All plants need a bit of TLC to thrive. So pest control and general plant care and maintenance must always be something you have to take note of.
All gardeners start somewhere, and this is where you'll be able to learn the basics, allowing you to solidify a good foundation for your gardening projects.
Visit our knowledge base if you want to learn the basics down to the most unconventional questions.
Most blackberry bushes begin producing fruit in their second year if you are planting floricane-fruiting varieties. However, primocane-fruiting varieties can produce a small primocane crop in the first year. Expect full fruit production from established bushes after 3–4 years.
Yes, blackberries can be grown from seed, but it’s a slow and unpredictable process. Seeds require cold stratification for 2–3 months to germinate, and it may take 2–3 years before plants produce fruit. Most gardeners prefer planting seedlings or bare-root plants for faster results.
A blackberry is ripe when it is fully black, plump, glossy, and easily pulls from the cane. Taste and texture are the best indicators. Ripe berries should be harvested every couple of days during peak season for maximum flavor.
Yes! Compact or erect blackberry varieties grow well in pots or raised beds. Use large containers with good drainage, fertile soil, and a small trellis for support. Repot every 2–3 years to maintain healthy growth.
A: Most herbs benefit from trimming every 1–2 weeks during active growth. Fast growers like basil and mint can be pruned more often, while woody herbs like rosemary need lighter, less frequent trimming.
A: Yes — especially annual herbs. Remove small flower buds quickly to keep the plant producing leaves. If the herb has already fully flowered and gone to seed, harvest what you can and consider replanting new seeds.
A: Only if they are actively growing indoors. Most outdoor herbs slow down in winter, so minimal pruning reduces stress. Focus on light shaping and removing dead or brown stems.
A: Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors. Keeping tools sanitized prevents disease transmission and helps make clean cuts that heal faster.
A: Yes! Correct pruning encourages plants to produce more lateral shoots, resulting in bushier, healthier herbs with more stems and leaves.
Yes, several houseplants, including snake plants, pothos, and spider plants, are known for their air-purifying abilities, removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. While plants won’t replace proper ventilation, they do contribute to improved air quality and add natural humidity to dry indoor environments.
During winter, light intensity decreases, and indoor heating can dry the air. Place your plants on windowsills with maximum sunlight, avoid overwatering, and increase humidity using a tray of water or a small humidifier. Sensitive flowering plants like geraniums or African violets may benefit from supplemental grow lights to maintain bloom and foliage quality during shorter winter days.
Yes, but pay attention to their light and water requirements. Group plants with similar needs—sun-loving succulents together and shade-tolerant foliage like snake plants and pothos separately. This prevents overwatering or underexposure and ensures all plants thrive. Rotating flowering plants occasionally can also help blooms develop evenly.
A: Yes, potted mango trees require large containers with well-draining soil. Regular repotting and sunlight exposure are essential to grow a healthy mango tree in a pot.
A: Yes, young mango trees can grow indoors in large pots with sufficient sunlight or grow lights. Indoor mango trees may take longer to flower and fruit but are manageable with proper care.
A: Using warm conditions, consistent moisture, and polyembryonic seeds can speed up germination. Grafting onto seedling rootstocks is another method to grow mango trees faster and ensure quality fruit.
A: Grafted mango trees may bear fruit in three to five years, while seed-grown trees may take five to eight years. Flowering and fruiting are influenced by climate, sunlight, and proper mango tree care.
