Why Petunias Feel Sticky

Petunias exude a natural sticky substance from their stems that spreads to flowers. Botanists believe its a defense mechanism to trap sap-sucking insects like aphids and thrips, to which petunias are prone. Some gardener

Identifying a Low Spreading Purple Flower from a Hanging Basket

A low, spreading plant with fern-like leaves and brilliant purple flowers just above the foliage is likely Verbena. Verbena flowers form round clusters of small blooms. Its an annual in most climates but may overwinter w

Transplanting Iris Under Oak Trees and Deterring Moles

Iris can thrive under oaks with noon sun if soil is amended. Identify your iris type first—likely bearded, Siberian, or crested iris. Search online for images to match. For sandy soil, mix in compost or manure before pla

Ripening Bananas on the Plant in a Cool Climate

In Kentucky, banana plants in the ground wont ripen fruit before frost. Leave the stalk on as long as possible; harvest when nights approach 40°F. Place the whole hand in a cardboard box with a couple of apples—apples em

Mexican Heather Care: Watering and Blooming Tips

Mexican heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) is an annual flowering groundcover for full sun and well-drained soil. Water 1 inch every 5–10 days (adjust for heat/rain). After planting, water every 2–3 days for two weeks, then t

Rooting Althea (Rose of Sharon) Cuttings to Save Plants When Moving

To propagate Hibiscus syriacus (Althea/Rose of Sharon) from cuttings: Take 8-inch tip cuttings; remove bottom 2–3 leaves. Dip cut end in rooting hormone powder. Insert into moist potting soil in a pot (pencil hole first

Japanese Maple Care for Vibrant Color and Winter Hardiness

Japanese maples are cold-hardy and thrive in organically rich soil. Annually apply 2 inches of compost or composted manure under the drip line in fall, topped with 1 inch of bark mulch in spring. Water deeply weekly duri

Storing Empty Clay Pots Outdoors in Winter

Empty clay pots can stay outside in freezing climates (like Michigan) if prepared correctly: Turn pots upside down. Elevate on small wood blocks—dont let the rim rest directly on frozen ground. Ensure no water collects

Best Methods for Overwintering Geraniums Indoors

To keep geraniums over winter: Bring pots indoors before frost. Place in a sunny window (south, east, or west). Water by weight—pot should feel heavy after watering; wait until light (every 5–14 days). Avoid constant mo

Starting Seeds Indoors with Cats and Dry Air

Dry indoor air and curious cats can derail seed starting. Solutions: Humidity: A humidifier helps; also mist seedlings twice daily. Cats: Build a simple frame around grow lights with plastic fencing, or cover flats with

Growing Nicotiana sylvestris from Seed Successfully

Nicotiana sylvestris (woodland tobacco) can be tricky: germination is erratic, and seedlings develop unevenly. For best results: Start seeds indoors in February or early March (not late March) to ensure bloom by July. T

Preparing Clay Soil for Flowers in Hot, Windy Oklahoma

For clay soil in Oklahomas heat and wind, amend before planting: spread 2–4 inches of compost over the bed and work it in 8–12 inches deep with a shovel or tiller. After planting, apply a balanced granular fertilizer (Es

Dividing and Trimming Dusty Miller

Dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima) is often grown as an annual but can overwinter in protected spots. To rejuvenate overgrown plants: Prune back by half or more, leaving some foliage below cuts. New growth emerges quickly

Diagnosing Black Spots on Annuals After Storms

After two weeks of rain and wind, black splotches on heliotrope, salvia, coleus, and basil suggest either fungal disease (black spots with fuzzy strands) or drought stress (brown, crispy spots) from wind desiccation. Tak

Why Geranium Blooms Shrink After the First Flush

If your geraniums second bloom cycle produces smaller flower clusters, cool, wet weather is often the cause. Geraniums thrive in warm, sunny conditions; prolonged rain and clouds reduce flower size and number. Wait for w

What to Do with Hanging Baskets After Summer

Over 95% of purchased hanging baskets contain annuals. Theyll bloom until frost if cared for: hang in 6+ hours of sun, check soil every 2 days (baskets dry fast), and deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed formation and

Caring for Potted Petunias to Attract Hummingbirds

Petunias need full sun (6+ hours) to bloom well. A north-facing location likely lacks sufficient light—consider shade-tolerant alternatives like impatiens or coleus for that spot. If you keep petunias in sun: deadhead sp

Best Time to Plant Azaleas in Tennessee

In southeastern Tennessee (Zones 6–7), spring and fall are ideal for planting azaleas due to mild temperatures. However, with attentive watering, they can be planted in summer or winter too. Key care: Water new plants wi

Fragrant Flowering Shrubs and Trees for Gulf Coast Texas

For the Galveston, Texas area (Zone 9–10), these fragrant, heat-tolerant shrubs and trees thrive in sun to part shade: Ceanothus (California lilac) – spring blooms, evergreen. Osmanthus – tiny, intensely fragrant flower

Growing New Guinea Impatiens from Seed vs. Cuttings

New Guinea Impatiens are hybrids, so seeds collected from your plants wont come true—theyll revert to less floriferous parents. For reliable results, buy fresh seed or propagate from cuttings. From seed: Germination requ