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.
Cilantro, a beloved herb known for its bright, citrusy flavor and used in cuisines around the world, can be easily grown in your own home. Whether you have a spacious garden or a sunny windowsill, cultivating cilantro is a rewarding endeavor.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps of planting cilantro, from selecting the right seeds and preparing the soil to ensuring optimal growing conditions and harvesting your fresh herbs. Discover the joys of growing cilantro indoors and enjoying its flavorful leaves in your culinary creations.
Cilantro is the leafy part of the coriander plant, and the seeds are what you'll plant to begin the growing process. Choose slow-bolting varieties for a longer harvest period. These can be purchased from garden centers, nurseries, or online suppliers.
A container with adequate drainage is crucial to prevent root rot, a common issue with overwatering. Opt for a pot with drainage holes and a saucer underneath to collect excess water. A 6-8 inch pot is sufficient for a single plant.
Cilantro thrives in well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Choose a pre-mixed potting mix formulated for herbs or vegetables, as it contains the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
Consistent moisture is important for cilantro, but overwatering can have serious consequences. A watering can with a gentle rose attachment or a garden spray bottle allows for precise watering without disturbing the seeds or young seedlings.
Soaking the seeds in room temperature water for 8-12 hours before planting can further enhance germination rates.
A: Cilantro and coriander come from the same plant (Coriandrum sativum). Cilantro refers to the leaves and stems, while coriander refers to the dried seeds. To enjoy fresh cilantro, you need to grow the plant from seed. It's an easy plant to grow both indoors and outdoors. Simply sow cilantro seeds directly into well-draining potting mix or garden soil, provide ample sunlight, and water regularly (about 1 inch of water per week).
A: Cilantro has a unique, citrusy, and slightly peppery flavor that many people love. However, some individuals have a genetic variation that makes cilantro taste like soap. If you're one of them, don't worry! There are plenty of alternative herbs to use, such as parsley, mint, basil, or even Vietnamese coriander (rau ram).
A: Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and full sun, but it can struggle in hot climates. If you live in a hot area, try growing cilantro indoors or provide afternoon shade outdoors. Ensure well-draining soil, consistent moisture (about 1 inch of water per week), and good air circulation to prevent diseases. Remember that cilantro is a fast-growing annual, so it may bolt (flower) quickly in hot weather.
A: You can start harvesting cilantro leaves when the plants are about 6 inches tall. Snip or pinch off outer leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and delay bolting. To extend your cilantro harvest, you can sow new cilantro seeds every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season.
A: There are several ways to preserve cilantro: freezing, drying, or making pesto are popular options. You can also store coriander seeds for later use in cooking. To harvest coriander seeds, let the cilantro flowers mature and dry on the plant. Once the seeds turn brown, collect them and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
