How To

  • African Violet care
    Planting and Repotting
    When planting outdoors, African violets require well-drained rich soil, sometimes amended with organic materials such as compost, garden soils, and planting mixes. When planting indoors, be sure to use a potting soil specially formulated for African violets, such as Schultz® African Violet Potting Soil Plus®. African violets bloom best when they are slightly root bound, so use a pot slightly smaller than you might use for other indoor plants the same size.

    Light, Temperature, and Humidity
    African Violets prefer partial shade, moderate to high humidity, and steady warmth. Be sure the temperature ranges between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit consistently. Choose a bright, warm spot with a good amount of indirect light when planting indoors. The most common cause of African violet bloom failure is lack of sufficient lighting. To sustain blooms in the winter, you may need to provide a few hours of artificial lighting each evening.

    Feeding
    It is best to feed with Schultz® African Violet Plus™ Liquid Plant Food. This way, they are provided with vital nutrients every time you water.

    Watering
    When outdoors, the soil should be kept evenly moist, but never soggy or saturated. Use a drip hose or water by hand at the soil level. Overhead sprinkling will damage the fragile velvety leaves that make the plant so unique. When indoors, keep the potting mix evenly moist with tepid to room temperature water, allowing soil to dry to the touch prior to watering again. Using too cold of water and applying the water directly to the leaves will both cause leaf damage.

    Insect and Disease Control
    African violets are not generally prone to frequent pest and disease problems. The following are a few of the more common issues that you may encounter. Test any sprays recommended on a single leave prior to applying to the entire plant, as African violets can be extremely sensitive to sprays.
  • All about planting roses
    The Ideal Spot to Plant Your Roses
    Proper Sunlight is a Must 
    It is important to make sure the location you choose is fit for a rose plant. Roses love sunlight; not too much and not too little. Avoid areas with shade; the location should receive 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is better than afternoon sun. 

    If you aren’t sure where the best place for morning sunlight is, keep track of your garden for a few days prior to choosing your site. Make sure to observe where the morning sunlight is most dominant. 

    Digging Holes: 101 
    Once you have chosen a site, it is time to dig your holes. It is best to prepare each hole 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep, allowing 2 feet between each rose bush. 

    To ensure your roses thrive, proper soil drainage is essential. Remember, your roses need well-drained, nutrient-rich, loamy soil. 

    To test and see if your newly dug hole is ready, fill it ¼ - ½ full of water and keep track of the time it takes to drain. If it doesn’t drain within 1-3 hours, dig a deeper hole. If the hole does drain within 1-3 hours, leave it alone.

    Once planted water in with Schultz® Starter Plus™ Transplanting Solution Concentrate.

    The Ideal Soil for Your Roses
    Roses like well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6 – 7.5. Your native soil could have too much clay or sand. The ideal rose soil mixture consists of 50% organic material (manure, humus, or compost) and 50% inorganic material (sand, silt, and clay). 

    Amending Your Soil: The Recipe for Perfect Roses 
    The Importance of pH Levels
    Roses need a proper pH to thrive. A pH level of 6-7.5 is optimum, or slightly acidic. To make the soil less alkaline (pH level is above 7.5), ammonium sulfate is typically used. To make the soil less acidic (pH level is 5.9 or below), it is recommended to add crushed limestone. 

    If the performance of your rose bushes starts to change or an overall change in color or shine occurs, it could mean that your soil’s pH is off balance. 

    Mulching Around Your Rose Bush
    Although pine bark mulches are great for most plants, stay away from using them around your rose bushes. However, it is safe to use shredded hardwood, cedar, or cypress mulch. Apply 1-3 inches of mulch around the base of your roses to keep the soil cool, retain moisture, and naturally prevent weeds. Learn the many benefits of mulching by clicking here. 

    Watering Your Rose Bush
    Be sure to water thoroughly at first. The water will activate the roots and help settle the soil. Continue to water every other day during the first four months. Then switch to watering heavily twice a week. Water in the morning and also at the base of the plant. Roses are susceptible to disease so try not to get water on the leaves. 

    Feeding Your Roses
    Roses crave specific nutrients. Feed them every bloom cycle or every other watering with a fertilizer specially formulated for roses. Click here to learn more about feeding your roses. 
    How to Transplant or Move Your Rose Bush
    When is the right time to transplant my rose bush? 
    The best time to transplant a rose bush is in the early spring when the bush is still dormant, as this will cause less stress and shock to the plant. However, roses can be transplanted during the growing season if they receive the right amount of water. 

    How do I transplant my rose bush? 
    Before transplanting, make sure to water the rose bush deeply so all of the cells of the rose are as full of water as possible to lessen the stress on the root system. Apply a liquid fertilizer to your rose bush to help it adjust when moving—we recommend Schultz® Starter Plus™ Transplanting Solution Concentrate. 

    When transplanting, dig about 12 inches around the rose bush and approximately 15 inches deep. Make sure to dig far enough away from the root ball so that you do not damage the root system and are able to take as much of the root as possible. 

    The new hole should be at least 15 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball and system. Build up a small mound of soil in the center of the hole for your rose bush to sit on. Place the root ball into the new hole and fill hole with soil around the roots. Water liberally at the base of the plant and let settle. Add the remaining half of the soil mixture around the bush and water again. 

    After planting, prune any dried or dead material using angled cuts and remove any weakened branches. Pruning will help the plant produce h5er and larger stems while removing dead or damaged canes. 

    Continue to water every day for 1-2 weeks depending on the weather. 
    Note: Do not fertilize or use any insecticides until you see new growth on the rose.
  • Creative container gardening
    Choosing a container for your plants can be difficult; there are guidelines you should follow to be sure the item you choose is safe and functional. Remember, just because the container looks good, doesn’t mean it will provide the proper habitat plants need to thrive. You may have to alter the original object by drilling drainage holes, reinforcing walls, etc. Always clean used or recycled objects with soapy water before planting. 

    Here are some practical things to consider: 

    What is the container made of?
    • Avoid anything made of lead 
    • Avoid any porous materials
    • The best container materials include: cement, clay (terra cotta), metal, plastic, fiberglass, nylon, glazed pottery, unglazed pottery, stone, wood, and wire 
    Where did the container come from?
    • Avoid items that have held chemicals and/or pesticides 
    • Avoid plastics 3, 6, and 7 
    • Disinfect anything used or recycled 
    Will it be a good habitat for plants?
    • Check the drainage qualities 
    • Make sure it can be easily moved around 
    • Determine whether or not it will moderate temperature well 
    Aside from choosing a container for practical reasons, pay attention to the appearance. There are a few things you should do to make sure your container garden looks great within your landscape. 

    Be Creative!
     Think about the visual appearance of the item. Find something unique that no one else will have. Refinish the item as needed so it looks cohesive with your personal style and landscape. 

    Location, Location, Location!
     Always choose a location where your container will become a focal point without looking awkward. Consider using your creative container garden in order to provide privacy, hide ugly items, accent a landscape, divide floor plans, provide focal points, or serve as a vegetable or herb garden. 

    If possible, be green!
     Many items that have been used or recycled can make fantastic and unique container gardens. Appealing and affordable items can easily be found at local thrift shops or garage sales. Reuse items such as boots, wagons, crates, barrels, jugs, and much more!
  • Enjoy cut flowers indoors
    Can’t wait for spring to draw out the beautiful bursts of forsythia, crabapple, ornamental cherries and plums? You can fool Mother Nature by forcing cuttings from these and other flowering trees and shrubs to bloom indoors. They make beautiful arrangements no matter how or where you choose to display them.

    Take healthy cuttings from shrubs that have experienced at least 6 weeks of cold weather.

    Ideally, cut branches that you might normally cut in pruning, such as any crossing over other branches, slightly damaged branches, or those that are rubbing a roof or a wall. Make sure they are still alive. They should be somewhat pliable, with signs of green when the bark is scratched slightly with your fingernail.

    Choose long branches that have interesting bends or curves, but take caution not to seriously disfigure the plant you’re leaving behind.

    Take the branches inside. Lightly tap the cut ends using a hammer in order to splinter them, then soak all of the branches in water overnight. This will soften the buds and encourage them to open sooner.

    After soaking, put the cut ends of the branches in a container of water and place them in an out-of-the-way spot that is cool and receives some sunlight but not directly. When you begin to see color in the buds, arrange the branches in a vase with water and display. Choosing a location that is cool with indirect light will lengthen the blooming period. Enjoy!
  • Fall cleanup checklist
    Fall means clean up, especially for your lawn and garden. Follow this simple checklist to ensure no task is forgotten.

    Trees
    1. Purchase and plant trees and shrubs. For proper instructions check out ourPlant a TreeorPlant a Shrubarticle.
    2. Harvest all fruit trees and remove any rotten fruit from the ground.
    3. Apply a layer of mulch around new trees to protect the soil from the cold.
    4. Stop watering trees at the beginning of autumn until all the leaves fall off, then water as normal until the ground freezes.
    5. Fertilize if your tree/shrub has reduced branch growth, dull color, abnormal timing, and/or wilting.
    6. Remove anything damaged or diseased.
    7. Prune any branches that may break due to heavy snow or that may get in the way.
    Perennials
    1. Cut plant stems 1-2 inches from the ground.
    2. Remove any brown stems or spent flowers.
    3. Place all dead foliage and stems into a compost pile.
    4. Place all diseased foliage and stems into a burn pile or the trash.
    5. Apply a fresh layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
    6. Cut back watering, only water during dry conditions.
    7. Apply a protective net around plants to prevent critter damage.
    Garden
    1. Remove vegetable plants and their vines.
    2. Work non-diseased plants back into the garden soil or place in a compost pile.
    3. Till up or rake the soil to loosen it up and break apart leftover plants.
    4. Amend soil with organic material.
    5. Plant cover crops after harvest. Use ourCover Cropsarticle as a guide.
    6. The area you planted root crops can be mulched instead of dug up.
    7. Harvest squash and pumpkins when ripe. Check out our Fall Harvest article for simple steps.
    8. Map out your current garden layout for next year’s crop rotation.
    Container Plants

    Container plants can generally survive winter climates when rated 2 grades lower than the zone you are in. For example, if you are located in zone 5 then zone 3 plants will be safe in the winter climate. If your plants do not qualify to be left outside you can either bring them indoors, or get rid of them completely. Depending on your situation, follow the steps to either Container Plants Left Outdoors, Container Plants Brought Indoors, or Container Plants Removed.
    Container Plants Left Outdoors:
    1. Upgrade to a larger pot.
    2. Add new and healthy soil to the container plants, more soil = better root protection.
    3. Move containers to a soil or mulch area that is shielded from the wind.
    4. Place all outdoor container plants next to each other, grouping container plants helps moderate a good soil temperature.
    5. Apply mulch around the base of the pot, bury the container in soil, or wrap the pot in burlap or geotextile blankets.
    6. Remove any damaged plants or stems, the healthier the plant the better it will withstand winter weather.
    7. Water your plants during the winter, but only as needed. Tilt the pot as you water in order to prevent freezing at the base of the pot.
    8. Apply a protective net around the plant to protect from winter critters.
    Container Plants Brought Indoors:
    1. Place the plant in a warm and dry area that receives plenty of natural sunlight.
    2. Place plants outdoors during the day if desired. Make sure there is minimal wind, bright sunlight, and no snow fall.
    3. Always bring container plants indoors at night.
    4. Water and feed only as needed.
    5. Keep the soil fresh and the container clean.
    6. Remove dead and diseased foliage as it forms.
    Container Plants Removed:
    1. Place dead plants in a compost pile.
    2. Place diseased or insect infested plants in a burn pile or in the trash.
    3. Remove all soil from the pot.
    4. Wash and dry the container well.
    5. Place all terra cotta pots in a warm and dry place such as a basement; the cold temperature and wet climate will cause them to crack.
  • Feed your roses
    Roses are heavy feeders and need a constant supply of the right nutrients to survive.

    WHY:
    Feeding your Roses with Plant Food is a quick and easy way to provide the necessary nutrients they need. Plant Food is made up of three primary nutrients as well as secondary nutrients and trace minerals.
    • Nitrogen
       is a major element in plant nutrition, promoting rapid growth, leaf formation, and green color.
    • Phosphorus
       is essential for a h5 root system, brighter and more beautiful flowers, as well as overall health.
    • Potassium
       is a catalyst for many plant functions. It helps build stem strength, increases disease resistance, aids in photosynthesis, and increases root growth. It also provides starches and oils, helps reduce water loss / wilting, and is necessary for plant protein formation.
    • Micronutrients
       and 
      Trace Minerals
       also promote plant cell and root growth. Micronutrients include Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur. Trace Minerals include Boron, Chlorine, Copper, and Iron.
    WHAT:
    The necessary nutrients can be delivered through a fast-acting water soluble or slow-release granular formula. Both formulations result in effective and efficient nutrient distribution for optimal growth.  
    Granular Plant Food
     is specially formulated to deliver all the important ingredients in several ways. The granulars provide quickly available nutrients for initial feeding and slow-release nitrogen for up to 3 months. The plant food is placed in the soil and carried through the roots. Like Schultz® Rose & Flower Slow Release Plant Food.
     
    Water Soluble Plant Food
     is a fast acting solution that is dissolved and distributed every time you water. As you water, the necessary nutrients are reaching the plants through the roots and leaves. Like Schultz® Rose & Flower Water Soluble Plant Food.
     
    HOW:
    Granular Plant Food:
    • For New Roses
       planted in the spring, feed at time of planting. Work into the top 6” of soil and repeat every 12 weeks.
    • For Established Roses
      , sprinkle 8” – 10” from base and gently work into the top ¼ inch of soil. (Be sure to avoid damaging the roots) 
    Water Soluble Plant Food:
    • For New Roses
      , feed and water after planting. Continue to use every time you water. If you only water once or twice a month, double your recommended amount. 
    • For Established Roses
      , begin feeding as soon as new foliage has appeared. 
    REMEMBER
    • Your Roses need nutrients on a consistent basis 
    • Stop feeding 4-6 weeks prior to frost to stop new growth from being damaged 
    • Be sure to use the recommended amount on packaging
  • Simple steps for beautiful roses
    There are a lot of misconceptions about the work it takes to grow healthy roses. With a few simple steps and proper maintenance, you can easily grow beautiful roses to enjoy for a lifetime!

    Choose the Right Spot. Make sure the location is fit for a rose plant. Avoid areas with shade; the location should receive 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Early sun is better than afternoon sun. 

    Good Soil is Important. Roses like well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6 – 7.5. Your native soil could have too much clay or sand. For best results, we recommend you add a compost or garden soil to the native soil before planting.

    The Right Roses. Make sure you are planting roses best for your climate. Follow the plant’s tag for planting instructions. Use Schultz® Starter Plus® Transplanting Solution for great results.

    Mulching. Apply 1-3 inches of mulch around the base of your roses to keep the soil cool, retain moisture and naturally prevent weeds.

    Watering. Be sure to water thoroughly at first. The water will activate the roots and help settle the soil. Continue to water every other day during the first four months. Then switch to watering heavily twice a week. Water in the morning and also at the base of the plant. Roses are susceptible to disease so try not to get water on the leaves. 

    Feeding Your Roses. Roses crave specific nutrients. Feed them every bloom cycle or every other watering with a fertilizer specially formulated for roses. Schultz® brand offers Bloom Plus Water Soluble Plant Food, Rose Flower Slow Release Plant Food, Rose & Flower Water Soluble Plant Food, as well as many other useful products.

    Pruning. The best time to prune roses is in early spring before new growth starts. Pruning will help the plant produce stronger and larger stems while removing dead or damaged canes. For tips on pruning, check out our Pruning Shrubs article.

    Deadheading. Keep an eye on your roses. Remove any dead or faded blossoms; this will initiate the plant to produce a new bloom.