Tim Johnson – Page 30

Black fungus gnats buzzing around your houseplants? Grab a potato to check for larvae

January 23, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

"I have been seeing some black insects flying around my houseplants and am worried about the health of my plants. What should I do?" — Javier Montoya, Chicago I think...

Whiteflies are a common pest for houseplants. Here’s how to treat an infestation.

January 16, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

"I noticed some white flies hanging around my houseplants yesterday and was wondering if these are a problem?" — Eva Rodriguez, Chicago Your description indicates an infestation of whiteflies, which...

New to growing houseplants? Here’s what you need to know about soil — and soil-less growing mediums

January 10, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

"I would like to start growing some houseplants and would like some advice on the type of soil to use for the best results." — Albert Jefferson, Chicago Like gardening...

The best snow removal products for winter weather in Chicago

January 4, 2021 at 10:50 a.m.

"I just moved to the suburbs from a city apartment and will have to remove snow from a driveway and sidewalks. How do most people deal with the inevitable snow...

Mealybugs can put houseplants in a sticky situation — here’s how to get rid of them

December 28, 2020 at 9:48 a.m.

"I started having problems with mealybugs on some of my houseplants and would like some advice on how to get rid of them." — Alfredo Patino, Highwood Mealybugs feed on...

Paperwhites are great winter flowers, but picking the right bulbs is vital to their success

December 20, 2020 at 5:00 a.m.

"I would like to grow some paperwhites for winter interest this year and need some tips on how to be successful." — Jerome Baker, Chicago Paperwhites are normally easy to...

These flowering plants are perfect for gifts that spread holiday cheer

December 12, 2020 at 5:00 a.m.

"I would like to give flowering plants as gifts to friends and buy a few to cheer up my home and would like some advice on how best to proceed."...

Burlap screens can help protect evergreens from winter, but watering matters more

December 5, 2020 at 5:00 a.m.

"I planted some new evergreens this summer, and some friends told me that I should wrap them in burlap for the winter. I see other gardeners doing this. Is this...

Invasive buckthorn crowding out plants in your garden? Here’s how to get rid of it.

November 29, 2020 at 5:00 a.m.

"I have neglected a large section of my garden in the backyard, and buckthorns have moved in and become a big problem. What is a good strategy to get rid...

Warm, dry November means new plants need extra water before winter

November 21, 2020 at 5:00 a.m.

"I have done a lot of planting in my garden over the last couple of years and wonder how late I need to keep watering. This warm weather is confusing,...

All Stories