Caring for Begonias and Impatiens in Hot Weather: Watering, Fertilizing, and Bloom Tips

Gardening in the northwest corner of Alabama means dealing with intense summer heat—today it hit 100°F. As a new gardener, you’ve brought home 10 potted begonias and 4 potted impatiens, drenched them with Miracle-Gro Blo

Hydrangea Flowers Turning Green: Natural Aging

Hydrangea flowers naturally turn green as they age and wither. This is not a nutrient deficiency. Deadhead spent blooms, but dont cut deep into the stem—next years buds are there. No Action Needed The flower is finished

Gardening Speaker for Cruise: Terms

Professional garden speaker C.L. Fornari offers informative, entertaining talks but requires full fare coverage, not reduced fare, because on-duty time includes all hours. Visit gardenlady.com for details.

Four-O-Clocks Not Blooming: Troubleshooting

Established four-o-clocks (Mirabilis jalapa) failing to bloom may have: excess nitrogen (lawn fertilizer, pet urine), increased shade, soil pH imbalance, water extremes, or crowded tubers. Flood area to leach nitrogen, t

Zucchini Fruit Rot: Water Management

Zucchini fruit yellowing and dropping at 1-2 inches suggests fungal rot exacerbated by frequent sprinkler irrigation. Water deeply but infrequently (every 4-5 days) in morning only. Mulch under fruit. Apply sulfur spray

Best Plants for Window Boxes in Part Sun/Shade

For window boxes with morning sun/afternoon shade: Impatiens (regular or New Guinea) for red, variegated ivy or vinca vine for trailing, variegated spider plant for cream, ferns for texture. Use time-release fertilizer (

Why Impatiens Aren't Flowering

Lush, green impatiens with no flowers usually need more light. They tolerate shade but bloom best with bright indirect light or morning sun. Move a few to a slightly sunnier spot to test. Other Causes Excess nitrogen fe

Managing Tall, Flopping Zinnias

Genetically tall zinnias (3 feet) cannot be permanently shortened by pruning—they regrow quickly. Options: stake with bamboo in an X-pattern, cut constantly for bouquets, pull them out, or let them flop and move seedling

Controlling Whiteflies on Petunias

Whiteflies on petunias require insecticidal soap (not dish soap). Spray thoroughly under leaves in morning or evening. Repeat weekly until controlled. Avoid spraying in hot sun. Why Not Dish Soap? Dish soaps contain addi

Reviving Brown Petunias in Containers

Petunias with brown leaves in containers usually suffer from overwatering (soil constantly wet) or underwatering (soil bone dry). Impatiens tolerating the same conditions suggests overwatering—impatiens like more moistur

Growing Bluebonnets Indoors in Germany

Growing Texas bluebonnets indoors in Germany is challenging. They need 12-14 hours of strong artificial light, excellent air circulation (fans), and well-drained alkaline soil. Indoor pests (aphids, spider mites) are a m

Controlling Powdery Mildew on Zucchini and Cucumbers

Powdery mildew appears as white powdery spots on leaves, spread by wind and rain. It weakens plants and reduces yield. Effective treatments include lime sulfur (traditional fungicide) or copper-based fungicidal soap (e.g

Why Deadheaded Salvia Didn't Rebloom

Annual salvias like Hummingbird red salvia are often forced into early bloom in pots. Once planted in rich soil with fertilizer, they switch to vegetative growth and bloom late (August-September). Deadheading wont force

Why Transplanted Petunias Fail in Hanging Baskets

Common Mistakes Moving Mature Petunias to Baskets Your mature petunias died after transplanting into Miracle-Gro soil in hanging baskets. Two likely causes: 1. No Hardening Off Mature plants moved directly into full sun

Green Caterpillars on Petunias: Hornworm Control with Bt

Identifying and Controlling Petunia Hornworms Bright green caterpillars (tiny to 1 inch) eating buds and flowers on your Easy Wave Blue petunias in Brooklyn—these are tobacco hornworms (Manduca sexta) or related species.

When to Prune Hibiscus: Timing for Potted Plants

Pruning Tropical Hibiscus in Containers Your hibiscus is overgrown but unpruned this year. Assuming youre in a cold-winter zone and bring pots indoors: Do Not Prune Heavily Now Late-season pruning stimulates tender gro

Petunia Pest Mystery: Black Spherical Specks on Buds and Leaves

Identifying the Little Black Balls on Your Petunias Black, spherical, non-moving specks on buds and leaves that brush off easily—likely flea beetle frass (droppings) or caterpillar frass, not the insects themselves. Flea

Finding and Growing Exhibition Irregular Incurve Chrysanthemums

Specialty Mums: Beyond Garden Center Varieties Irregular incurve mums are the show stoppers of the chrysanthemum world—huge, exquisite blooms. You wont find them at Home Depot. Where to Source National Chrysanthemum So

Propagating Hibiscus from Cuttings: Easy Step-by-Step

Rooting Hibiscus Cuttings for Family Sharing Dont dig up the mother plants. Take cuttings instead—faster, easier, and both mothers get identical plants. Cutting Procedure Cut 6+ inch tender (green, not woody) stems. Re

Planting Wildflowers in South Alabama: Timing and Sources

When and How to Sow Wildflowers in the Deep South In South Alabama, plant when soil and air temps stay above 50°F. Late winter to early spring (Feb-Mar) is ideal for spring bloom; fall (Oct-Nov) for next year. Steps for