Ask Gregg

In this section we host a questions and answer forum.  Often I am asked questions about plants and flowers in the tri-state area.  This section lists some of the most common and often asked questions.  If you have a question, please email them to me at Questions. 

WHEN SHOULD I PLANT MY PEPPERS?

Peppers should not be planted until we consistently
have night temperatures not much below 50 degrees. If you
plant peppers too early, it will affect your entire yield
of peppers for the season. A pepper plant does not like
to be stressed or stalled. If it is, then less peppers
for you to eat.

WHEN SHOULD I PLANT MY FLOWERS?

When there is still a chance of frost or freeze there are
several flowers you can safely plant. These are Pansies,
Violas, Dianthus and many Perennials. BUT these plants
have to be hardened off. This is done by gradually
exposing the plants to colder temperatures, wind, sun,
less fertility and less water. This is what we do to
these plants at Green Acres. It is labor intensive but it
makes success with these plants easier for you. We try to
harden most of the plants we sell.

I CAN'T PLANT SOME PLANTS I BOUGHT FROM YOU UNTIL NEXT
WEEK SO I WILL JUST KEEP THEM IN THE GARAGE.
IS THAT OK?

Sometimes its more convenient to buy the plants when you
don't have time to plant them. This isn't best but if
that's what you have to do then leave the plants OUTSIDE.
Don't bring them inside unless the forecast is for
temperatures below 40 degrees, (except a few varieties
like peppers or vinca 50 degrees). Put them in a spot
somewhat protected from harsh winds and that gets just
morning sun will work best. Then you don't have to water
them as much. This will help to keep the plants stocky,
strong and healthy.
 

My hanging baskets and patio pots look good for a while
but in about a month they don't look near as good. What
am I doing wrong?

Plants grown in containers require a little more care but
can thrive and remain healthy all season. Fertilization
is very important. Most plants in containers need to be
fertilized every third or fourth watering. Trimming
excess foliage, cutting back and removing spent flowers
help to avoid conditions in which disease can thrive.