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.
If you’ve ever wished your vegetable garden could keep producing all season long, then succession planting might be your new favorite gardening technique. Succession planting is a gardening technique that involves planting crops in a sequence, so as soon as one crop is harvested, another is ready to take its place. This approach ensures a continuous harvest throughout the growing season, rather than having all your crops mature at the same time.
Succession planting is best used for crops that have a short growing season or those that can be planted multiple times throughout the year. It’s especially effective for gardeners working with limited space, as it maximizes the yield from a single plot of land.
Succession planting is a fantastic way to make the most out of your garden. Here’s why you should consider giving it a try:
Extended Harvest: Instead of being overwhelmed with a single, massive harvest, succession planting spreads out your yield, so you have fresh produce coming in continuously.
Efficient Use of Space: If you have a small garden space, succession planting ensures that every inch is working hard for you throughout the growing season.
Reduced Pests and Diseases: By rotating crops and keeping your garden diverse, you can naturally reduce the chances of pests and diseases taking hold.
Continuous Soil Improvement: With the right succession plan, you can include soil-enriching crops (like legumes) to naturally boost your garden's fertility.
Succession planting offers several benefits that make it a go-to strategy for many gardeners:
Succession planting is generally advantageous, but it does require careful planning and management. Here are a few challenges:
Not all plants are suitable for succession planting, but many popular garden crops are. Here’s a list of some of the best candidates:
Now that you know what succession planting is and why it’s worth doing, let’s break down the process step by step.
Before you start planting, sketch out your garden layout. Identify where each crop will go, considering the space they’ll need as they grow. Factor in crop rotation to prevent soil depletion and reduce pest issues.
Tip: Use graph paper or an online garden planner to help you visualize your garden layout and make adjustments as needed.
Select the crops you want to grow based on their growing seasons and your climate. Make a list of fast-growing and slow-growing crops, as well as cool-season and warm-season varieties. Plan to start with early crops that can handle cool weather, followed by warm-season crops once the temperatures rise.
Tip: Check seed packets or gardening guides for the days to maturity for each plant. This will help you stagger plantings and ensure a continuous harvest.
As soon as the soil is workable in early spring, plant your first batch of cool-season crops like spinach, lettuce, and peas. These crops will mature quickly, freeing up space for your next planting.
Tip: Use row covers to protect young plants from unexpected frosts and to extend your growing season.
Once your early crops are harvested, replace them with warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and beans. This transition keeps your garden productive as the weather heats up.
Tip: Prepare your soil between plantings by adding compost or organic fertilizer to replenish nutrients.
To keep your garden busy, plant fast-growing crops like radishes, lettuce, and arugula in any available space. These crops are perfect for filling gaps between slower-growing plants.
Tip: Plant a new batch of fast-growing crops every two to three weeks to ensure a steady supply throughout the season.
Intercropping involves planting fast-growing crops alongside slower-growing ones. For example, plant radishes or lettuce between rows of tomatoes or peppers. The fast growers will be ready to harvest before the larger plants need more space.
Tip: Pair crops with different root depths or light requirements to minimize competition for resources.
If you’re working with limited space, consider using containers for succession planting. Small pots are perfect for herbs, leafy greens, and even some root vegetables. Rotate crops in and out of containers as needed.
Tip: Choose containers with good drainage and use high-quality potting soil for the best results.
As summer crops start to wind down, prepare for a fall garden by planting cool-season crops again. Carrots, spinach, and broccoli are excellent choices for fall succession planting.
Tip: Use shade cloth or mulch to protect young fall crops from the late summer heat.
If you want to keep your garden productive even after the first frost, consider using cold frames, greenhouses, or row covers. These tools can extend your growing season by several weeks or even months.
Tip: Start your fall and winter crops earlier in the season and transition them to cold frames or greenhouses as temperatures drop.
Success in succession planting hinges on careful planning and consistent maintenance. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your succession planting efforts:
Keeping track of your planting schedule is essential for successful succession planting. Here’s how to stay on top of it:
Pests are an inevitable part of gardening, but with succession planting, you can be strategic in your approach to managing them:
Discover how companion planting can boost your garden’s health, prevent pests, and maximize your yield!
Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive garden. Here’s how to keep your soil in top shape throughout the succession planting process:
No two gardens are the same, and what works for one gardener might not work for another. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make adjustments along the way:
Understanding your local climate and growing zone is crucial for successful succession planting:
A: While succession planting is typically associated with annual crops, you can apply similar principles to perennials by staggering the planting of different varieties with varying bloom or harvest times. For example, plant different varieties of strawberries that fruit at different times of the season, or mix early, mid, and late-season flowering perennials for continuous blooms.
A: Yes, succession planting works very well in raised beds. The controlled environment of raised beds allows for better soil management, which is crucial for continuous planting. You can easily amend the soil between plantings and utilize intensive planting methods to maximize space. Just be sure to rotate crops and replenish nutrients regularly to keep the soil healthy.
A: Yes, succession planting can be done indoors, especially for herbs, leafy greens, and microgreens. Use containers or small grow trays to start new crops every few weeks, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce. Just be mindful of light requirements—use grow lights if necessary to ensure your plants receive adequate light.
