PLANT CARE

Important information about your plants: They are coming from a greenhouse which is a sheltered environment. It is important to harden off your plants by exposing them to the elements over a few days. Wind, sun or cold can damage plants until they have gotten used to the exposure. We know you are excited but you can improve your plants success by taking your time. 2 -3 days is a minimum. Here is an example of how to proceed: Day 1: Place plants in shade where there is not too much wind. Day 2: Plants can spend a few hours in sun and then go back into their shady spot for the rest of day Day 3: Plants can spend 3/4 day in full sun. Day 4: Planting day. It's best to plant in early morning, evening or a shady day. Water well right away. IMPORTANT: Some plants are cold hardy and others are not. Cold hardy plants can withstand colder temperatures and even light frost once they are hardened off. Some of these include lettuce, beets, kale, cabbage, some herbs etc... Plants that are not cold hardy MUST NEVER be planted until all chance of frost has past!!! Don't take chances here. These plants are tomatoes, peppers, eggplant. Then there are the really sensitive ones and these are cucumber, melon and zucchini . If frost is expected you need to bring these plants indoors for the night. Your chile and tomato plants can be grown either in pots or in the ground. Generally the plants will grow larger when given more root space, so plants raised in the ground will be larger than those in pots; and plants in larger pots tend to tend to be bigger than those in smaller pots. Most plants need plenty of light to prevent spindly growth, and should not be overcrowded. They will be bushier if spaced widely. PEST: During spring aphids (greenflies) are the pest most likely to be encountered in the home garden. Light infestations can simply be rubbed or washed off the plants with a jet of water. Sprays and bought-in predators can be used for heavier invasions. Most garden centres also sell suitable sprays, but talk to a member of staff to be sure of buying the right product for your needs. Personally, we find the best remedy for aphids in mother nature. We have never seen an aphid problem eventually not clear up on its own in an outdoor growing environment. It just takes a little patience but before you know it you will have a multitude of natural predators cleaning up your plants. Quite amazing to witness and no chemicals needed! Planting flowers or herbs that attract beneficial insects not only make your garden beautiful and lively but help keep it pest free.