Ask a gardening question - I read every one

Stuck on something? Send it. I read every question and answer as many as I can - usually within a few days. The best questions become future articles on the site (with your permission and credit).

What helps me answer well:

• Your USDA zone or general location ("Long Island, NY zone 7a" or just "northern Ohio")
• A photo if it's a problem - 80% of plant diagnosis is visual
• What you've already tried - so I don't suggest things you've ruled out
• Specific plant variety if you know it - "Endless Summer hydrangea" is different from a panicle hydrangea

Common questions I get a lot

If your question is one of these, the answer link is faster than waiting for me:

• Why isn't my hydrangea blooming? → Why isn't my hydrangea blooming
• What plants will the deer leave alone? → Deer-resistant perennials that actually work
• What can I plant on a shady patio? → Sunlight plant finder tool
• When should I prune X? → Pruning calendar tool
• What's wrong with my tomato? → Tomato problems hub (search "tomato")
• What's my USDA hardiness zone? → Zone finder by ZIP
• What's eating my plant? → What's wrong with my plant? Diagnostic tool

What I will NOT do

• Identify a plant just from a description without a photo - too many possibilities
• Recommend pesticides for unidentified pests - we need to know what we're dealing with
• Diagnose by guessing - if it's something I'm not sure of, I'll point you to your local Extension office (they often offer free or cheap plant disease diagnosis)
• Recommend products I haven't researched, used, or that aren't backed by Extension publications

Looking forward to your question.