Day 8..... In the life of a plant

Last week, as you may remember we planted these Geraniums. Here they are on day 8. 

 (remember they were 8 weeks old, rooted cuttings when we planted them) 

Notice on the second photo the snow accumulating on the greenhouse wall behind them. 

Today (and for the last week) we are planting Perennials. The fact that we plant our own stock is important because it is healthier for the plant, the environment, the economy and makes for a better selection for customers since we don't have to make shipping minimums. 

Let me explain. The less the plant is shipped and moved the healthier the plant will be.  Also buy planting our own stock we can regulate what soil it is planted in, how often it is watered and the chemicals that are used or NOT used in the growing process.  Many people do not realize that plants that are "bought in" to box stores and nurseries that do not produce their own stock are often sprayed with a growth retardant. This chemical stunts the plants growth so that during shipping it does not require as much care or water.  Usually sprayed at "peak" these plants look great on the shelve and don't require alot of care. The problem is, that the retardants take weeks to wear off. Our growing season is short enough.  WE DO NOT USE GROWTH RETARDANTS. That makes for a healthier plant for you. Growing our own plants, is good for the environment because it reduces shipping emissions,and packaging.  Its great for our LOCAL economy because we employee more people for a longer time, as our growing process takes ten weeks longer than just shipping products in.

Next week I will take you into the process of planting from a seed.

I have posted more pictures on our facebook page.