Ask EcoBeneficial!
Helpful answers to readers' questions. Go ahead - just ask EcoBeneficial
Suggestions for year-end donations?
I’d like to make some donations to environmental groups before the end of the year. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: There are countless environmental organizations that are worthy of your generosity. Many of these groups simply cannot exist without private donations. Before you whip out your checkbook or hit…
Avoiding Pesticides on Nursery Plants?
I have heard that pesticides are commonly sprayed on plants that I buy. How can I avoid this? Answer: You have heard correctly. Both growers and plant retailers often spray pesticides on plants that are offered for sale to landscapers and homeowners. Even if you buy a plant that bees…
How Should I Overwinter Unplanted Plants this Fall?
It’s almost fall and I purchased assorted vines and now do not have time to plant them. I want to keep them living til spring…please advise. Answer: Thanks for writing in. Many of us buy plants that we don’t get in the ground in time. Don’t worry! I assume that…
Is Fall a good time to transplant native perennials?
Is Fall a good time to transplant native perennials? Answer: Best transplanting time is driven by bloom time. For greatest success, transplant spring and early summer blooming perennials in the fall; transplant late summer and fall blooming perennials in the spring. If you don’t have a choice, and have to…
A Rudbeckia Which Attracts Lots of Pollinators?
My Black-eyed Susan doesn’t seem to attract many pollinators. Are there any similar plants which do? Answer: You are right – neither Rudbeckia hirta nor the similar Rudbeckia fulgida attract a ton of pollinators. Both of these plants are often referred to as Black-eyed Susan, hence the confusion of common…
How do I tell if Monarchs are in my patch of Milkweed before I cut it?
I have a fairly large area of wild milkweed that I usually cut to keep the area cleared but before I cut it I was wondering if there was a way to tell if Monarch Butterflies are in this patch. I know that their numbers are lower than a few…