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Our knowledgeable staff here at Garden-Ville are available to answer many of the questions you might have about gardens, landscaping, and trees. Many problems with plants, however, cannot be responsibly diagnosed other than in person. We're located in central Texas and may not be familiar with the details of gardening in very different climate or soil zones. One of the guiding principles of organic growing is adapting methods to the particularites of local soil and climate. With that in mind we'll do our best to answer your question, but if we can't we'll be happy to help you find the appropriate resources or professionals in your area.

Feel free to browse the topics below to see if we've already answered a question similar to yours. If you can't find the information you need, the question submission form is located at the bottom of the page.

  • I am interested in planting some plum trees in the Austin area. Could you make recommendations based on the habitat and tastiness of the fruit ? Thanks for your time, Carrie

    5/12/200812:12:21 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Rocket Fuel, Tree Questions

    Carrie,

    You can either plant the Methley or Santa Rosa. Both have sweet fruits and will grow well in the Austin area. When planting in the ground don't forget a good root stimulator like Rocket Fuel to help prevent transplant shock. Also the tree will generally produce fruit within 3-5 years.

  • I bought a 3 gallon container with a Forever and Ever Hydrangea. How long can I leave it in the container I purchased it in before transplanting it into the ground? Thank you for a quick response. :-)

    5/12/200812:11:28 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Container Planting, Rocket Fuel

    It is always recommended to either put the plant in the ground or re-pot the plant in a larger container. If you remove the plant from the container the root system will generally tell you what you should do. If the roots are showing and there is no soil around them it is time to either plant in the ground or in a larger container. Don't forget to add a root stimulator to the plant to keep it from going into transplant shock. Garden-Ville makes a product called Rocket Fuel that is excellent for transplanting and can be put directly on the roots to ensure a healthy start for the plant.

  • Hi Amy, I live in Austin, Texas where the soil is quite alkaline. I recently purchased azaleas, gardenias and rhododendrons. I understan thet like an acid soil. I was told to plant them in an above ground planter and mix my organic soil with compost and they will do better than triying to constantly regulate our soil. Can I do the same thing in a large pot and plant it in the ground? Because of our sprinkler system and fence I would prefer them planted at ground level. I have heard of people having alot of success planting plams this way. What would your opinion be? Thank you!

    3/3/20083:55:38 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Rocket Fuel, Rose Soil

    Desiree,

    Garden-Ville has a product called Rose Soil that you can amend the native soil to lower the ph, you can also mix in disper sul to lower the ph of the soil. If you choose the Rose Soil (you won't be disappointed) till in 3" of Rose Soil to the area and plant. Try using our Rocket Fuel when planting to reduce the transplant shock to the plants. Visit our Austin store located at 10624 RR620 N and talk to Eric, he will show you the products mentioned and give you other suggestions that may work for your situation. If you have any other questions please let me know.

  • Hi Amy, I want to grow acid soil loving blueberries in 30 gallon containers. What is the pH of your potting soils and 6-2-2 fertilizer? What do you recommend for potting medium and fertilizer? Thanks! Mark

    10/25/20071:22:20 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    6-2-2, Container Planting, Rocket Fuel

    If you are going to container grow blueberries I would recommend you use our rose soil (ph 6.8-7.5) and our potting soil mixed half and half as your planting medium. To start the plants off I would recommend you use Rocket Fuel which has rock phosphate and is great for root stimulation and preventing transplant shock.  

  • I have lantanas they are very big, now. They are in pots and I want to plant them in the ground. Is there a way to do this without the plants dying? A few years ago my lawncare service moved a lantana for me (at my request - after telling me that it will die if I move it) and the plant died. My husband thinks that we can plant the ones we have in the ground after we cut them back in the fall. What do you think? Thank you very much for this format we appreciate it.

    10/9/200710:39:00 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Plant Questions, Rocket Fuel

    Nicole,

    Your husband is right, late fall is the best time to transplant lantana. Before you put the plants in the hole I would suggest you put about a cup of Rocket Fuel on the bottom and set the plant directly on the Rocket Fuel to help prevent transplant shock.

  • Hi - We are floored by current food prices and decided it's high time for a garden. Not having done much other that container tomatoes, we want to be practical in our first attempt - nothing too complicated. Our space is about 8 x 12, and we are considering raised beds. Is it too late to start in May for a fall garden? If not, what plants would you suggest for a starter vegetable/herb garden, and what materials (soil, fertilizer etc) will we need? Do we need to till the grass underneath the raised beds before installing them? Thanks so much for your help!

    5/21/200710:38:37 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Gardens, Rocket Fuel

    It is not too late to start a fall garden you can plant such veggies as spinach, squash, beans, cabbage, tomatoes, etc. I would start your garden using a good compost rich soil and fertilizing it with an organic fertilizer that has a higher middle number. Garden-Ville has a product called Rocket Fuel that is a 2-6-1 and would be great to get your garden going. If the beds are going to be at least 1’ tall you will not need to till the grass as it will die off from the soil covering it.

  • Hi Amy, I have several questions: A Meyer Lemon, about 4 years old, in a large planter, currently has blossoms and fruit. Lots of little green lemons - several of which keep getting yellow and falling off. Is that the tree's way of getting rid of too much fruit? Ginko tree - about 4 years old - the leaves are very, very light green - should the not be darker? If yes, what can I do? I have foliar fed with seaweed and fertilized with an organic fertilzer about a month ago. Cross Vine - one year old - the leaves are getting yellow but the veines stay green. I live on the Eastside of Austin - MLK and 183. Thanks for your help - Hella 370-1403

    5/8/200712:23:17 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Container Planting, Greensand, Rocket Fuel

    First question I have is for all of your container plants, when was the last time you stepped up the pots (moved the plants to a larger pot)? Some of the problems you are having might be caused by the plants in the container being root bound which is where the roots grow so much and have no place to go so they start growing in circles around the pot and eventually choking the plant. Next, if your plants leaves are not showing as much green as you would like it could be from a deficiency in iron. You might want to purchase some Greensand and put about a cup or so around the base of the plant and water in. For the Meyer Lemon I would recommend trying Garden-Ville’s Rocket Fuel as a fertilizer to help the tree along. For the Cross Vine, if it is in the ground try amending the area with compost and greensand. Keep using the Seaweed and organic fertilizers and use them more frequently since every time you water the plant it leaches more nutrients out of the soil.  

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