Gardening and Landscaping Stack Exchange
Gardening and Landscaping Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [optimal-conditions]

Tag for conditions that best help a plant thrive and produce.

61 questions
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How do I determine what the soil conditions are where I live?

I am starting to get into gardening since I have a bit of garden space for the first time. When I do research online, I often see recommendations for plant soil quality like "rich, porous, somewhat moist soil" for Hydrangeas. I imagine that soil…
user7520
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Can I transplant a shade-growing lilac into a sunny spot?

All of the lilac bushes I've ever grown have been in the sun. I assumed that was important for their survival. When cleaning up the yard yesterday in preparation for spring planting, I found a lilac in an area that gets very little, if any, sun,…
Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL
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Coleus - annual or 'tender' perennial?

So I picked up a couple of mid-sized Coleus plants (a 'Ruby Dreams' and a 'Dream Catcher') from the local nursery today. I plan to put them in a shady area which gets indirect light for a few hours a day. I didn't know about Coleus plants and…
seekay
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What fluorescent bulb is best for my tomato seedlings?

It has been suggested that my seedlings may not be getting enough light. What are the best types of fluorescent lights to get? I have a single bulb, and looking to get another light or two to add to the lighting. I'm not sure where my wife…
Thomas Stringer
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Why are the leaves of my ginger plant drying out?

It's only been 3-4 months since I potted my ginger plants. I water them every 2-3 days depending on the the weather. I try not to get the soil too moist. Over the last couple weeks, the leaves of one of them have been drying out, though it still…
Megasaur
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Can I grow pineapple plants from seed, rather than crowns?

The other day, as I was eating pineapple, I noticed that it was full of seeds (see pic below for what they look like). I have grown plants from the crowns on top of the fruit (even a couple patented ones that were mutated to prevent propagation -…
J. Musser
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How do I grow strawberries from seed?

I'm thinking about saving my own strawberry seeds. I have some questions about the ideal conditions for optimal germination: What soil/mix is best? How deep should they be planted? What is the best temperature for germination? should they be…
J. Musser
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Is maral root useful as a companion plant?

I was looking at rarer plants to grow for natural pesticide purposes and I was wondering how maral root fares. What conditions does this plant need to grow? At what temperature, water amounts, soil conditions, etc. can this plant grow in, is it…
tox123
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What are the ideal germination conditions for herbs and leafy greens?

I'm new to home gardening. I just bought Sustainable Seed Company's Herb Collection (Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Lavender, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme) and Mountain Valley Seed Company's Leafy Green Collection (Kale, Lettuce, Arugula,…
Tylor Hess
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Which crops or vegetables can withstand 40 degrees Celsius?

I want to know which crops or vegetables will withstand 40 degrees Celsius (103 degrees Fahrenheit)?
Keerthana R Nair
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How do I prepare planters with sedum and hen and chicks for winter?

I have three of these and I think it will not be a good idea to leave them like that over winter. This is in Toronto Canada. Here is the hardiness map. I was thinking that storing them in a shed my work. How much light do they need? Update: one…
MiniMe
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What is this low-growing plant with fuzzy green and gray leaves, and when can I transplant it?

I found a number of these plants tucked behind peonies, bleeding hearts and other perennials. They're primarily up against my cement foundation, and are growing in clumps. I didn't plant them, but don't know if they're perennial or something that…
Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL
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What can I do to make a Dwarf Cavendish banana plant thrive in my apartment?

I currently live in New York. I'm interested in having a Dwarf Cavendish as a indoor houseplant, in my apartment. Will it survive/thrive? I can definitely provide sufficient humidity. I know having a house with a patio is much better but I don't…
LOSTinNEWYORK
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Can I transplant young Rose of Sharon plants in July in Zone 6a?

I live in Massachusetts, growing zone 6a. Yesterday my husband was given some young Rose of Sharon plants from a friend at work, grown from seed by someone else. I've always wanted some, and would like to know how best to ensure successful growth.…
Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL
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What is the heat tolerance of English Lavender?

I live in India (Bombay). It is very hot here in summers. I wish to grow Lavender on my balcony, however I am not sure if it will survive the heat. What is the heat tolerance level of English lavender? Are there chances for it to survive if I plant…
Madhura Doshi
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