Vinegar is effective at killing most young, tender, and shallow-rooted weeds such as chickweed or small annual weeds. The acetic acid in vinegar dries out the plant’s leaves and stems, causing them to wither. However, it’s less effective against deep-rooted or perennial weeds like dandelions, crabgrass, or thistles. These tougher weeds may require repeated applications, higher-strength vinegar, or a combination of vinegar spray with manual removal to fully eliminate them.
Yes. DIY weed killers such as vinegar, salt, and boiling water are non-selective, meaning they don’t distinguish between weeds, grass, or flowers. If they come in direct contact with your lawn, vegetable plants, or ornamental flowers, they can cause scorching, yellowing, or even death. To avoid harming desirable plants, apply these solutions carefully and directly on weeds, ideally with a spray bottle or by shielding nearby plants with cardboard or plastic during application.
Generally, yes—when used properly. Unlike chemical herbicides, homemade options like vinegar, salt, or boiling water don’t leave behind long-lasting toxic residues. Pets and children can safely return to treated areas once the vinegar has fully dried or the boiling water has cooled. However, concentrated vinegar (horticultural vinegar with higher acidity) can cause skin or paw irritation if touched while wet, so always let the treated area settle before allowing pets back.
Natural weed killers typically show visible effects within 24 hours. Weeds may start to wilt, turn brown, or dry up soon after application, especially in hot, sunny, and dry conditions, which speed up the process. For tougher weeds or cloudy weather, results may take longer, and you may need to reapply for complete control. Keep in mind that these methods work best on small or actively growing weeds, not large established ones.
No, most DIY weed killers are not a permanent fix. While they kill the parts of the weed above the soil, many weeds—especially perennials—can regrow from seeds or deep root systems. To maintain a weed-free garden, combine these natural treatments with preventive strategies such as mulching, pulling weeds before they seed, applying corn gluten meal to block germination, or maintaining dense, healthy plant cover to crowd out weeds naturally.
Yes, you can grow a banana tree indoors, especially if you choose dwarf varieties such as the Dwarf Cavendish. These smaller banana plants can thrive in large pots, provided they receive plenty of sunlight—ideally near a south-facing window—or supplemental grow lights. Indoor banana plants also benefit from high humidity, so regular misting or the use of a humidifier can help them flourish. With proper care, indoor banana trees can produce lush tropical foliage and, in some cases, even fruit.
Most edible banana varieties, such as Cavendish, are seedless and cannot be grown from seeds. Instead, they reproduce through suckers (also called pups) that grow around the base of the plant. However, wild banana species do produce large, hard seeds that can be germinated. These seed-grown bananas are not commonly cultivated for eating, as their fruit is often filled with seeds and lacks the sweetness of cultivated varieties.
Banana plants typically take between 9 to 15 months from planting to produce fruit, although the exact time depends on the variety, climate, and growing conditions. They grow fastest in consistently warm temperatures with high humidity and fertile soil. Once the flower stalk emerges, it usually takes another 2 to 6 months for the bananas to mature and be ready for harvest.
Yes, the main stem of a banana plant, often called the "mother plant," dies after it produces fruit. However, the plant doesn’t completely die out—it produces new shoots or suckers at the base. These suckers grow into new plants, continuing the cycle. Gardeners often select the healthiest suckers to grow into the next generation of fruit-bearing plants, ensuring a continuous supply of bananas.
Banana plants are tropical and do not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. In regions with cold winters, they must either be grown in pots and brought indoors before the first frost or protected outdoors with heavy mulching and wrapping. Some cold-hardy ornamental varieties can withstand cooler temperatures, but fruit-bearing types generally need a warm, frost-free climate to survive and produce well.
It depends on the sunflower varieties you choose. When you’re growing sunflowers from seed, most sunflower plants take 70–100 days from the time you sow the seed until sunflower heads bloom. Smaller varieties are usually fast growing and bloom earlier, while a giant sunflower takes longer.
There are many types of sunflowers. The traditional giant sunflower can reach 12–15 feet tall, producing large seed heads packed with edible seeds. Small sunflower varieties are ideal for pots or borders. For continuous color, try succession planting with branching varieties. When deciding on sunflowers to grow, consider if you want cut flowers, acres of sunflowers, or seeds for roasting.
To plant sunflower seeds, choose a sunny spot or use seeds in pots. Outdoors, sow sunflower seeds 6 inches apart for smaller plants or several inches apart for giants. Indoors, you can plant seeds indoors in pots and later transplant them along a fence or in beds. The best planting time is after the frost has passed.
Summer—the time when plants are at their best, flowers are in full bloom, fruits and veggies are ripening, and everything is just bursting with life. As someone who loves getting their hands dirty in the garden, summer is the season I look forward to the most! If you're wondering which flowers to focus on during those long, sunny days, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the best ones to keep your garden glowing all summer long.
Petunias are such happy-looking flowers, don’t you think? Those trumpet-shaped blooms come in so many colors—it’s honestly hard to pick a favorite. They love soaking up the sun, so they’re perfect for brightening up any sunny spot. If you’re like me and want something that looks amazing without being a lot of work, petunias are a solid choice. They just keep blooming and make the garden feel alive.
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Calibrachoa, or "Million Bells," are like the dainty cousins of petunias, and they’re just as hardworking! These little blooms spill over hanging baskets or containers like colorful waterfalls, creating a gorgeous cascading effect. They love sunny spots and are a perfect pick if you want something a bit more delicate but just as cheerful as petunias. Plus, they’re super easy to care for and keep blooming like champs all season long.
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Verbena has a natural ability to keep blooming all summer because it’s a hardy, heat-loving plant with a long flowering season. It puts its energy into producing clusters of small flowers continuously, especially if you deadhead (remove spent blooms) regularly. Plus, it doesn’t mind a little drought, so it powers through those hotter months without skipping a beat. This resilience and adaptability make it a favorite for vibrant summer-long displays
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Impatiens have soft, glossy leaves that range from deep green to sometimes a bit of purple. You can find them in a bunch of vibrant colors, from hot pinks and purples to softer pastels like peach and white. The flowers have a cute, rounded shape that makes them look like tiny little cups. When it comes to size, impatiens are typically 12 to 18 inches tall, with some varieties sprawling out a bit, making them perfect for hanging baskets or filling in garden beds.
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Daisies, with their bright white petals and sunny yellow centers, are super easy to grow–perfect for beginner gardeners or anyone looking to add a little joy to their garden. They're great in containers, making them an easy and low-maintenance choice for patios or windowsills. Simple, sunny, and always a mood booster!
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Dahlias are total showstoppers! With their bold, dramatic blooms in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors, they’re the perfect flower for anyone wanting to make a statement. Whether you go for big, fluffy ones or smaller, more intricate blooms, dahlias never fail to impress. They’re the kind of flower that steals the spotlight in any garden!
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Euphorbia’s got these pretty white blooms that look amazing when you pair them with other flowers. They’re perfect if you want something super low-maintenance and drought-resistant. Honestly, they don’t need much care but still look great, adding a nice, airy vibe to your garden. Totally a no-fuss plant that still stands out.
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Alyssum is like a natural air freshener for your garden with its tiny, honey-scented blooms. It’s perfect for containers and does great in sunny to partially shaded spots. If you’re looking to add a sweet smell to your garden without much effort, alyssum’s got you covered. It’s low-maintenance but brings that extra charm and fragrance that’ll make your garden feel even more inviting.
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Well, you already know marigolds—the classic, ever-popular flowers with those bright, fluffy orange blooms you usually see in gardens. Oh, and yes—they bloom all summer long! These hardy, annual little guys just keep going, producing those vibrant blooms non-stop as long as the sun’s shining. They love the heat, so they’re perfect for keeping your garden colorful during those hot summer months.
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You’ve probably seen these beauties with their waxy foliage and vibrant blooms that just pop. They’re perfect if you've got a spot in your garden that doesn’t get full sun because begonias thrive in partial shade. They’ll still give you those stunning flowers, but they’re much happier without the harsh midday sun beating down on them. If you’ve got a shady corner that needs a little love, begonias are your go-to. They’re easy to care for, and their bold, colorful blooms make them a standout even in lower light.
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Okay, I have to be honest—lantanas are my favorite! These flowers are just stunning with their bright, multi-colored blooms in shades like yellow, orange, pink, and purple. They bring so much life to the garden, and what’s even cooler is that they’re a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies. If you're into helping out the environment while adding some serious color, lantanas are a no-brainer. Plus, they’re super easy to care for and tough enough to handle a little neglect—making them the perfect go-to for any garden!
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You know those spiky blooms in bold shades of purple, red, or blue? That's salvia doing its thing! These perennial flowers are heat-tolerant and can take the sun without breaking a sweat, which makes them perfect for warmer climates. Plus, they keep on blooming for ages, so you get a burst of color all season long. If you need something that can handle the heat and still look amazing, salvia's got you covered!
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A: Most of them are pretty heat-tolerant, like marigolds and salvia. They can handle those hot, sunny days without skipping a beat. Just make sure they’re not sitting in soggy soil or they might not last through the heat.
A: Not really! Many summer-blooming flowers are surprisingly low-maintenance. As long as they’re in the right spot, watered regularly, and maybe given a little fertilizer here and there, they’ll keep blooming. Marigolds and lantanas, for example, are pretty much the “set it and forget it” kind of plants.
A: Lantanas, begonias, bougainvillea, salvia, geraniums, and petunias are great options that can keep producing flowers throughout the year, especially in warmer climates or with proper care.
