Frequently Asked Questions
Houseplants are attractive additions to homes and offices. They can also improve indoor air quality by removing formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, ammonia, and other harmful chemicals.
Plants that have been shown to improve Indoor Air...
Don’t burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. Dry, evergreen branches literally explode when burned and could cause a house fire. Also, burning the tree may contribute to the buildup of creosote and lead to a flue fire...
Leaves are not a good winter mulch for strawberries. Leaves can mat together in layers, trapping air and creating space for ice to form. The leaf, air, and ice layers do not provide adequate protection. A leaf mulch may actually...
Place the poinsettia in a plant sleeve or carefully wrap it before transporting the plant home. Exposing the poinsettia to freezing temperatures, even for a few minutes, may cause its bracts and leaves to blacken and drop. As soon as...
In general, houseplants require less frequent watering during the winter months than in spring and summer. Watering frequency depends upon the plant species, the composition of the potting mix, environmental conditions (temperature, light,...
The small, yellow mushroom is probably Leucocoprinus birnbaumii. The fungus is sometimes referred to as yellow houseplant mushroom, yellow parasol, or flower pot parasol. This species can be found outside in summer, but is...
Flower and vegetable seeds can be purchased at local garden centers and other retailers. They’re also available from mail-order/internet companies.
Mail-order/internet sources include:
- Park Seed Company |...
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) seeds germinate slowly because they possess dormant embryos and slowly permeable seedcoats. Germination can be improved by placing the seeds in a cool, moist environment for 80 to 100 days. The cool, moist...
The key to watering a poinsettia is the moisture content of the potting soil. Check the potting soil daily with your finger. When the soil surface becomes dry to the touch, water the plant until water begins to flow out the bottom of...
Most houseplants grow well with daytime temperatures of 65 to 75°F and night temperatures of 60 to 65°F. Temperatures below 50°F or rapid temperature fluctuations may harm some plants. Keep houseplants away from cold drafts, radiators...
“Cat grass” is grown by cat owners to satisfy their cat’s desire to graze on green plants. Cat grass is usually common oats or a blend of oats, wheat, and rye grass. It is sold at pet supply stores and garden centers.
Cat...
Trees and shrubs that are often damaged by rabbits in winter include crabapple, apple, pear, redbud, honey locust, serviceberry, burning bush or winged euonymus, flowering quince, barberry, roses, and raspberries. Small evergreens (especially...
"Winter onion" is a general term used to describe onions that can survive the winter outdoors in the ground. The Egyptian onion (also called tree onion and walking onion) produces clusters of small bulbs (called bulblets) at the tops of...
Improper watering may be responsible for the leaf drop on the poinsettia. Over-watering will cause the lower leaves to turn yellow and drop. Plants that are allowed to get too dry will wilt and also drop leaves.
The water...
Many houseplants prefer a relative humidity of 40 to 50 percent. Unfortunately, the humidity level in many homes during the winter months may be only 10 to 20 percent. Humidifiers are an excellent way to increase the relative humidity...
Trees utilize sugars and other carbohydrates manufactured by the foliage for plant growth. Therefore, avoid the temptation to severely prune newly planted trees. Severe pruning reduces the tree’s ability to manufacture food and...
To prevent extensive bark damage, use a 3-cut procedure when pruning branches that are greater than 1½ inches in diameter. Make the first cut 6 to 12 inches from the main branch or trunk. Cut upward and go about one-third of the way...
The best way to prevent rabbit damage to roses in the home landscape is to place chicken wire fencing or hardware cloth around the plants. To adequately protect plants, the fencing material needs to be high enough that rabbits won’t be able...
The storage life of onions is largely determined by the variety (cultivar), harvesting and drying procedures, and storage conditions.
When selecting onions, choose varieties that store well, such as ‘Copra’, ‘Stuttgarter’, and ‘Sweet...
If given good care in the home, poinsettias should remain attractive for 2 to 3 months. Toss the poinsettia when you grow tired of it or it becomes unattractive.
Tips to have the poinsettia bloom again:
March to Late...
Spring and summer and the best times to fertilize houseplants. Fertilizers are available in liquid, crystalline, granular, spike, and tablet forms. Utilize fertilizers specifically formulated for houseplants or use general...
Do not apply a pruning paint or wound dressing to pruning wounds. The application of a pruning paint or wound dressing does not prevent wood decay and may actually interfere with the tree’s natural wound responses.
Oak trees are an...
The symptoms of salt injury to deciduous trees and shrubs include stunted growth, marginal leaf scorch, early fall coloration, and twig dieback. Accumulation of salt in the soil over several years may result in progressive decline and eventual...
The problem may be improper storage. Acorn-type squashes should be stored at a temperature of 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Some acorn-type squashes will turn yellow when stored at temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. High...
The poinsettia has long been regarded as poisonous. However, research conducted at various institutions has shown the poinsettia is not poisonous. While the poinsettia is not poisonous, it is not intended for human or animal...
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