Some gardening tips help you win the battle against weeds or increase the yield of fruits and vegetables. But these tips, from the professionals at Millcreek Gardens, are designed to help you stay cool this summer, while you’re working in your garden.
 
It’s important to be careful out there, in the brutal Utah sun. Overheating can result in a variety of ills, including rash, cramping, dizziness, confusion or fainting. Once you pass the point of heat exhaustion, you’re at risk for heat stroke, which can be fatal.
 
Besides, you’ll have a lot more fun if you follow these easy gardening tips to make sure you stay as comfortable and cool as a cucumber!
 
Stay Cool Gardening Tip 1: Don’t Skimp on the Water
 
Speaking of cucumber, our first gardening tip is to add a few slices of cucumber (and some lemon and mint, if you like) to a thermos of icy water. This makes a lovely treat for sipping in the garden.
 
Always drink plenty of water, especially if you’ve been sweating. A liter an hour isn’t too much when working outside in the heat.
 
Next, dip a few bandanas or headbands in water and pop them in the freezer overnight. Wrap one around your forehead or neck to keep cool. When it gets too warm, switch it out for a fresh one.
 
Some of our customers swear by watering their garden the night before they plan to work outside. This gardening tip helps keep the temperature down on hot days.
 
Stay Cool Gardening Tip 2: Cover Up
 
Start by covering up with sunscreen 30 minutes before you plan to go into the garden. Use lots and reapply often. Most dermatologists recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or above. But use a higher SPF for children and for yourself, if you’re fair skinned.
 
The right gardening clothes can make a big difference. Choose lightweight cotton fabric pieces that are loose fitting. Light colors are best, as they help reflect the sun. Wear a lightweight straw hat or visor, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
 
For the maximum protection, use a market umbrella and weighted stand to provide movable shade.
 
Stay Cool Gardening Tip 3: It’s All in the Timing
 
Of course, tackling your gardening early in the morning or later in the evening will protect you from the heat of the day.
 
If you can’t get everything done during these times, save the easy tasks for the hotter parts of the day. Take advantage of the cooler hours for the strenuous work.
 
Be sure to take lots breaks. Go inside to cool off at least once an hour or more. If you find yourself becoming dizzy or lightheaded, get inside right away. Ditto if your heart starts to pound or you feel pressure or pounding in your ears.
 
Garden with a friend or family member whenever possible. If you must work outside alone, keep a cell phone with you and don’t hesitate to call 911 if you feel faint.
 
In the Salt Lake City area, Millcreek Gardens is the premier locally owned and operated garden center. We love helping our customers all year long with the plants, supplies and advice you need for the perfect plants, flowers, trees and shrubs.
 
Stop by our beautiful garden center today. We would love to give you even more helpful gardening tips!

Do you want to grow better vegetables this year? What if that also means spending less
time watering and weeding AND saving water (and water bills)?
 
Does this sound too good to be true? It’s not only possible but easy to accomplish, with
a DIY drip irrigation system.
 
Drip Irrigation: A Brilliant Idea Borrowed from the Farm
 
The concept is based – albeit on a much smaller scale – on the large rolling sprinkler
systems that farmers use in the fields.
 
Sure, you can have a professional irrigation system installed underground. But those
systems are designed for landscaping, not gardening. You’re stuck with the location of
the bubblers and sprinkler heads, and it’s very difficult to regulate the pressure and
water flow individually for each one. Perhaps worst of all, if the system develops a
problem, you have to dig up your garden to make the repair.
 
This simple DIY system uses much of the same basic theory; however, this system is
placed above-ground. No digging for installation or repairs and you can reconfigure it
any time by simply moving the lines.
 
And, because you design the system yourself, you can create the drip lines in the exact
configuration you need to grow better vegetables
 
Why a Drip Irrigation System is Ideal
 
Because you will be delivering water directly to the roots of your plants, virtually no
water is wasted or lost to evaporation. In fact, many gardeners report a 75 percent
reduction in their water use. Also, you’ll spend about one-tenth the time you normally
spend watering your garden, if you do so by hand.
 
Because you aren’t watering the rest of the soil, you discourage most or all of the weeds
you might normally have to fight.
 
And, if you need to apply fertilizer, you can do so quickly and easily, right through the
drip system!
 
Your plants will be healthier, grow larger and produce higher yields than ever before.
Not only will this help you grow better vegetables, but you can also use the system for
your rose bushes, trees and shrubs as well.
 
How to Build a DIY Drip Irrigation System
 
Depending on how much water you need to move, your drip system will use PVC pipe
and fittings between one-half and one inch in diameter.
 
For each line of drip tube, determine how far apart the holes need to be to deliver water
directly to the plants’ roots. The general guidelines for carrots, corn or beans is one hole
every six inches. For larger plants, such as tomatoes, squash or melon, drill three holes
(at two inches apart) every three to five feet.
 
Using an electric drill, drill one-sixteenth inch holes.
 
Assemble the system using standard PVC glue. Use manual valves or simply connect
the system to your hose bib. Cap the end of each line to force the water out the drop
holes.
 
You can find the full, detailed instructions on how to build a drip system online, courtesy
of the USU Extension. But it really is just that simple.
 
Millcreek Gardens of Salt Lake City serves Northern Utah by offering the finest indoor
and outdoor plants, seeds and garden supplies. We love to meet our customers and
answer any questions they may have.
 
Stop by and see us this weekend, and let us give you even more tips on how to grow
better vegetables.

Perennial flowers are the home gardener’s best-kept secret for a bright, blossom-filled landscape year after year.
 
If you’re new to growing outdoor flowers, you may have some questions about different species of plants and how best to care for them. The Utah gardening experts at Millcreek Gardens have assembled this handy fact sheet to take some of the mystery out of selecting, planting and caring for perennial flowers.
 
Perennial Flowers vs. Annual Flowers: What’s the Difference?
 
Annual plant species, as you probably know, grow for a single season and die off. The downside is that you must plant a new crop each year. However, annual flowers do allow you to change up your garden or landscape with different colors and varieties of plants.
 
Perennials, given the proper care, continue to grow and flower for many years. Most become dormant during the cold months, only to emerge anew in the spring.
 
Annuals require little care, and most can be grown outside of their native growth zones. Perennials, on the other hand, require fertilizer and mulch each year. It can be difficult – or impossible, in some cases – to grow perennials successfully outside of their native growing zone.
 
Using Perennial Plants in Your Garden or Landscape
 
Annual flowers require little thought, planning or preparation. Because they only have one season to grow, you don’t have to worry about how large they will eventually become or whether they will interfere with other plants in your garden.
 
When you select perennial flowers, however, it’s important to understand how large they will become at maturity, so you can allow plenty of room. Prior to planting perennials, you must add the proper soil amendments and periodically fertilize and mulch to maintain their health.
 
You must also consider their needs for shade or sunlight as well as water requirements. If your perennials are subject to freezing during the winter, you may also need to provide them with cover or protection.
 
Many gardeners and landscape designers like to mix annual flowers with perennial plants. This gives you the flexibility to change the look and character of your landscaping each year without the hassle of starting from scratch every time.
 
The Best Perennial Flowers for Beginners
 
When you choose those perennial plants that bloom all summer long, you maximize the beauty of your landscaping and minimize your own time and effort in the garden.
 
The Hummingbird Fuchsia plant is a type of ground cover that spreads across the garden. With orange and red blossoms, it will attract pollinators (bees, butterflies) as well as hummingbirds to your yard.
 
Many Utah gardeners swear by the Bee Balm plant. Bee Balm, also known as Monarda, produces beautiful red flowers that butterflies and bees adore. A medium height perennial, Bee Balm also spreads naturally in the garden if you allow it to.
 
Gaura is a taller variety of perennial flower that blooms from late spring until the weather turns cold. Available in white and pink varieties, this species is perfect for creating visual interest in your planting beds.
 
For shady areas, choose Coral Bells and Hosta.
 
In the Salt Lake City area, visit Millcreek Gardens today for all of the gardening supplies you need. Our friendly, experienced staff can help you choose the perfect shrubs, trees and perennial flowers for this year’s garden.

Outdoor plants and the spring season go hand-in-hand in Northern Utah.
 
Although our warm season encourages the healthy growth of outdoor shrubs, flowers and plants, you can give them a healthy boost along the way. Whether you have an affinity for annual flowers, perennial plants or a bit of both, here are some tips and tricks for getting them started.
 
Use Soil Amendments before Planting Shrubs and Flowers
 
Let’s face the facts; we don’t have the best soil in Northern Utah. Fortunately, when you mix in the right combination of soil amendments, our abysmal native dirt is no longer a problem for your outdoor plants.
 
The USU Extension recommends breaking your planting bed soil up to a depth of six or eight inches. You must wait long enough into the season for the soil to dry out, however, or you will have to battle the evil dirt clods.
 
Once you’ve broken up the soil, it’s time to mix in two to three inches of soil amendments. But what kind of soil amendments do my outdoor plants need, you may ask?
 
Let’s take a look.
 
Which Soil Amendments Are Right for You?
 
Although the exact ratio depends on whether your soil is more sandy or more clay-based, the right approach for amending Utah soil requires a large quantity of organic matter, some nitrogen and, in some cases, sand or lime.
 
For organic matter, you can use manure, compost, peat moss or a host of other options. Some commonly used products cause more harm than good, however. Straw, for example, can create a weed problem, as can some types of manure.
 
If the organic matter you choose is particularly woody (sawdust, leaves, bark), add nitrogen fertilizer into the mix. Inferior quality manure can also create a problem, unless sufficient nitrogen is incorporated at the time you mix it into the soil.
 
Sand can benefit those soils with a high clay content. You aren’t likely to need lime in your planting beds, however, unless you know your soils to have a highly acidic nature.
 
Don’t Skimp on the Mulch
 
Once you’ve set your outdoor plants, mulch will provide a range of benefits that last throughout the growing season.
 
The right mulch will hold in precious moisture and regulate soil temperature, while discouraging pests and weeds. Besides that, it looks great. Take care to use only organic mulch however. Inorganic products (typically gravel or larger rocks) provide no benefit to the soil and have a nasty way of working their way into your dirt.
 
Organic mulch, including bark, sawdust and grass clippings, biodegrade into the soil and improve its quality over time. This is ideal, but it can rob your outdoor plants of precious nutrients (nitrogen, in particular), so remember to add fertilizer as well.
 
Add about three or four inches around your shade trees and outdoor shrubs, and one to three inches of mulch for annual flowers and perennials. If weeds are a big problem for you, place a weed barrier down first, then top it with mulch.
 
Millcreek Gardens is Salt Lake City’s premier garden center. Locally owned and operated, we know exactly how to leverage the Northern Utah climate and soils to ensure a robust growing season.
 
Visit us today for help selecting the ideal soil amendments, fertilizer, garden tools and – of course – annual flowers and outdoor plants.

If you live in northern Utah, a vegetable garden is a likely fixture in your back yard.
 
And, if you’re like most gardeners, you’re always on the lookout for ways to improve the quality and quantity of your fruits and vegetables. To help you in your quest, the local experts at Millcreek Gardens have some tips and tricks to try this year.
 
Start With Rich, Healthy Soil
 
The most effective way to improve everything about your vegetable garden (and flower beds, and landscaping…) is to improve the soil.
 
Aside from water and sunlight, plants pull everything they need from within the soil around their roots. If they have little or nothing to use for growth, they won’t have enough energy to produce fruit or flowers.
 
Sure, you could spray on one of those miracle products, but those do nothing to improve the dirt or help the plants sustain their growth.
 
Instead, mix in compost, mulch or other soil amendments this year, before and after planting season. When you boost the soil in this way, your plants’ roots will have all the nutrients they need to produce a bumper crop of veggies all season long.
 
Try a New Garden Configuration
 
One of the most popular vegetable garden trends is raised-bed planting. With raised beds, you have much more control over soil quality, water and weeds. They also save time as well as wear-and-tear on your back.
 
Whether you prefer in-ground or above-ground planter beds, try what German gardeners call Hügelkulture (translation: hill culture). This approach involves mounding the dirt up in your beds to create additional surface area.
 
You can mound up a lot or a little, but most gardening experts recommend going to at least one foot above grade at the highest point of the mound. This also provides improved drainage for your plants.
 
By mounding your beds, you can create up to 20 percent more planting space without taking up any more room in your yard!
 
If you add trellises or string wires, you can plant your vine vegetables closer together and send them up instead of out. This will also make it easier to harvest when the time comes. You’ll increase your yield and your back will thank you when it’s time to pick!
 
Create Synergy with Vegetable and Plant Variety
 
With the right mix of plant species – and by using a succession plan – you can grow two to three times more vegetables in your garden this year.
 
By pairing certain plants together, you can increase your output significantly. For example, corn, beans and lettuce or squash are a classic combination. The corn stalks provide support for the beans to climb. Meanwhile, the squash or lettuce plants create a groundcover that holds in precious moisture while discouraging weeds and pests.
 
Lettuces also grow well beneath taller flowering plants. In fact, you can use a variety of friendly flowers in the vegetable garden. Mums, nasturtiums and roses are some of our favorites!
 
If you plan your gardening season carefully, our northern Utah climate will allow for at least three rounds of vegetables.
 
Start your seedlings indoors so they’re ready to plant as soon as the weather allows. At the end of the season, use cloches or coldframes to protect the last of your vegetables from potential frost damage. Don’t forget to add a little more soil amendment between plant cycles, to keep the harvest going well into the fall.
 
In Salt Lake City, Millcreek Gardens is your one-stop-shop for all of your gardening supplies. From soil amendments to seeds and garden tools, we are your local experts in northern Utah.
 
Stop in today and let our knowledgeable team help you with all of your Utah vegetable garden needs and questions.

Here in Utah, shade trees are highly valued for their beauty and the cool breezes they bring to our landscapes and gardens.
 
Before selecting your new trees, however, it’s important that you consider your objectives and how your new plants may affect your landscaping in the years to come. Also consider how much effort and resources your shade trees will require, once they reach a mature size.
 
Consider the Future of Your Landscaping and Shade Trees
 
Although it may look like a cute little sapling today, that tiny shade tree can turn into a towering behemoth in only a few years. And, if you don’t properly consider its future, it can cause you more problems than benefits.
 
Before planting any tree, make sure you understand how it will grow (up or out, for example). Will your desired location provide the right amount of light? Is irrigation or some other water source available? Will the tree interfere with power lines or the roof line when it grows larger?
 
Depending on how quickly your new shade trees grow, they will require a varying amount of care. Be sure you know how and when to feed or fertilize that species.
 
And what about maintenance? Will the tree require pruning? If so, once it grows to full height, you may need the services of an arborist. Will it drop leaves or fruit? Will it be prone to pest problems?
 
Choose the Right Shade Tree for Your Needs
 
If you are willing to invest the time and money to care for your shade trees, you can select a more labor-intensive species. Otherwise, choose landscaping trees that require less maintenance.
 
Generally, small shade trees require between three and five feet of clear space when planting. For medium-sized trees, allow five to eight feet and, for large trees, expect to need a minimum of eight feet.
 
Utah State’s Extension offers a helpful tree browser, to assist you in learning more about different species.
 
Choose Native Utah Trees When Possible
 
In northern Utah, many shade trees are not native to our area, and that can create a variety of challenges if you choose to plant one or more of these species.
 
Plant species that are native to other parts of the country, especially those from different climate zones, require extra care. This often comes in the form of high water needs, which can be costly and a waste of limited resources.
 
You may also have to provide fertilizers and pest control products that would not normally be necessary for a native species of Utah shade tree. Some types can even be harmful to our local ecology.
 
The Russian olive, for example, has become overgrown to the point that it prevents native plants and wildlife from accessing natural water supplies. Birch trees are also potentially harmful. Their shallow roots can rob water from nearby plants, essentially choking them out.
 
The expert staff at Millcreek Gardens knows trees. Because we have decades of experience in the Salt Lake City area, we know the challenges of our local soils and climate. Stop by and visit us today, and tell us what you hope to achieve with your landscaping. We will be happy to recommend the most appropriate Utah shade trees for you!

A potting bench is the perfect organizer for gardening supplies but, for most Utah gardening enthusiasts, it’s much more than that.
 
You’ll see them called potting or potter’s benches, potting tables or gardening benches. Whatever you prefer to call the, they’re the gardener’s version of the handyman’s workbench.
 
And, if you’re a gardener yourself, you know that it’s a highly personal, hands-off space.
 
How to Make a Potter’s Bench Work for Your Needs
 
Most gardeners use their workbench as a way to organize their gardening supplies and keep them close at hand. But it’s also the perfect spot for working with your indoor and outdoor plants.
 
With a rubber or galvanized tub under a slatted or open mesh top surface, dirt and clippings simply fall below, for easy clean up. Depending on whether you prefer drawers, hooks, shelves, pegboard or a combination, you can have every tool and accessory right at your fingertips.
 
Imagining the Perfect Potting Bench or Table
 
If you don’t already have your own potter’s bench, it’s high time to get started.
 
Some Utah gardeners prefer to purchase their benches already assembled. Others prefer the Ikea-style approach of buying an assemble-it-yourself kit. If you’re more of a DIY person, you have a few other choices.
 
Depending on the style you prefer, you can find all kinds of free gardening bench plans online. Or, if you prefer the repurposing approach, you can create your own potting bench from found items, like this one from Montana Wildlife Gardener.
 

Whatever design you prefer, make sure the work surface is the right height for your comfort. Also, be sure to locate your potting table in a spot that offers level footing without obstacles. Finally, find a spot that’s shielded from the sun, for your comfort as well as that of your plants.
 
You’ll be spending some time there, so make sure it’s comfortable for you!
 
The Must-Have Gardening Supplies for Your First Potting Bench
 
If you’re just starting out as a gardener, you’ll need to assemble a few supplies.
 
The basics include a good pair of gloves, a garden trowel, a garden fork or claw and a good pair of heavy-duty shears. You will also need a good pair of bypass pruners and rubbing alcohol to clean them with, to avoid cross-contamination between plants.
 
Personalize your collection of gardening supplies with a bright watering can and creative plant markers.
 
Over time, you can build your collection and decorate your workbench with creative touches that fit your style.
 
Millcreek Gardens is northern Utah’s premier plant nursery and garden center. We have a huge variety of indoor and outdoor plants, shrubs and trees, as well as all the fertilizers, potting soil and mulch you’ll need this spring. Stop by and see us for some expert advice on choosing your potting bench and gardening supplies.

In northern Utah, gardening can be challenging for the uninitiated.
 
Our unpredictable, ever-changing weather and unfriendly soil conditions battle even the most dedicated of efforts. If you’re new to growing your own fruits and vegetables, a few Utah gardening tips may be in order.
 
Try starting your garden with some of these vegetables this year, to cut down on some of that frustration.
 
Lettuces
 
Who doesn’t love the possibility of picking all the elements for a delicious, healthy salad right from their own back yard?
 
Lettuce is easy to grow, produces a huge harvest, and it’s ready to go in as little as six weeks. Even better, it grows well from seed and resists most garden pests. Try romaine, butterhead, Bibb or any of the looseleaf varieties.
 
Cucumber
 
This is one of Utah’s gardening favorites, both because it’s easy to grow and it’s so versatile in the kitchen.
 
Cucumbers grow well in full sun but need soil with good drainage. If you really adore this veggie, plant seeds in early spring and a second crop halfway through the summer. Choose your varietals based on whether you prefer to pickle them or eat them fresh.
 
Tomatoes
 
Some Utah gardeners might argue including tomatoes on an “easy to grow” list but, with a few tiny tricks, you’ll have more than you know what to do with.
 
The first secret to growing tomatoes are to buy and plant seedlings, rather than plant from seed. The second is to keep your plants in partial shade using shade fabric or a portable shade structure that can be moved and adjusted depending on the time of year.
 
If it’s your first go, try Early Girl, Jasper or Celebrity.
 
Onions
 
Onions are good for your Utah gardening endeavors on several fronts.
 
Of course, they’re extremely versatile – and tasty – for a variety of dishes. But they’re also part of a healthy garden ecosystem. When planted among other vegetables, they help keep pests to a minimum. Just take care, because some plants that share the soil near onions can take on their flavors.
 
You have many types and varieties to choose from, including sweet varieties like Vidalia or Sweet Spanish, Bermuda, and Long Red Florence.
 
Hint: If you want green onions, pull them when the tops are about six inches tall. They’re full grown when the tops droop over.
 
Zucchini and Yellow Squash
 
If you’ve had friends or family members with gardens, you may have shared in their past bounty. This vegetable variety is so easy to grow that you’re almost guaranteed to have more than you can use – much more.
 
Choose any regular or heirloom variety you prefer but plant less than you think you’ll need, or be prepared to give lots away!
 
In the Salt Lake City area, Millcreek Gardens has all the fruit and vegetable varieties, soil amendments and gardening supplies you need. Stop by and speak to one of our friendly, helpful staff members. We’re always happy to answer your questions and point you in the right direction for all of your Utah gardening needs.

Did you know you can grow strawberries indoors all year long?
 
While winter languishes, many of us dream about the sweet, juicy strawberries we enjoyed last summer. Why not turn that dream into reality?
 
In a few easy steps, you can bring that summer freshness to your family any time of the year.
 
Why We Love Growing Strawberries Anywhere, Any Time
 
If you’ve ever grown these delightful little fruits in your outdoor garden, you know how amazing they are.
 
With relatively little care, your plants will produce volumes of berries in a small space. This is why they’re ideal for an indoor growing adventure. Not only are homegrown berries tasty and good for you; they’re also a great way to get started with organic growing.
 
You’ll know exactly where your fruit came from, so you’ll have no worries about contamination or other commercial farming risks. Many of the berries you buy in the store today come from countries that lack our closely regulated growing environment.
 
Planting and Care Are As Easy As Strawberry Pie
 
Choose a strawberry varietal that is ever-bearing or day neutral. Place the plant’s roots in water for about an hour prior to planting, while you prepare your pots. The size of your pot and the soil mixture you need depends on the type of plants you selected.
 
Ask the garden center for guidance in choosing these important elements, and always be sure any container your use has proper drainage holes and a catch plate.
 
Fill your containers with potting mix, then make an indentation in the soil with your finger or a small garden trowel. Situate the plant so that its roots are pointing straight down, the use your fingers to gently nestle dirt around the new plant.
 
Helpful Hints for Growing Strawberries Indoors
 
You can plant your indoor berries any time of year. No need to wait for the normal growing season. Without the benefit of bees and other pollinators, however, you may have to pollinate your strawberries by hand. Check out this quick video with Chef Teca Thompson demonstrating how to pollinate indoor strawberries!
 
Make sure your plants have plenty of sun, and rotate them every week or two to ensure even growth. Use warm water for watering and water only in the morning or early afternoon. Fertilize your plants with an organic fertilizer that’s appropriate for the varietal, following the advice of your nursery.
 
Finally, harvest your berries as soon as they ripen to keep the plants producing and enjoy the fresh fruits of your labor.
 
Millcreek Gardens is the premier local plant nursery and garden center in the Salt Lake City area. Stop in today to shop our wide selection of plants, shrubs and trees, as well as a full line of gardening supplies. Talk with one of our helpful associates for all the advice you’ll need to grow strawberries indoors.

If you’ve tried – and failed – growing Ficus indoors, you may be tempted to give up the seemingly hopeless battle. Before you do, check out these helpful tips from the experts at Millcreek Gardens.

The Ficus Benjamina is a stubborn houseplant that can be as challenging as making a soufflé that doesn’t fall. But, much like the perfect soufflé, it’s all about using the right ingredients and technique.

Why We Love the Headstrong Ficus Benjamina Plant

The lovely plant we know as the Ficus is technically known as a weeping fig, and it’s closely related to the rubber tree. Its official name if Ficus Benjamina or just F. Benjamina.

When planted outdoors, these tree-like varietals grow to epic proportions. When cultivated inside, their size will be constrained by their pot or container.

Caring for Your Indoor Ficus Plant

Ficus love plenty of sunlight but it must be indirect. Otherwise, the leaves can burn. They also need warmth. Situate your plant away from any potential drafts or temperature fluctuation.

Only water when the top layer of soil has dried out. Ensure that your container and potting mix have great drainage. If the plant’s roots become too waterlogged, it will struggle. Mist the foliage regularly but take care not to overdo it.

Weekly watering should be sufficient. Always use room-temperature water and pour off any that collects in the containers catch plate.

Pruning may be necessary on occasion, to maintain a healthy plant size and shape. Fertilization is a must, but only during the active growth season.

Avoid These Natural Enemies of F. Benjamina

Ficus has a nasty reputation for being temperamental. Sadly, this lovely plant is simply misunderstood. If you take care to avoid its natural enemies, it should provide no trouble at all in your home, and live happily ever after.

For F. Benjamina, it’s all about consistency.

Unless you maintain a consistently high level of humidity, the plant will unceremoniously drop its leaves and die. The same goes for watering. Too much or too little water and boom! the leaves begin to shed. Temperature and light? Consistency is key.

At the first sign of stress, the Ficus becomes especially prone to pest invasion. Watch closely for “honeydew” or sap dripping from the leaves, as this means they’ve arrived. Treat the plant with neem oil for the most effective eradication.

At Millcreek Gardens, we often hear grumblings from our customers who struggle to keep their finicky plants healthy and lush. Fortunately, our friendly and helpful staff members are all experts in all facets of growing plants, shrubs and trees. Stop in today and let us help you regain control in the battle of the fussy houseplants.

In no time, we will have you growing Ficus indoors like a champ!