Frequently Asked Questions from the Nursery
When can I start planting?
Trees, Shrubs and perennials can be planted now! Cold hardy annuals (this means annual flowers that can tolerate light frost) can also be planted now. Pansies, snapdragons, sunscape daisies & nemesia are examples of cold hardy annuals. Your other plants (geraniums, impatiens & marigolds, for example) will need consistent evening temperatures that do not go below 50 degrees. Go ahead and purchase the lovely hanging basket that catches your eye, but please watch the weather & bring your blooms into the garage or house. Your beautiful blooms will reward you through the rest of the season!
How important is it to feed my plants?
We have a standard saying in the nursery... Did you eat breakfast this morning?! Just like us, your plants need nurishment to perform and stay healthy. There are several options that allows for simple and easy fertilizing. Stop in the nursery, we'll show you what to feed your plants and how fast & easy it is. You'll be amazed how much better your plants will look and again, you'll be rewarded with lush blooms throughout the season!
Where are the slugs in my garden coming from? How do I get rid of them?
Slugs feed at night and on damp, cloudy days. By keeping the area around your foundation clean and free of debris, you can help to eliminate their hiding places. You can hand pick them and dispose of them in a pail of soapy water (a rather unpleasant task). Barriers, such as diatomaceous earth with is a terrific organic solution, may be placed around your plants as well. These materials work by piercing the bodies of slugs and other pests. As a note of caution: beneficial insects are also vulnerable, so use diatomaceous earth only around specific problem areas.
I have violets growing like crazy in my grass. Help!
Violets are a challenge. This weed is actually resistant to normal lawn herbicides. We recommend using Weed-B-Gon Chickweed, Clover and Oxalis Killer. This liquid concentrate can be sprayed on anytime during the growing season to control established wild violets. However, for best results, spring treatments (prior to July 1) are best.Violets are persistent, so a second product application may be required.
Is there such a thing as dandelion 'killer' ? I've dug, I've sprayed and I've spread all kinds of things over the years. Nothing seems to be effective.
We recommend using Weed B Gon. There are a few options to choose from. Stop in the nursery and we'll help you with the best one.
What do you recommend for deer prevention?
We recommend three great products. The first, Aman's Scent of the Predator is a time tested Coyote & Wolf Urine Mix.Yes, it is a bit smelly, but it works! In fact, we use Aman's in our production fields to prevent deer damage. The second is a ready to use product, called Liquid Fence & the third is Deer-off. The products are located in the Health & Wellness Center (in the greenhouse) and we'll be happy to help you identify which product will work for you.
Deer continue to eat and destroy my perennials. Any Recommendations?
As you know, if deer are hungry enough, they will eat just about anything. However, we can recommend a number of perennial plant materials to try. Please note, this is a very short list. For additional information, stop in our perennial department and we can discuss the options for your specific location.
Yarrow–Achillea spp.
Monkshood–Aconitum
Anemone–Anemone
Columbine–Aquilegi
Rock Cress–Arabis caucasica
Bellflower–Campanula spp.
Snow-in-Summer–Cerastium tomentosum
Daisy–Chrysanthemum
Coreopsis–Coreopsis
Why do I need to mulch my gardens?
Mulching your gardens will help to keep the soil cool & moist. Mulching may be done at any time of the year. Late spring is one of the most popular times to mulch, as many are already in the garden planting. Mulch helps to regulare the soil from day to night temperature changes and reduces water evaporation. It's application also helps to act as a weed barrier. Mulch assists in preventing soil erosion and compaction as it breaks up drops of water as they hit the surface. Mulch should be spread flat or saucer shaped (not mounded) to prevent run-off of water & nutrients from the root zone.
How much mulch do I need for my gardens?
To determine how much mulch you may need in your garden, use the following equation: Length (of your space/garden) x Width (of your space/garden) x 2 or 3 (inches of mulch) / (or divided by) 210 = the cubic yards that you will need.
How thick should I spread my mulch or how deep should it be?
We recommend using 2' of mulch in your garden if you are re-mulching from previous seasons. Use 3' of mulch if this is the first mulch application.
How often do I need to have my soil tested?
We recommend testing your soil once every three years (at the very least) to check pH & nutrient levels. It is also important to have your soil tested prior to starting a new lawn. Bring a sample of your soil in a baggy or container and we'll do a 'complete work-up'! Give us a few days to test your soil and we'll help to give you all the important information that you will need to succeed.
How can I get rid of Japanese beetles?
The Japanese beetle is a very destructive landscape pest. The adult attacks the flowers and foliage of hundreds of plant species while the larvae eat grass roots. The best long-term control of future populations is to target the grubs, which overwinter in the soil and emerge as adults in spring. Milky spore (a bacterium), applied to the lawn, causes a lethal disease specific to the Japanese beetle grubs. It does take a few years to become effective however. For adults, hand pick the beetle and discard in a pail of soapy water. If the problem is more severe, we recommend using a product called Sevin. Sevin may be applied on vegetables, fruits, ornamentals & flowers. We carry both products in our Health & Wellness Center (in the greenhouse).
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