Beginner Care

Congratulations on find plants as a new or rejuvenated hobby. Several of us somewhat fumble into caring for plants because someone gave us a plant or we inherited one or we on a whim purchased one at a cute shop in town. 

Water

     Depending on the plant will depend on your water load. Let's discuss the how's of watering. You can consider watering as a quick five minute process or you can have a saturated watering process. There are benefits to both make your decision based on your reality. Five minute watering is best for those who are daily waterers or those who tend to be home often and operate in a daily routine, five minute watering is usually using a measure 1/2 - 1 cup of water once a day. While the saturation watering is to ensure thorough watering for the plant that allows you not to water for 5-14 days. Saturation watering is best for those who are one the move of life, lots of things going on prevents daily routine, etc. Here are a few standard plant types with their typical water load needs. 

Pot Size

     While most of our plants are good to be in the pot acquire in, several plants need a size up after a few months or even years later. When selecting pots, consider if the plant is an indoor plants versus an outdoor plant. Porous or rough pots are best outside as they tend to hold moisture in them and we do not want that moisture on your flooring or furniture. Glazed or ceramic pots are great for indoor use and typically do not hold well during repeated freezing and thawing from winter.

     When sizing up, traditionally size ups are only suggested to size up 2 inches from the existing pot size, example if the plant is in a 4 inch pot a 6 inch pot is the next choice. When sizing up larger items such as a 3 gallon plant, because of industry standards, we size up by 2 gallons into a 5 gallon pot. 

Fertilizer & Nutrients

     Fertilizer and Nutrients are needing for all plants, in ground and in pots. In pots we find we need to 'feed' the plants more often due to nutrient runoff. While, in ground plants need fewer application of fertilizers as the ground will hold the fertilizer nearby with no issue. We suggest a standard of 2 fertilizations a year, aim for Valentine (February) & July 4th (July/August). Some plants are heavy feeder such as roses, can take up to 6 feedings a year. Using an all purpose fertilizer is what we call just getting by, you should aim for fertilizer specifically for the plants/type you have. Such as, rose fertilizer for roses, evergreen/tree fertilizers for most all outdoor bushes & trees., fruit/citrus fertilizer for fruit & citrus & nut trees, while houseplant food can be an in general food for all indoor plants it is mainly for none flowering plants.

Following this article is an in general guide for beginners, for more information on specific topics or plants, feel free to contact us here at the greenhouses 985-606-0010 or reach us by contact on this website.