Learning About Gardening?If you're new to gardening and don't know how to start, the best idea is to visit someone else's garden and ask how they do it. Most will be delighted to share in how to prepare your own masterpiece!
Gourds Turning White?This is my first time growing gourds some of them are starting to turn white. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong?
What Type of Hydrangeas Do I Have?I have two hydrangeas I bought from Frank's Nursery and Crafts two years ago and I cannot remember the name. Is there a hydrangea (big leaf) that begins with "Van" or "Von". I thought it was a nikko blue but the name seemed to begin with a V. Can you help?
Potted Asparagus?I live in Hamilton, Ontario and I have potted an asparagus plant. Now they seem to grow like the ornamental with long leaf fronds but it is supposed to be the vegetable.
Trimming Stocks on African Violets?I read on the internet that you had to trim the stock of an African violet when transplanting it. My plants have very thick stocks and one plant actually has two that have joined together to make an arch that is breaking through the soil. Since I have never had violets with thick stocks I am bewildered what to do.
Chili Plant Has Small Leaves?My chili plant's top leaves are getting smaller.
Window Box for a Cape Cod House?I want to know what style window box would be appropriate for my 1940 Cape Cod, brick home. I would like to put it in the front window. I have cappuccino colored shutters and brown brick.
Using Baking Soda as Weed Killer?What is the mixture of baking soda to water to use as weed killer?
Growing Bamboo Plants - Twisting Water Plant?I have a small twisted bamboo that grows on stones in water. My question is can I trim the roots to promote growth or should I just leave them alone? I have had it for almost 2 years and change the water occasionally; it grows beautifully.
What is This Plant?Can you help me identify this shrub? It grew in the corner of our large backyard, but I suspect our new plants are due to bird "participation". It has very brittle branches and when they are young and cut ooze an orangey substance, as do the leaves when cut from branches.
Companion Plants for Lilacs?Are lilac bushes compatible with pepper trees, Russian olive, cherry trees, and or pine trees?
Growing Gourds Near Oak Trees?Can I grow gourds around live oak trees? I cannot put up trellises and I thought they would look nice on the trees. Would it damage the tree? I just read that gourds deplete the soil of nutrients. Would this harm my trees?
Effect of Epsom Salts on Worms and Ants in the Soil?How does Epsom salts affect worms, ants, etc. living in the soil?
Moving a Hibiscus Outside for the Summer?I have a hibiscus (standard) and I have had it inside all winter and now I will be taking out to the patio for the summer months. Can I cut it back, if so how much and when is the best time to do that? I want to transplant it into a larger container also, any suggestions?
What is This Plant?Can anyone tell me the name of this plant? It has grown to about 3 -1/2 feet, the tallest one. Then the other one is about 10 inches shorter and the third is only about 10 inches tall. I have since planted them in the ground.
How Do I Get Wild Grape Vines to Produce Fruit?How can I get wild grape vines to produce grapes?
What Is This Plant?I found this tiny plant in my backyard; I think it might be a tree native to this area, but I'm not sure. Thanks!
Growing a Trumpet Vine?During the summer, what is the best way to trim spent flowers on my trumpet vine in order to encourage more blooming throughout the season? I've only had one round of blooms for the past 4 summers, and suspect it is the way we are trimming.
What is This Vine?I can't identify this vine. I want to know if I should take it out if its invasive. Currently it is just growing in our privacy bushes.
Growing Gardenias?I put my gardenia plant in it's pot outside for the summer and it was doing fine. But now something is chewing on it's leaves. Can anyone tell me what it could be and what I can do to stop it?
How Long Do Pine Trees Drip Sap?How long does sap fall from pine trees? It seems as though it started just before summer and dripped for about 1 month. Is there any such time span?
Controlling Bamboo in the Garden?How do you control bamboo plants in the garden to stop them from spreading at the base?
Maple Trees Raining Sap?We have a couple of maple trees in our yard. For about the last 2 years they have been raining sap and I mean raining. What can we do if anything? Will tapping them help?
What is the Name for This House Plant?What is the name of a large floor houseplant with long burgundy leaves and burgundy stems? It has a bushy appearance.
English Laurel Planted Over Septic Field?The previous owners of our home planted three English laurel bushes on top of the septic field. They have grown quite big and I'm concerned that the root system will damage the septic system.
Winterizing a Fuchsia Plant Indoors?I would like to know how to winterize my fuchsia plant indoors for the winter.
How Do I Get Rid of a Grape Vine?How do you kill a grape vine?
Calculating Individual Pieces of Produce Per Kilogram?Where can I find information for determining the average number of pieces/units of the following produce per kilogram?
Spring Planting on a Budget?I've just moved to the Pacific Northwest, I am originally from a really warm climate. What is an inexpensive way to get into spring planting? My new garden has been neglected. Are there gardening clubs? Money is tight. Any suggestions for seeds or clippings to get me going?
Choosing Low Maintenance Foundation Plants?Can anyone suggest a set of low maintenance foundation plants? Is there a formula for best practice for placement of the plants/bushes? I am down-sizing so I need to focus on curb appeal. Thank you, oh talented ones!
What is This Plant?I have a plant I can not identify. I bought it at Ikea 3 years ago and it is thriving. We call it our Dr. Seuss plant as it is crazy looking. The stem is solid, 6-7 of them winding all over. There are green "leaves" about 1 inch long, each with many on each stem.
Carolina Jasmine Not Blooming?I planted 2 Carolina Jasmine plants last spring. The leaves are doing great, the vine is climbing all over the trellis. It is not blooming. It is planted on the west side of my house, it gets some morning sun. What so I need to do to get this plant to bloom?
Do Hummingbird Vines Die Out During the Winter?Will hummingbird vines grow well in Naples FL year round due to the heat?
British Columbia Plant Hardiness Zones?Where, on your site, can I find the Hardiness Zone Maps, etc. for Nanaimo, BC. I am not sure which zone we are in? Thanks so much, I love your website!
Incorporating Potted Calla Lilies into a Water Feature?Can I sit potted calla lilies in water for the summer, in a small plastic pool with rocks and a small water fall?
Water Lilly Leaves Red Instead of Green?I have established water lilies in my pond, but they are coming up this year with red leaves and stems instead of green. Any ideas why?
Growing Italian Cypress Trees?Can I plant Italian cypress trees in the Dallas area? Would they thrive in the hot and dry summer weather here? I need tall trees by my back fence to block out some obnoxious teens who live in the 2-story house behind me.
Selling Bamboo?How do I locate a market for bamboo? Also, does anyone know the current market price for bamboo?
Preparing to Plant After Removing a Fruit Tree?After removing a fruit tree from the ground, do I need to rototill and get rid of any seeds left behind before I replant new stuff?
Caring for an Avocado Tree Grown from Seed?How do I care for an avocado plant grown from the seed, after it has germinated?
Growing Vegetables in a Greenhouse?How do you grow vegetables in a hothouse? I would like to grow them in the winter.
Getting Rid of Ajuga?The creeping, invasive ajuga is taking over my back yard lawn. It is very persistent. Any advice out there? Thank you.
Leaves on Strawberry Plants Dry Around the Edges?My strawberries are tiny and red. The leaves are dry around the edges. It seems like there may be little bugs. Please help. Thank you.
Hydrangea Leaves Yellowing and Falling Off?I have a standard Limelight hydrangea growing in full sun. We have recently had hot dry conditions and I have watered and fertilized a reasonable amount in frequency and quantity. My hydrangea has just started to flower and at the same time the lower leaves have turned yellow and started to fall off.
Plants Not Blooming?I have a clivia, sometimes called Kaffir lily, that has plenty of beautiful leaves. I've had it for several years now, but it has never bloomed for me. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can get it blooming?
Snow on the Mountain Ground Cover Turning Dark Green?What will make snow on the mountain (I believe it is grout weed) turn all dark green, is something lacking in the soil?
Planting Grass After Killing Weeds With Vinegar?How long after you use vinegar can you plant grass?
Leaves on Gardenia Tree Curly?Some of the leaves of my gardenia tree come out curling and not as smooth surfaced as the other leaves. Can anyone tell me why is that? I'm attaching a photo of the leaves.
Can You Grow Ornamental Bananas in Western Washington?Can you grow ornamental bananas in western Washington? I would love to have these in my yard, but I am not sure if they would last through the winter here. Has anyone had any luck growing them? Any advice?
Propagating a Sweet Tea Olive Tree?How do you propagate the "sweet tea olive" shrub.
Mandevilla Vine Not Blooming?How do I get my Mandevilla vine to blossom?
Growing Huperzia Serrata?I would like to know how to grow Huperzia serrata.
Plumbago Hedge Getting Spindly?I have had two plumbago hedges for fifteen years, however this year one hedge started to get spindly at the bottom in places. This has progressed to encompass about half of the hedge now. I have put a soil conditioner, Wettasoil, and a light fertiliser on but to no avail.
Overwintering Cat Palms and Oriental Lilies?I currently have cat palms outdoors; can I winter them in garage? The garage is heated and stays in the 60s, which is also the same for lilies. I have big bird and oriental lilies in a flower pot, can I cut them back and leave on the deck during winter? When do I cut back?
Are Mothballs Harmful to Plants?I put moth balls among my bulbs and it seems that whatever it is that was digging among my flowers digs no more. My question is will the moth balls be bad for the plants or bulbs?
Splicing Garden Plants?How do I splice plants?
Bittersweet Not Blooming?I have male and female bittersweet that bloomed for the first 3-4 years, but no longer produces blooms and berries. I prune it properly. What should I do?
Green House Gardening?Do green houses work well?
Hazards of Pet Feces in the Garden?I understand the problem with pet feces in gardens when it has been fairly recent. However, we lost our dog this month, and I know she used the garden a few times, not many.
Buying Wisteria?Where can I find wisteria?
Discouraging Dogs from Marking Territory on Plants?How do you keep dogs from marking their territory with urine? They constantly go on my shrubs and flowering plants. Isn't there something that you could hang on the plant to deter them from the get go?
Growing Begonias?I was told to wet pine straw to line a hanging basket. Will this be safe for all kinds of begonias?
Growing Passion Fruit?I suspect my neighbour has been spraying of pouring bleach on my passion fruit as I have smelt it. Would this kill it?
Growing Iris?While the others are still not ready on that plant can I cut back just the top bloom and give it away?
Propagating Allamanda?How do I propagate Allamanda (golden trumpet)?
Plants for Clay Soil?What grows good in clay soil in southern Alabama?
Growing Streptocarpus?I would like to know how to grow streptocarpus. It is a native of South Africa.
White Bugs on Rose of Sharon?I have noticed some white bugs or larvae under the leaves of my Rose of Sharon. They are powdery, and are not bothering the bush at this time. It is an established bush and this year is the first time I have ever seen these white larvae or bugs.
Growing Geraniums Under Spruce Trees?Can I put pots of geraniums under my spruce trees?
Sweet Gum Trees Leaving Specks on Vinyl Siding?What are the little specks that sweet gum trees put on vinyl siding?
Planting a Flower Garden in June?What flowers or seeds can I sow in June?
Saving Overwatered Plumeria?I had to repot my plumeria into a bigger pot. The limbs grew at least a foot and a half within a few months. I had to tie one limb to a stake to hold it up and the other to another limb. Today I came home and it is all limp and has been in standing water for at least a few days.
Where Can I Buy a Jerusalem Cherry Plant?When I lived in Texas, I had nice plants someone gave me. She said they were called Jerusalem Cherries. When it went to seed (I think from a bloom) it was red and about the size of a marble. The inside was full of seeds.
Cantaloupe Fruit Stopped Growing?My cantaloupe are small, seems to have stopped growing. It had been watered when the yard was, 3x a week, but I've cut it down to 2x a week. Have I over watered it?
Removing Seeds from Sunflower Heads?How do you get the seeds out of sunflower heads and are they edible?
Growing Bamboo Cutting in Water?My friend gave me a branch from her bamboo plant. I first had it in water, then it seemed the leaves were turning yellow and it ended up dying.
Growing a Spider Plant Outside?I live in Savannah, Georgia and would like to know if it can live in the winters here. It has been outside since I got it about 7 months ago.
Preparing a Hummingbird Vine for Winter?The first frost has come, and my vine is done for this year. Do I now need to cut them back off of my trellis, leave them, or just cut them down to the ground? I'm not really sure about this plant at all, but loved how it covered my trellis this year. Thank you.
Climbing Plant for Covering Conifer Hedgerow?I have a 20m conifer hedgerow which has been cut back on one side, leaving it clear and not looking good.
Selling Pine Trees?I would like to sell some beautiful 22 yr. old pine trees and arborvitaes. They can be excavated by shovel. Some are in boxes or easy access in the yard. Is there a landscaping company or nursery I can call?
Growing Honeysuckle?Last September I planted honeysuckle (dry looking) stems that I purchased from an internet gardening company. When should these make an appearance, and what will they look like so that I don't inadvertently recognize them as weeds? Thank you.
Gardenia Leaves Turning Brown?I have a gardenia tree which I move inside during winter as it's in a pot. This is the second year I've had it. Some times blooms and has nice flowers, but at times I get brown spots on the leaves. I don't know what is the cause.
Crepe Myrtle Won't Bloom?I planted a crepe myrtle tree about 3 years ago. It has grown in size and is probably about 9 feet tall now. However, it has never bloomed. It had flowers when we first got the tree, but after that they never came back.
How to Plant Taro Tubers?Every year I have planted taro, for the beautiful leaves, in my garden and every year I forget which end of the tuber should be planted down.
Planting Vegetables After Killing Weeds With Vinegar?How long does apple cider vinegar stay active in soil, so that you can plant vegetables like asparagus?
Using Collards That Survived the Winter?I am in Virginia and my collards lasted through the winter into this spring. They are still small in size and look great. Are they still good?
Growing a Potted Hydrangea?I am trying to save a hydrangea received as gift from a funeral. The hydrangea was sitting by a vent where air conditioning was blowing. When I picked it up from funeral home, the pink blooms were wilted as well as the leaves.
Identifying a Crepe Myrtle?My boyfriend brought me home a bush like plant from work one day (he's in construction). It has the same leaves as a crepe myrtle tree, but is so small and has not yet bloomed could this be a crepe myrtle or something else?
Buying a Lemon Verbena Plant or Tree?Where can I purchase a plant or lemon verbena tree (Aloysia salviflora, Aloysia Triphylla), on line or off line? I am in Sarasota Florida.
Growing Moss with Morning Sun?I have a spot around the east side of the house that only gets sun early in the morning. Would that be too much sun for moss? Also, I live on the sandy bluff in humid Corpus Christi where we are in a severe drought, so I cannot water much....
Flowers for Attracting Bees?I heard that I could find the above on your website. How do I do that?
Putting Coal Ashes on a Dogwood Tree?What are the hazards or benefits of dumping coal ashes near a dogwood tree?
Jasmine Ground Cover Not Blooming?We have an amazingly beautiful (20 yr old) blooming jasmine plant on our deck and two more out front. One of the front plants blooms as it climbs a palm and not on the portion that is ground cover around the palm. The other front plant is only ground cover and does not bloom. Is it possible that jasmine blooms only while "climbing"?
Selling Bamboo?I am clearing some property and need to cut down bamboo. Is there any money in selling it?
Starting a New Lilac Bush by Layering and Nicking?Can a new lilac bush be started by laying a still-attached branch on the ground (holding it down with a rock) and covering it with soil? I've done this with forsythia with great results, but have never tried it with lilacs.
Creating an Agenda for a New Garden Club?I am considering starting a garden club in my area. Can you give me some idea of what a typical meeting agenda would look like?
Wisteria Plant is Leaning?What is a suggested way to stabilize a wisteria plant that is slightly leaning? This plant was started by some shoots about 18 years ago. It is a beautiful plant that has heavy purple clusters of flowers in the spring. It has become overgrown, but is easily trimmed.
Selling Trees and Lawn Grass?How do I find out how much I can get for about 4 big trees and all the grass front and back yard?
Ground Cover for Hillside?I am trying to find a good low growing ground cover, that is soil tolerant, grows under and near walnut trees, and on a hill side in full sun. I do not want evergreens or other shrubs and I want the plants to choke all other plants, weeds, and grass out. They must not be edible by deer and rabbits. I am trying to discourage these creatures. The plants must also not be poisonous to humans. Any suggestions would be helpful.
Leaves in Garden Bed Turning Greenish Yellow?I am in zone 2 in southwestern Alberta. The leaves on my plants (lilies, delphinium and Jacob's ladder) are turning lime green.
Growing Garlic Near Potatoes?I just read that potatoes and garlic are not best friends. I just planted potatoes about 2-3 feet from winter garlic. Do I need to move them? The garlic will be harvested early July.
Using Pesticides and Herbicides Safely?Can pesticides get in your home thru central air unit if sprayed by either liquid or powder? I was wondering if products such as Sevin dust, liquid brush killer, or insecticides sprayed outside get in thru your central air unit?
