Dottie's Garden Blog
Gardening tips, planting guides, and friendly advice for every zone.
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October 4, 2026
Can I Leave My Plants for Two Weeks? (Yes — Here's How)
Most houseplants survive two weeks alone if you water deeply, move them out of direct sun, and group them together. Here's which plants need a sitter, which don't, and the setup that works.
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October 2, 2026
How Often Should You Water a Snake Plant? (Less Than You Think)
Snake plants want water every 2–3 weeks in summer and every 4–6 weeks in winter — and more snake plants die from kindness than neglect. Here's the schedule, the finger test, and the signs you've gone too far either way.
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September 30, 2026
Forgot to Water Your Plants? How to Tell If They'll Bounce Back (and How to Stop It Happening Again)
Missed a week of watering? Most plants recover. Here's how to check yours, the right way to rehydrate them without making it worse, and a simple system so you never forget again.
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September 30, 2026
Why Is My Plant Dying? The 7 Causes, in the Order You Should Check Them
Yellow leaves, drooping, brown tips, mushy stems — here's a step-by-step way to figure out what's actually wrong with a struggling plant, starting with the most likely cause.
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September 29, 2026
I Keep Forgetting to Water My Plants — Why They Die and the 2-Minute Fix
Forgetting to water plants isn't a character flaw, it's a systems problem. Here's what actually happens when soil dries out, the early signs to catch, and the simple routine (plus a partner) that keeps plants alive when life is busy.
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September 24, 2026
Who Waters Your Plants When You're Gone? Why Almost No Plant App Lets You Share the Job
Plant care is a shared job, but nearly every plant app is built for one person. Here's what shared plant watering should look like, which apps offer it, and how Plant Partners works in Dottie's Garden.
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September 24, 2026
What to Plant in October in Zone 9a (Houston & the Gulf Coast)
October is the real start of the gardening year in Zone 9a. Here's what to sow, what to transplant, and what to leave for November — for Houston and the Gulf Coast.
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September 24, 2026
How Often Should You Water Houseplants in Fall and Winter?
Shorter days mean thirstier heaters and sleepier plants. Here's how to adjust your watering schedule for fall and winter without killing anything — and the one test that beats every schedule.
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September 7, 2026
What Is the Easiest Vegetable to Grow for Beginners?
A few vegetables are genuinely forgiving enough to survive a first-timer's mistakes. Here's the short list — radishes, beans, zucchini, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes — plus what to avoid your first season and why these crops are so beginner-friendly.
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September 7, 2026
How Do I Know When to Plant Vegetables in My Area?
Timing is half the battle in vegetable gardening. Learn how frost dates, USDA zones, and soil temperature tell you exactly when to put each crop in the ground — and the difference between cool-season and warm-season vegetables.
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September 7, 2026
Your September Planting Guide for USDA Zone 8a
September in Zone 8a is the sweet spot where the worst of the heat starts to fade and a whole new season of planting opens up. Here's what to put in the ground right now, what to keep an eye on, and how to prep your garden for a productive fall.
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