease susceptibility, to prevent competition and ensure both tomatoes and cucumbers thrive when grown in close proximity.
Do Cedar Trees have Leaves?

Yes, cedar trees do have leaves, but they typically appear as needles or scales, not the broad, flat leaves commonly associated with deciduous trees. Cedar trees are conifers, meaning they are cone-bearing plants. Their foliage is characteristic of evergreens, persisting year-round, which is a key identifying feature. The specific appearance of these "leaves" (needles or scales) varies depending on the species of cedar.
How do you get rid of funnel web spider holes?

To get rid of funnel-web spider holes, especially in regions where dangerous species like the Sydney funnel-web spider are present (primarily Australia), the most critical steps involve extreme caution, proper identification, and targeted professional pest control. For less dangerous funnel-web spiders (common in the USA), prevention through habitat modification and less aggressive management of their webs around human activity areas is key. It's paramount to never handle a funnel-web spider directly.
How do you get rid of moss in a garden?

To get rid of moss in a garden, the most effective strategy involves a two-pronged approach: first, physically or chemically removing the existing moss, and second, and most importantly, addressing the underlying conditions that allowed the moss to thrive in the first place. Moss is an indicator plant, signaling areas of excessive shade, poor drainage, compacted soil, or low soil pH. Simply removing it without correcting these issues will result in its rapid return.