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.
Moon flowers (Ipomoea alba), with their stunning, fragrant white blossoms that open in the evening, are a beautiful addition to any garden. These night-blooming plants belong to the same family as morning glories and are known for their rapid growth and enchanting presence.
I first discovered moon flowers through a friend who was an avid gardener. She invited me to her home one evening to see her latest addition, a trellis adorned with these delicate blooms. As the sun set, her garden transformed into a magical realm, bathed in the ethereal glow of the moon flowers. Watching those flowers unfurl their petals under the moonlit sky left an indelible impression on me.
If you're interested in growing moon flowers from seeds, this comprehensive guide will take you through every step of the process, from seed selection to caring for mature plants,
Before diving into the growing process, it's important to understand a bit about moon flowers themselves. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, moon flowers are perennial in warmer climates but are often grown as annuals in cooler regions. They can reach heights of 10-15 feet, twining around structures with their robust vines. Their large, heart-shaped leaves and ethereal, white blooms make them a favorite among gardeners looking to add some nocturnal beauty to their landscapes.
Selecting high-quality seeds is the first step in ensuring a successful moon flower garden. You can purchase seeds from a reputable nursery or online supplier. Look for seeds that are plump, dark, and free from cracks or damage. It's also beneficial to choose seeds from a reliable source that provides information on germination rates and optimal growing conditions.
Moon flower seeds have a hard outer shell that can inhibit germination if not properly prepared. To enhance germination, you can scarify the seeds by gently nicking the surface with a nail file or soaking them in water. Here's how to do it:
Here's a step-by-step guide to planting your moon flower seeds:
Once your moon flowers are planted, proper care is essential to ensure they thrive. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy moon flower plants:
Moon flowers typically begin to bloom in mid to late summer, producing large, fragrant white flowers that open in the evening and close by morning. These blooms are not only visually striking but also attract nocturnal pollinators like moths. The flowers are short-lived, but new blooms will continue to appear throughout the season.
Here are the steps to encourage moon flowers to bloom:
If you wish to collect seeds for the following year, allow some of the flowers to remain on the plant and develop into seed pods. The pods will turn brown and dry out as they mature. Once the pods are dry, you can harvest them and extract the seeds. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant them next season.
Growing moon flowers is generally straightforward, but you might encounter some challenges. Here are solutions to common problems:
If seeds fail to germinate, ensure you've properly scarified and soaked them. Check soil temperature and moisture levels, as seeds need warmth and consistent moisture to sprout.
Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or poor drainage. Adjust watering habits and consider applying a balanced fertilizer.
Insufficient sunlight or excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage but few flowers. Ensure plants get enough sun and avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen products.
Moon flowers are relatively pest and disease-resistant, but they can still fall victim to common garden issues. Here are some potential problems and how to address them:
These small, sap-sucking insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
These tiny pests can cause stippling and webbing on leaves. Use a strong jet of water to dislodge them or apply miticide if necessary.
This fungal disease appears as white, powdery spots on leaves. Ensure good air circulation around plants and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk. Fungicidal sprays can also be effective.
Overwatering or poorly-drained soil can lead to root rot. Ensure your soil drains well and avoid waterlogging the plants.
A: The best time to plant moon flower seeds is after the last frost date in your area when the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C). In cooler climates, you can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outside once the danger of frost has passed.
A: Moon flower seeds typically take 7-14 days to germinate, depending on the temperature and moisture conditions. Scarifying and soaking the seeds before planting can help speed up the germination process.
A: Yes, moon flowers thrive in full sun and require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and bloom properly. They can tolerate partial shade, but this may result in fewer blooms.
A: Yes, moon flowers can be successfully grown in large containers. Ensure the container has good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix. Provide a support structure for the vines to climb.
A: Yes, moon flowers are toxic if ingested by pets. They contain alkaloids that can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Keep moon flowers out of reach of pets and monitor them closely if they have access to your garden.
