Overwintering Petunias: Why It's Not Recommended

Petunias are beloved for their vibrant blooms, but many gardeners wonder if they can keep these plants alive through winter. The short answer: petunias are annuals, and overwintering them is generally not advisable. Und

Fall Shade Planting for Maryland Holiday Color

Plant fall pansies now in shade — theyll bloom for Jewish holidays, survive winter, and rebloom in spring. Add shade grasses: Hakonechloa or variegated Carex Evergold. Proven Winners Fall Magic line has heucheras and Car

Butterflies and Pests for Las Vegas Garden Plants

For Nevada butterflies, see thebutterflysite.com/nevada-butterflies.shtml. Petunias, dahlias, and tomatoes have pests (aphids on dahlias, Japanese beetles, slugs) but natural predators usually control them — dont spray.

Saving a Stressed Japanese Maple in a Pot

75°F. No fertilizer. Japanese maples survive scorch and burn. In zone 5, pots need zone 7 temps (0-10°F low) to overwinter outside — otherwise move to unheated garage/shed in coldest weeks. Add compost yearly, use organi

Ants on Flowers: Remove the Sugar Source

Sugar water attracts ants — you cant deter ants without also deterring butterflies. Instead, plant butterfly favorites (nectar plants) — they prefer natural food. Remove the feeder, and the ants will leave.

Debugging Soil Before Bringing Plants Indoors

You cant sterilize soil completely, but minimize pests: repot outdoors in fresh potting soil, spray plant with insecticidal soap, bring inside, then spray every other day for a week. Water deeply only when top 3 of soil

Identifying and Growing 'Betulia' Begonias

Betunia is likely Betulia — a new begonia that blooms continuously without day-length sensitivity and holds a neat shape with minimal pinching. Overwinter indoors in east/west window, water when dry, fertilize from Janua

Overwintering Impatiens Indoors

Impatiens are tender perennials — frost kills them. Dig favorites, pot up, cut back 1/2 to 2/3, place in sunny window (they need more light in winter). Or take 4 tip cuttings: use sterile soilless mix, rooting hormone, r

Overwintering Dracaena Spikes (Espigas) Indoors

Yes — dig now, pot individually in fresh soil, water well. Place in sunny window. Water only when soil dries. No fertilizer until late February — plants rest in low light. Theyll thrive and be ready for spring.

Fall Hydrangea Transplanting Deadline

Fall planting is great but must finish 4 weeks before first frost. In the Midwest, thats ~October 1. Your local frost date determines the cutoff. After that, wait for spring.

Overwintering Dracaena Spikes Indoors

Yes — Dracaena spikes overwinter well in a sunny window. Pot individually to avoid tangled roots. Water when very dry, then soak. Fertilize monthly at half strength, never on dry soil. Theyll grow into trees over many ye

Identifying a Fragrant Small Flower from a Greek Garden

Identifying a plant from a vague description is nearly impossible. You didnt mention flower color or bloom season. Sweet clover (white or purple) has globe-shaped flowers, small round leaves, and a delightful scent — a p

Creating a Braided Dragon Tree

Braided Dracaenas start as flexible young stems. Your plant is likely too stiff. Option: cut top, root it, add a third stem, then braid as they grow — but its easier to buy one pre-braided. To cut: sever at lowest leaves

Overwintering Bougainvillea in Minnesota

Bougainvillea is a true tropical — no frost tolerance. Overwinter in a south/west window indoors, or force dormancy in a cool (above 30°F), dark basement like geraniums. If dormant: reduce water/light gradually, store dr

Overwintering Tropical Hibiscus in Delaware

Tropical hibiscus may not survive zone 7a (Rehoboth Beach) winters — average 43-45°F means lows below 35°F. Overwinter indoors or in a shed with a window. Dont prune until spring — stems store winter energy. If in shed,

Managing Ground Ivy in Kansas City

Clean up ivy in April by mowing or weed-whacking — winter cleanup leaves it ugly. Contain annually: chop edges in spring, midsummer, and fall. Dig out roots in forbidden zones. Barriers fail — ivy grows over/under. Herbi

Complete Guide to Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors

Start most veg/annual seeds 6-8 weeks before last frost (6 weeks is a safe rule). Sow no deeper than 2x seed diameter. Use sterile soilless mix (vermiculite, perlite, sphagnum). Cover with dome until first sprout, then r

Will Old Datura Seeds Germinate?

2007 Datura seeds may germinate in 2009 but with lower viability. Storage matters: cool, dry, sealed containers preserve germination. Sow thinly covered (light helps), keep moist not soggy. Better: buy fresh from Thompso

Overwintering King Tut Papyrus Indoors in Zone 6

Papyrus goes dormant in winter — no growth is normal. Keep the pot in a shallow tray with 1-2 of water. Soil should stay moist but not soggy. If the stalk isnt brown and roots dont smell swampy, its alive. Dont fertilize

Controlling Botrytis Mold on Impatiens in South Florida

Warm, humid conditions trigger botrytis at soil level. Spray Soap-Shield (copper-based fungicide from Gardens Alive) under plants. Its highly effective against molds and fungi. Apply regularly throughout the year for pre