Rosemary Calvert / Getty Images This time of year, theChristmas cactusis a natural choice for houseplant enthusiasts. With proper care, you’re free to ensure these beloved blooms will return year after year. Learn how and when to properly fertilize a Christmas cactus, with tips directly from a gardening pro. Rosemary Calvert / Getty Images Meet the Expert Jennifer Casselsis president of The Blissful Place luxury outdoor feature store. Do you better Fertilize Christmas Cactus?...

Most homeowners fertilize their lawn at least twice per year, though your lawn may have different needs. These are formulated in various combinations and concentrations. Granular slow-release fertilizer slowly feeds and releases nitrogen into the grass over a period of months. groveb / Getty Images How this translates into the exact fertilizer amount depends on the percentage of nitrogen in the fertilizer. Always follow the directions on the fertilizer label....

In general, mowing every seven to 10 days is best to keep your lawn growing healthy. Here are some general guidelines to help you establish the optimum mowing schedule for your lawn. They need to be cut more often when there are higher rainfall amounts. Jan Hakan Dahlstrom / Getty Images Growth slows during hot summer months and mowing can become less frequent. These grasses require more frequent mowing when there’s abundant, daily rainfall....

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor When was the last time you cleaned your dishwasher filter? If your answer is never, then you’re in the right place. Designed to filter water and capture food residue, your dishwasher filter is a kitchen workhorse. The Spruce / Cristina Tudor Instead of pre-rinsing, Willis recommends scraping away food remains from the dishes before loading them up the dishwasher. In short, let the dishwasher and the soap do their jobs....

ronstik / Getty Images One of the most satisfying gardening jobs islaying mulchfor the first time. But fast forward a few seasons and your once-fresh mulch can look drab, dingy, and flat. As it turns out, no. ronstik / Getty Images According to experts, most home gardeners should replace their mulch at least once a year. Meet the Expert How Do You Know Its Time to Replace Your Mulch? Caballero says it largely depends on the jot down and condition of your mulch....

Knowing how often and how much to water is a key consideration. Banana plants develop rapidly from a pseudo stem and feature large, paddle-shaped leaves up to 12 inches long. It’s a combination that requires plenty of sun exposure, warmth, and consistent watering. Carlina Teteris / Getty Images Will my banana plant grow fruit? Banana plants kept as houseplants rarely produce fruit. Humidity is also a factor with ideal levels between 50 and 60 percent....

Vladimir Timotijevic / Getty Images Jade plantsare considered ideal for people who are forgetful about watering their plants. These are a few important dos and donts about watering jade plants, seconded by a succulent expert. How Much Should You Water a Jade Plant? Vladimir Timotijevic / Getty Images Water yourindoor jade plantapproximately every two weeks, advises Ken Shelf, the owner of Succulence. check that to give them enough water to wet the soil and then empty the drainage dish....

Here are a few key considerations. Otherwise, watering in the early morning hours is ideal. In the late afternoon or early evening is second best. Roy Morsch / Getty Images Wilting can also be a sign of overwatering. Checking the soil moisture is the best way to decide whether you should water. How you water your plantsis just as important as watering often enough. Zbynek Pospisil / Getty Images Water needs to reach the roots, so it is crucial to water deeply....

Seedlingsneed to be watered once a day, but that rule isnt written in stone. Overwatering, however, is just as detrimental to seedling health as lack of water. Understanding the signs when seedlings need water is more important than sticking to the once-a-day frequency rule. The Spruce / Danielle Moore Heres what you should know about watering seedlings. Alexandr Yakovlev / Getty Images Water whenever the surface of the growing medium looks or feels dry....

Strawberries have shallow root systems. Overwatering strawberries also backfires and causes problems such as rotting. Here is what you’re gonna wanna know about how much to water strawberries and when. SonjaBK / Getty Images As the plants get established, transition to a weekly watering schedule. Strawberries need the most water during the fruit production stage and up the harvest. As soon as you see flowers form, start monitoring the soil moisture closely....

If the plant tissues absorb too much water, the leaves may burst. The key to watering succulents is to wait until the soil is completely dry. It’s best to test the soil by touch to ensure it’s completely dry before watering. DuKai photographer / Getty Images We’ve rounded up several factors to consider when it comes to determining how often to water your succulent. Want more gardening tips? Sun Exposure Most succulents can handle direct or bright sunlight, though some prefer indirect light....

Container-grown plants may require watering twice a day. How Much Water Does My Garden Need? The best way to determine if the garden needs water is to check the condition of the soil. The Spruce / K. Dave If it is dry two inches below the surface, it’s time to water. Light watering causes shallow roots that are not healthy. Want more gardening tips? The Spruce / Jenica Currie It also allows wet foliage to dry quickly to help prevent disease....

Here is a look at when to water trees in the fall and when not to. What you are trying to avoid here is causing spurts of new growth that will not be winter-hardy. Such non-hardy growth is more likely to be damaged if you have cold weather suddenly sweep into your region. David Beaulieu This should be done before the ground freezes. If you were to wait until after the ground freezes, the frozen-solid soil would act as a barrier....