Gardening Help
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Can I plant in Styrofoam containers?
Foam pots are often used in container gardening because they are convenient and provide excellent insulation for plant roots. It's crucial to consider the type of plant when choosing containers. Foam pots are typically made from polyethylene, not Styrofoam, an expanded polystyrene that can leach harmful chemicals into the potting mix over time.
While recycled Styrofoam containers can be a good choice for some plants, especially with added drainage holes, it's best to consider ornamental plants, not edibles. Our article on recommended containers for gardening does not include Styrofoam, and we at Bonnie Plants do not recommend its use.
Here is a link to the article that you may find helpful: Different Types of Pots & How they are Made | Bonnie Plants.
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How do I prepare my garden soil?
Whether you’re working with old or new garden soil, we’ve prepared a link to our tutorials on garden soil preparation for you: “rejuvenate garden soil” – Bonnie Plants.
Are raised bed gardens a good alternative to traditional gardens?
Raised bed gardens are the best way to avoid all the issues associated with amending the ground soil. They provide better drainage, allow for easier weed control, and can be more productive than traditional gardens.
With a quality garden soil mix like Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Vegetables & Herbs, you can be confident that your garden has the best chance for a big harvest. As a new or experienced gardener, you might find our advice and tips helpful for soil preparation, plant selection, and watering techniques. I encourage you to explore them here: "raised bed gardens" – Bonnie Plants.
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What tomato plant varieties can I successfully grow in containers?
Container gardening offers you the freedom to grow any tomato plant you desire. The key is to ensure you grow your plants in well-drained pots 18" in diameter for determinate varieties (compact and bushy, ideal for smaller spaces) and at least 24" in diameter for indeterminate plants (vining and needing more space).
Our Tomato Chooser tool is designed to make your selection process a breeze. You can access it directly at [Tomato Chooser Tool]. Simply check the boxes next to the most desirable characteristics, and a selection of varieties will appear. While many of the tomato varieties should be available in your area, if you have trouble finding the plants you are looking for, please contact us. We're here to help.
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Can I grow herbs indoors?
Growing herbs indoors is an excellent way to explore their versatility. From the soothing aromas of aromatherapy to the culinary creativity in your kitchen, indoor herb cultivation offers many benefits.
To help you get started, we offer tutorials on growing herbs indoors: "indoor herb gardens"—Bonnie Plants. These articles are tailored to provide ample guidance for beginners and experienced gardeners, inspiring you to explore the world of indoor herb cultivation.
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How long can I leave transplants in the original retail pots?
Our retail pots are not designed for long-term use. Leaving plants in these pots for more than two days can result in root-bound, rot, and fungal issues. Plant roots require space for air exchange and expansion. To ensure the well-being of your plants, it's essential to transplant them into the ground or appropriately sized pots within two days of purchase or receiving an online order.
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What size pot do I need for my new plant?
Container gardening is fascinating, inspiring, and rewarding. It allows you to enjoy the benefits of producing your own food in a space-saving, economical way. However, pot size does matter when it comes to container gardening.
Size is not a minor detail in container gardening; it's as important as finding the right shoe for your foot. Just as your foot needs the correct size shoe, your plants need the right size pot to thrive. When a plant becomes 'root-bound,' it means the roots have filled the pot and are circling the sides, which can lead to stunted growth, root rot, fungal issues, and decreased yield. Understanding and choosing the right pot size is a key piece of knowledge for successful container gardening.
To help you determine the correct size pot for your new transplants, here is a link to our article on the appropriate pot sizes for herbs and vegetables: Sizes of Pots for Different Vegetables & Herbs | Bonnie Plants. This knowledge should equip you with the necessary insights to grow your container garden successfully.
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What's the best tomato plant for my garden?
We grow an exciting variety of tomato plants, each with its unique characteristics, to meet your needs. We recommend using our Tomato Chooser, a user-friendly tool designed to simplify the selection process. You can access it directly at [Tomato Chooser Tool]. Just check the boxes next to the most desirable characteristics, and a selection of varieties will appear, inspiring you to create a diverse and vibrant garden.