Common Questions
Posted on August 30, 2010

Q. What is the difference between CATNIP and CATMINT?

A. Catmint is the common name for all varieties of Nepeta. Catnip is the common name for the specific variety of Nepeta called nepeta cataria, which is the variety that cats are most attracted to.

Q. What is the difference between a ZONAL GERANIUM and a SEED GERANIUM?

A. Zonal geraniums are reproduced through cuttings and seed geraniums by seed. Zonals have a double blossom (classed semi-double) rather than a single blossom as on the seed varieties, making the blossoms on zonal varieties a lot more durable. On average zonals are larger and slightly more sturdy.

Q. What is the difference between a TRAILING SUPER PETUNIA and a REGULAR PETUNIA?

A. The majority of Trailing Super Petunias are reproduced through propagation. Super Petunias are self-branching, enabling them to spread over a large area. For example, Supercascade Seed Petunia can grow up to 2ft., while most varieties of Super Petunias can grow to an average of 4ft.

Q. Are there any GARDEN VEGETABLES that can be planted when there still may be a chance of FROST?

A. Broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, onions, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts.

Q. What is the difference between INDETERMINATE and DETERMINATE varieties of TOMATOES?

A. Indeterminates are main season varieties that continue to grow and bear fruit indefinitely, which is why they should be staked. (They are also called "staking" varieties.) Determinates are early and main season varieties that grow to certain size, produce a crop, and then die. They are also called "bush" varieties and do not need to be supported.

Q. What do LETTERS ATTACHED to TOMATOES variety names represent? (eg. VFN)

A. The capital letters are abbreviations for certain diseases which the variety has been bred to have a resistance against:
A - alternaria fungus
C - cladiosporum (leaf mold)
F - fusarium wilt, race 1
FF - fusarium wilt, race 2
N - nematodes
S - stemphyllum (leaf spot)
T - tobacco mosaic virus
V - verticillium wilt

Q. What are the differences between a HYBRID TEA, FLORIBUNDA, and a GRANDIFLORA ROSE?

A. Hybrid Tea - produces large double flowers born one to stem.
Floribunda - produce clusters of smaller double, semi-double, or single flowers per stem.
Grandiflora - somewhat like both, flowers are large and double like.

Q. When is the best time to PRUNE my ROSE BUSH?

A. At the end of the dormant season, just before new growth begins.

Q. What does the word "VEGETATIVE" mean on a GERANIUM LABEL?

A. The geranium was started from a cutting.

Q. How much water and/or fertilizer do I need for my plants?

A. Great question... we've written a guide for you. Download it here.

Q. What plants can I grow in my garden that won't get eaten by deer?

A. A very popular question! We have made a list of some options. Download it here.