Want to know when to plant tomatoes or if it is okay to cut back your tulips when they are done blooming?
Check out our library of FAQ's. We'll keep adding to the list, so check back from time to time.

Q: Do I cut back my tulips/daffodils/hyacinths/crocus after they are done blooming?
A: No, wait till the greens die naturally. You want to give the foliage a chance to absorb energy that will feed the bulb for next year's blooms.

Q: When is the last frost date in Ohio?
A: It is generally accepted that April 30th is the first frost free date for central Ohio. However, this does not mean that soil temps are warm enough for planting annuals. Mother's Day is usually a good target date for planting annuals in Southern Ohio.

Q: What is the difference between top soil and potting mix?
A: Potting mix is a combination of primarily peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. It is a much looser mix than top soil and is much better for container gardening.

Q: Should I "feed" my container garden during the summer?
A: Absolutely. Water alone is not enough to sustain vigorous growth in a container garden. All the plants in your container are competing for a limited supply of nutrients in the potting medium, so you need to replenish the nutrients throughout the growing season. We can help you select just the right plant food for your needs.

Q: Are there plants that I can plant in my yard that don't require so much watering?
A: There are some plants, such as Lantana, that don't require as much watering as others. Just ask one of our garden center staff and they'll point you in the right direction.

Q: How often should I water my hanging basket?
A: It will vary depending on the plant, the amount of sunlight it gets, and the amount of natural water it may catch. Hanging baskets in full sun may require daily watering, whereas baskets that are in a shady spot all day may require watering less frequently. Let the soil tell you. If it feels dry, water. If the soil is so dry that it has pulled away from the side of the container, then you are way behind in watering. You'll need to water it heavily several times, to saturate the soil again.

Q: If I'm putting in a raised bed for square foot gardening should I remove the grass first?
A: Yes, or the grass and weeds will come through the soil into your garden.

Q: When should I trim my rose bushes?
A: It depends on the variety and habit. We have free brochures available in our Garden Center that will help you care for your Rose Bushes.

We also find the following websites very helpful:
www.ohioline.osu.edu (This is a great resource for plant disease and pest control issues)
www.garden.org (National Gardening Association)