FORT CHRISTMAS NURSERY

FORT CHRISTMAS NURSERYFORT CHRISTMAS NURSERYFORT CHRISTMAS NURSERY

FORT CHRISTMAS NURSERY

FORT CHRISTMAS NURSERYFORT CHRISTMAS NURSERYFORT CHRISTMAS NURSERY
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    • Contact Us

  • Home
  • Shrubs
  • Trees
  • Plant Info
  • Plant Care
  • FAQ
  • Special Order
  • Supplies
  • Contact Us

Plant Care

Preparing to Plant

Feed / Water / Care

Preparing to Plant

  • Choose the Right Location: Ensure the new location has the appropriate sunlight, soil type, and space for the plant to grow.


  • Dig the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of the shrub or tree. The sides of the hole should be rough to encourage root penetration.


  • Amend the Soil: Mix in compost or organic matter with the existing soil to improve drainage and nutrient content.

Container Removal

Feed / Water / Care

Preparing to Plant

  • Water the Plant: Water the plant in its current container thoroughly a few hours before transplanting to reduce stress.


  • Loosen the Plant: Gently tap the sides of the container to loosen the soil and roots.


  • Remove the Plant: Carefully slide the plant out of the container, supporting the root ball to prevent it from breaking apart.

Planting

Feed / Water / Care

Feed / Water / Care

  •  Position the Plant: Place the shrub or tree in the center of the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil by 1  inch. We typically add a layer of small pine nugget/ mulch at the base to help retain moisture for the roots.


  • Backfill the Hole: Fill the hole with the amended soil, gently firming it around the root ball to eliminate air pockets. 


  • Create a Water Basin: Form a shallow basin around the base of the plant to help retain water.

Feed / Water / Care

Feed / Water / Care

Feed / Water / Care

  • Initial Watering: Water the plant thoroughly immediately after planting, filling the basin to ensure deep watering.


  • Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent rot.


  • Feeding: After a few weeks, you can start feeding the plant with a balanced fertilizer to promote growth.


Watering Schedule:


  • Week 1: water everyday.
  • Week 2: water every other day.
  • Week 3: water every two days.
  • Week 4: gradually reduce the frequency to once a week, adjusting based on weather conditions.

Enhance Plant Success: Using Fertilizer

When planting trees and shrubs in Central Florida, it's beneficial to use a starter fertilizer to promote healthy root development and establishment. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio such as 10-10-10 provides essential nutrients like Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) in equal amounts.


  • Nitrogen (N) supports initial growth and green foliage 
  • Phosphorus (P) aids in root development and flower production 
  • Potassium (K) enhances overall plant health and resilience


It's generally recommended to fertilize trees and shrubs twice a year: once in Early Spring (around March) and again in Late Fall (around November). However, it's important to follow specific plant needs and soil test results to avoid over-fertilization.


Controlled-release fertilizer usually comes in granular form and is often recommended for its gradual nutrient release. You can purchase fertilizers at ACE Hardware, Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, and/or online. 

Coming Soon...

We will soon offer our special blend fertilizer that is particular to Central Florida's soil composition.

Central Florida Planting Chart

Evergreen Shrubs & Hedges

Evergreen Shrubs & Hedges

Evergreen Shrubs & Hedges

Podocarpus, Ligustrum (Waxleaf / Jack Frost), Viburnum, Boxwood, Sky Pencil Holly, Wax Myrtle.


- Best Time to Plant: October - February

- Acceptable: March - April

- Avoid: May - September


Notes: Best planted in cool months. Summer planting needs daily watering at first.



Flowering Shrubs

Evergreen Shrubs & Hedges

Evergreen Shrubs & Hedges

Gardenia Frostproof, Gardenia August Beauty, Loropetalums


- Best Time to Plant: October - March

- Acceptable: March - April

- Avoid: May - September


Notes: Flowering suffers if roots are stressed. Cold won’t hurt these - heat will.

Trees (screens & Accent)

Evergreen Shrubs & Hedges

Trees (screens & Accent)

Leyland Cypress, Italian Cypress, Juniper Spartan, Magnolia, Crape Myrtle


- Best Time to Plant: November - February

- Acceptable: March

- Avoid: April - September


Notes: Trees planted in winter establish roots before heat = faster growth next year.

Tropicals

Ground Cover & Low Plants

Trees (screens & Accent)

Croton Petra, Croton Mammy, Hibiscuses, Trinettes, Bottle Brush, Ixoras 


- Best Time to Plant: March - August

- Acceptable: September, October

- Avoid: November - February


Notes: These hate cold soil. Planting in winter = stalled growth or damage.

Ground Cover & Low Plants

Ground Cover & Low Plants

Ground Cover & Low Plants

Blue Daze, Blue My Mind, Firecracker


- Best Time to Plant: March - September

- Acceptable: October

- Avoid: November - February


Notes: Full sun + summer = burn unless irrigated and mulched.

Palms

Ground Cover & Low Plants

Ground Cover & Low Plants

Areca, Roebellini, Sago


- Best Time to Plant: March - August

- Acceptable: September - November

- Avoid: December - February


Notes: Warm soil only. Cold months slow or stop root growth.

Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas.


Elizabeth Murray

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