Basic Flower Care
- Many of our flower customers feel that it is impossible to keep their plants looking as amazing as the day they bought them. Some wonder if there is a "secret potion" that we use to make our plants so large and beautiful! We do have a special fertilizer mix and the greenhouses are of course the ideal environment of heat and protection from the rain and wind. However, you absolutely can have fantastic, beautiful plants once they are home!
Here are some basic tips in flower care:
**Never water at night! The number one problem we hear repeatedly from customers is that they water late at night or at the end of their workday. This is the worst thing you can do for your annuals and perennials. Watering at night causes "wet feet" and powdery mildew is more likely to develop. Your plants will also be stressed out being dry all day through the heat and sun and then hit with water to try and catch them up. So, the Best time to water is always in the morning.
**Always check plants to see if they actually need to be watered. You can do this with potted plants and hanging baskets quite easily. Lift up the bottom of the plant to check the weight. If it is light, you will need to water it. We like to keep our plants (especially the jumbo baskets), slightly heavy when you are going to have those hot, sunny, windy summer days. You can also stick your finger in the soil of potted or bedding plants. Try to avoid letting the water run out the bottom of the pots or baskets. Over-watering too often will drain the nutrients and color from the plant and will eventually "drown" and kill it!
**We recommend, if possible, that you move your hanging baskets and potted plants to a sheltered area on days they are calling for heavy rains and high winds. Even something as simple as taking them down and setting them on a porch, up against a house, or under cover will work. This is especially helpful with flowers like petunias, although they will recover in a few days once being back in the sunlight. This is just a great tip for always having beautiful plants!
**FEED YOUR PLANTS! Watering is simply not enough throughout the summer months. Feeding your plants will provide more of the nutrients they need to flourish all summer. Our plants have such a strong, healthy start in our greenhouses that all they need is proper care to maintain their beauty. There are a variety of fertilizers out on the market that you can purchase. Just make sure it is an appropriate one for the plants you have, whether its annuals, or vegetables the box label will guide you. Most fertilizers call for feeding every other week. We recommend feeding once a week, it won't be too much your plants are already accustomed to being fed weekly in our greenhouses. We prefer a powder over a liquid that you add in your watering can. Just make sure you use the proper amount and mix well before pouring on your plants. Pouring the fertilizer on the plants directly will cause your plants to burn! The morning that you are going to feed, do not water the plants first with clear water like you normally would do so. Mix you fertilizer well, and apply a substantial amount right on the plants. The closer you can get to the base of your plants where the soil is will be the best place to direct your watering everyday. Try to avoid spraying your flowers with water everyday because it will "beat up" your plants, and also, you want to make sure the water is getting into the plant where it is needed most.
**One last helpful hint, which is the most important. Consider the location of where you want to put your plants. All vegetables need and will thrive in full sun, while annuals and perennial vary. Notice if you have full shade, half day sun or a full day of sunshine. Most of our plants can handle half to full day of sunshine. If your not quite sure, feel free to speak to one of our knowledgeable flower professionals for some advice!
So, if you try and follow these simple tips your plants should be beautiful and continue to grow throughout the summer up until the frost!