Garden Companion Planting 101: Maximizing Growth and Minimizing Pests
Unlock the secrets of garden companion planting: enhance growth and repel pests naturally with strategic plant pairings!
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Gardening for Food
Gardening for food allows you to get your own trusted and all-natural source of ingredients or herbs, whether you'll be brewing tea, making your favorite salad, or simply just adding spices to your dish.
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All gardeners start somewhere, and this is where you'll be able to learn the basics, allowing you to solidify a good foundation for your gardening projects.
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Visit our knowledge base if you want to learn the basics down to the most unconventional questions.
Growing an Avocado From Seed Q&A
Q: Can I grow an avocado tree indoors year-round?
A: Yes, you can! But keep in mind, avocado trees need a lot of light. Make sure to place it in a sunny spot (preferably south-facing) or use a grow light to help it thrive indoors.
Q: Are avocado trees self-pollinating?
A: Yes, avocado trees are self-pollinating, meaning they don’t need another tree to produce fruit. However, having two trees can improve fruit production by increasing pollination.
Q: How much space do I need to plant an avocado tree?
A: Avocado trees need a lot of room to grow—expect them to reach 30-40 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide! Be sure to plant them at least 15-20 feet away from other trees, structures, or fences to give them room to spread out.
Perennial Herbs For Your Garden Q&A
Q: What’s the difference between a perennial and an annual medicinal herb?
A: Perennial herbs come back year after year, so once you plant them, you’ll have them for a long time! Annual herbs, on the other hand, only last for one growing season, so you’ll need to replant them each year. Perennials like mint, echinacea, and yarrow save you the hassle of replanting every spring.
Q: How can I harvest medicinal herbs without killing the plant?
A: The key is to harvest selectively! Only take what you need from each plant—this lets it continue to grow and regenerate. For herbs like mint and sage, you can snip off the top leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth. For larger plants like echinacea or valerian, cut back the flowers once they’ve bloomed to keep the plant healthy.
Q: What’s the best way to use my herbs for medicinal purposes?
A: There are tons of ways to use your medicinal herbs! Fresh leaves can be used in teas, tinctures, or poultices. Dried herbs ar
Caring For Lipstick Plants Q&A
1. Why is my lipstick plant not blooming?
Plants don’t usually bloom if they don’t get enough light, nutrients, or proper care. Ensuring bright light and using a diluted fertilizer will encourage flowering.
2. Why should I add a lipstick plant to my indoor plant collection?
A lipstick plant is generally considered a great addition to an indoor plant collection because of its trailing vines, easy care requirements, and stunning lipstick flowers.
3. How do I make my lipstick plant bushier?
Regular pruning keeps your plant looking full and compact. Trim long, leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
Caring For Desert Rose Flowers Q&A
Q: Can desert rose survive cold temperatures?
A: No, plants prefer warm climates and do not tolerate frost well. If temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant should be brought indoors or placed in a warm, sheltered area. Exposure to cold temperatures can cause leaf drop, damage to the caudex, and even death.
Q: Is the sap of the desert rose toxic?
A: Yes, the sap of the desert rose is toxic if ingested. It contains a milky latex that can cause irritation or poisoning in pets and humans. The plant should be kept out of the reach of children and animals. When handling the plant, especially during pruning or repotting, it is advisable to wear gloves and wash hands afterward.
Q: How fast does a desert rose grow?
A: The desert rose could grow up to 12 inches per year under optimal conditions. However, it is a slow-growing plant, especially when grown from seed. Taller plants develop over several years, and their growth rate depends on factors such as sunlight, temperature, and proper care.
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