“I Work In a Garden Center—These Are Questions People Ask!”

Ever wondered what it’s like to be the go-to plant expert at a bustling garden center? This Minnesota man has all the answers. 🌐 #News #MinneapolisMN #Minnesota #HomeAndGarden

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — John Peterson, a seasoned employee at a Minnesota garden center, has spent years tending to plants and fielding questions from eager customers. With dirt under his nails and a wealth of knowledge in his head, he’s heard it all—from the practical to the downright quirky. Below, he shares the most common questions that bloom every season, offering a glimpse into the curious minds of gardeners and plant lovers alike.

“What’s the Easiest Plant to Keep Alive?”

Without fail, this question tops the list. John chuckles as he recalls countless customers—newbies and seasoned growers alike—searching for a foolproof green companion. “I always point them to the snake plant or a pothos,” he says. “They’re tough as nails, forgive you if you forget to water them, and still look good.” These low-maintenance beauties thrive in a range of light conditions, making them a safe bet for anyone nervous about their green thumb.

“How Often Should I Water This?”

Next up is the watering conundrum, a query John hears daily. “People grab a plant, hold it up, and ask me this like I’ve got a magic formula,” he says with a grin. His answer? It depends. “I tell them to check the soil—stick a finger in about an inch. If it’s dry, water it. If it’s damp, wait.” He notes that overwatering is the silent killer of most houseplants, a tip he repeats often to save drowning roots across Minnesota.

“Will This Survive the Winter?”

Living in a state known for brutal winters, customers are understandably obsessed with cold-hardy plants. John fields this question as soon as fall hues hit the trees. “They’ll bring me a rose bush or a hydrangea and want a guarantee,” he explains. His go-to advice: “Check the plant’s hardiness zone—ours is mostly 4—and mulch like your life depends on it.” For tender perennials, he suggests bringing them indoors or treating them as annuals to avoid heartbreak come spring.

“Why Is My Plant Dying?”

This one’s a classic, often accompanied by a drooping specimen thrust into John’s hands. “They look at me like I’m a plant doctor,” he says, shaking his head. Diagnosing on the spot, he runs through the usual suspects: too much water, not enough light, or a pest invasion. “Nine times out of ten, it’s a care issue, not a cursed plant,” he assures them. His fix? Adjust the basics and watch for signs of recovery before giving up.

“Can I Grow This Indoors?”

As houseplant mania sweeps the nation, John’s noticed a surge in this question. Customers clutch exotic finds—think monstera or fiddle-leaf figs—and hope to recreate Instagram-worthy jungles at home. “I tell them it’s all about light and humidity,” he says. “Minnesota winters are dry, so misting or a humidifier can save the day.” For those with dim apartments, he nudges them toward hardy alternatives like ZZ plants instead.

“Is This Poisonous to My Pet?”

Pet owners make up a big chunk of John’s clientele, and their concern is real. “They’ll point at a peace lily or philodendron and ask if it’ll hurt Fluffy,” he notes. John’s quick to pull out his mental list: “Yes to lilies, no to spider plants.” He advises keeping risky greenery out of reach or opting for pet-safe picks, a tip that’s earned him grateful nods from dog and cat parents alike.

A Day in the Dirt

For John, these questions are more than just part of the job—they’re a window into why people love plants. “Some want beauty, some want food, some just want something alive to care for,” he reflects. As spring ramps up and the garden center buzzes with life, he’s ready with answers, a shovel, and a smile. After all, in Minnesota’s short growing season, every question is a chance to help something—and someone—thrive.

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RELATED TOPICS: Home and Garden | Lifestyle | Minnesota