We think that all of the plants at Chippewa Valley Growers are happy and healthy… but, like all living things, some are naturally a little happier and healthier than others. We asked Jessi Kelly to share some tips on how to pick the best ones.
For a plant to grow and thrive, it must have a solid foundation. So, before you bring that plant home, make sure it has potential to grow hearty and strong.
Jessi Kelly, owner of Chippewa Valley Growers, shares her tips for finding the best plants:
Scope Out the Store
“Not all garden stores are operated equally, which is why the first step to making sure you’re getting high-quality plants is shopping at the right places. Before you make a purchase, take a look around, and pay attention to what their facility and gardening practices look like.
See Who’s Watering
Watering young plants and plants in flats is not easy, and different plants have different watering needs – it’s truly a science. For example, geraniums are prone to disease when watered on their leaves and need to be watered below the foliage.
At a lot of stores, you will notice a variety of people of all ages watering the plants. This likely means that someone has told them to “go water” with little instruction on proper technique.
At CVG you will rarely see anyone watering, since we try to get it all done early so our customers are not tripping on hoses. But, if you do, it will only be our designated trained growers, because they are the only people allowed to water.
Check for Weeds
Weeds around a facility (under benches, along the walls, etc.) attract pests and disease. They make a greenhouse much more susceptible to insect infestation, and the seeds that come from weeds can make their way into the plant material.
A clean facility is important to cultivating strong, healthy plants; which is why you won’t see them at CVG.
Look for Proper Spacing and Airflow
Plants need room to breathe. If you see a situation where the plants are tightly packed together, they’re likely not getting enough airflow. And without good air circulation, mildew and other fungus can set in. This might not only cause disease, but also weaken a plant, which makes it more susceptible to insect infestation.
Look around for fans or other means of air circulation, which are critical for maintaining strong and healthy plants.
Examine the Plant Maintenance
Young plants should be cut back early and often to encourage branching and focus on root and stem development, and flowers should be removed so all energy can be directed to the parts of the plant that make it healthy and hearty. Be encouraged by plants that don’t have flowers, but do have strong stems. People tend to buy color, but that’s not always the best choice early in the season.
Determine if the plants are being allowed to grow wild or if there is a clear maintenance plan in place that encourages optimal growth in the long run.”
Key Takeaway: The best plants don’t come from just anywhere. Before you buy, remember to take a thorough look around to see if the store is clean and the gardeners are knowledgeable. This is an indicator of whether or not the plants have been cared for.
Think Short and Stocky
“Most of the plants you purchase from us are still “young” and in their initial growth stages. They will get taller and fill out… but, at this stage, you are looking for plants with strong stems.
In order to put more energy into developing good roots and strong stems, we try to stunt the plant’s growth via temperature differentials, watering techniques, and cutting back:
- Plants tend to reach for light early in the morning, and higher temperatures help them do that. So instead, we drop our temperatures in the morning to keep them from stretching out.
- Allowing our small plants to dry out forces their roots to go searching for water. This creates more roots and focuses more energy into root and stem development rather than plant length.
- Performing routine plant maintenance means cutting back the plant, focusing more energy on making it stronger, while also helping to create more branching and fullness.”
Key Takeaway: Look at the plants’ stems, and choose the ones that appear thicker and more sturdy. They’re likely to be the strongest plants in the bunch.
Examine the Leaf Color
“If a plant’s leaves don’t have the same richness as the ones around it, steer clear. This plant is likely under some stress. It doesn’t mean the plant can’t recover, but you can leave that to us.
We are human, so sometimes a grower can miss a plant when watering or overlook a sad plant while keeping track of all the others. (There are only about a million of them around!) While we do our best to care equally for all plants, one occasionally gets away. And, sadly, sometimes a plant just isn’t meant to be, no matter how well we care for it. It can happen to anyone… even our awesome growers!”
Key Takeaway: Choose the plant with leaves that appear brighter and more vibrant in color. These are typically better at absorbing water and key nutrients.
While some plants might appear to be in better shape than others, it’s hard to find a “bad” one at CVG. With strong foundations (along with the perfect amount of love and care), most of our plants grow to be healthy, hearty, and happy. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask for advice from our a member of our talented staff. We’re always ready to help!
To learn more about growing thriving plants, check out From Seed to Sprout: The Journey of Our Happy Healthy Plants, The Importance of Plant Maintenance, and The CVG Difference.
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