A&P Nursery, Author at A&P Nursery

Types Of Plant Nurseries

There are three main categories for plant nurseries, which are: ‘Wholesale‘, ‘retail‘, and ‘mail-order‘.

On This Page:

Wholesale Nurseries
Retail Nurseries
Mail-Order Nurseries

Those who grow plants and flowers in bulk in order to resell to retailers, and certain businesses, such as landscapers and/or building contractors, are known as ‘wholesale nurseries’.

Wholesale Nurseries

Setting up wholesale nurseries consists of several decision making strategies, which have to be made before hand, things like what are you going to grow, who the customers are going to be, and your plans on delivering the plants or flowers to the customers. For instance, let’s suppose that your largest customers are going to be landscapers, in this case, it more than likely means that you will need to grow plenty field grown plants a little on the larger scale, and the plants and flowers for the summer will need to be plenty of container grown plants for transplanting.

Land & Labor Considerations

However, should you have Garden Center customers, you will need your plants and flowers to be accessible all year around, which means they will need to grow in containers that are singular, double, and quads. When you decide what it is you are going to be growing just remember that the key of a wholesale nursery making profit is to have a limited variety, and then grow large amounts of them. In order for the wholesale nurseries to be able to make their business work, they need a lot of land for growing, and a huge workforce.

Plant Selection

Wholesale nurseries sometimes specialize in the smaller starter plants; in the nursery industry they are known as ‘liners’. This type of nursery will sell their liners to both, wholesalers and retailers alike, and they will continue to grow them, selling to their own customers. Wholesale liner nurseries will typically include plants like tissue cultured plants, seedlings, and rooted cuttings. Because of they are cheaper to obtain and easy to grow, liners today are being produced from seeds. Plants which have been genetically improved of their uniformity, size, color, and many other traits, are the vegetative propagated liners, which have been becoming very popular as liner products. Included in the liner business is the need of maintaining plants at longer periods of time should there be difficulties that arise, which also includes a requirement of establishing a better cutting stock. Those who grow seeds have to be knowledgeable in the regards to the seeds provenance, for some trees might not do too well in different areas, as they would in another.

Retail Nurseries

It is not hard to guess who retail nurseries sell too, of course, they sell their plants to their retail customers. There are a few retail garden centers who will grow many of their plants themselves, however, most of them will purchase the plants from a wholesale nursery too resell to their customers. It is important that retail nurseries stay focused on their customer’s needs, this will let them know just what it is they should be selling. The retail nurseries high end or higher profit items includes plants in the larger sizes, and also accessories, such as window boxes, garden tools, and birdbaths, among many other accessories. The retail nurseries can make some of their profit from creating custom planters and replanting using decorative containers.

Mail-Order Nurseries

Selling their products through the mail are the mail-order nurseries. Many are still growing their own plants, while others are purchasing from the wholesalers to resell. More than any of the other nursery businesses, when in the mail-order nursery business, it is significant to be able to define your customer base. The nurseries that specialize in growing plants that are unique, and plants that are considered to be a specialty, which they are able to ship anywhere they want will have the highest profit margin, this is because the mail-order nurseries selling their plants to be picked up locally at a retail nursery are going to be less popular.

Phoenix Valley Nurseries

If you are looking for a local plant nursery to buy your plants, trees, or shrubs from in Mesa, Queen Creek, or Gilbert, Arizona A&P Nursery offers plants grow for sale by our own hands here in the valley. We grow our own stock to ensure the quality, health, and that the plants will thrive despite our incredible summer time heat. We have the right plants, tools, and knowledge for the Valley of the Sun and can help educate you on how to get the job done, or schedule services from our trusted landscaping partners.

A & P Nursery
40370 N. Gantzel Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85240
480-655-5789

A & P Nursery
2645 W. Baseline Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85202
480-839-5362

A & P Nursery
6129 E. Brown Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85205
480-396-8800

A & P Nursery &
Lawnmower Shop
2601 E. Baseline Rd.
Gilbert, Arizona 85234
480-892-7939

Top 10 summer bedding plants

If you are searching for the top 10 summer bedding plants this post is for you. Summer bedding plants don’t need to be marigolds and petunias. There are a lot of common bedding plants but there are also a lot of varieties of annual bedding plants that you can grow for color, height, and scent such as sweet pea to cornflowers to zinnias to Rudbeckia. There are some like geraniums and petunias that are perennials that are very frost tender, which will need to be treated like an annual and will need frost protection. There are others that are hardy annuals that you just place outside. Most all summer bedding plants can be grown from a seed, but there will be a lot work to grow them, from germination to pricking out the tiny seedlings. If you don’t have space or time for raising a seedling, then try bedding plug plants to start your garden quickly. It is easy to order your bedding plants online. Below are the best summer bedding plants.

Begoinas

This is a very versatile summer bedding plant. They are loved for their large, colorful blooms and the ability to thrive in shade and sun. They flower through the summer and do so until the first frost. Begonia bedding plants can be trailing or upright are great for beds, hanging baskets, window baskets, and borders. There are some varieties like the Non-Stop Mocca Begonia that has dark leaves that add some interest to the flowers. Tuberous Begonias may be lifted and stored during winter and will get much bigger every year where the semperfloren cultivars like the Lotto Mixed are just annual bedding plants.

Sweet pea

Sweet pea makes a great cottage bedding plant. Let them grow around netting, obelisks, or wigwams where they will reach heights of 6 feet or try the dwarf variety for ground cover on borders and in front of beds. They have a delightful fragrance and a variety of colors. Sweet pea is a great summer bedding plant and provide plenty of fragrant, gorgeous cut flowers during summer.

Busy Lizzie

If you have a shadier bed and borders, then Impatiens summer bedding plants will give you plenty of large flowers in plenty of colors from reds to white to pinks and purples. The New Guinea Impatiens has taken the place of Impatiens Walleriana because of the Busy Lizzie downy mildew, but they have the same characteristics. They have a long flowering period, bushy habit, and a preference for partial shade. They form big spreading plants and are great for ground cover in borders and beds or they can fill your patio containers with color to the first frost.

Geraniums

These are common bedding plants for a really good reason. They are sun loving, sturdy plants that are great for dry, hot conditions and will flower until the first frost. Pelagoniums, called Geraniums, are very versatile plants for summer that including upright, trailing and climbing varieties that are great for obelisks, borders, beds, hanging baskets and patio containers. They are mainly available in shades of red, pink, and white as well as bedding plants in shades of burgundy, lilac, and apricot.

Antirrhinum

This plant is loved for their flower spikes and long flowering period. Antirrhinums have a unique mouth-like flowers that will open when they are squeezed which make them a favorite for children. They come in a range of vibrant and strong colors. They will vary in height from the dwarf plants being 10 inches tall to the Royal Bride variety that reach 35 inches tall. Tall Antirrhinums or Snapdragons make great cut flowers and will add height to your borders and beds. The dwarf variety may be used in patio containers, beds and borders. If you are looking for a plant that attracts bees, then Snapdragons are the way to go as they are a good source of nectar and are popular with the bumble bee.

Lobelia

The dainty flowers of this plant will create unique waterfalls of color in containers and hanging baskets, or you can grow the upright varieties for edging your borders and beds. They have long flowering periods and are easy to grow, and they also compliment any summer bedding plan that you have and look great mixing with other types of plants in a hanging basket. Lobelia comes in shades of white, blue and purple. They are great if you are looking for annual bedding plants that are blue.

Petunia

This is a summer bedding plant that has exciting blooms. Petunias are quite popular for their large trumpet shaped flowers in a variety of bright patterns and colors such as picotees and stripes. These are half-hardy annuals that can be upright or trailing, and look great in hanging baskets, window containers or boxes, or in borders or beds. There are some petunias like Purple Tower that will train itself to climb frames. If you are looking for purple bedding plants, then petunias are the choice as they come in lilac-blue, deep purple, and mauve.

Rudbeckia

Rudbeckias or coneflowers are cheerful and robust bedding plants. They are great as late summer bedding plants, as they flower from July to October and add some fire to your annual displays with yellow, red, and orange colors. Varieties like Toto are great for patio containers and beds and the varieties like Cherry Brandy are great tall varieties work well in beds or borders or planted between shrubs and perennials. They look great in the garden and they also make great cut flowers for indoor vases.

Californian Poppy

If you are wanting vibrant colors, then you can’t beat the Californian Poppy. This is a very hardy annual that is grown in borders and beds and will self-seed, which create plenty of colors every year. Normally, they are orange, but new breeding has introduced colors of apricot, yellows, pinks and reds. They have silky blooms that are in neat clumps of blue-green foliage and will attract hoverflies and bees. They work well in dry, poor soil in full sun. Simply scatter the seeds where you want them and they will do the rest.

Cosmos

If you have been looking for a bedding plant that will attract bees, then you need Cosmos. These unique shaped flowers are on wiry, slender stems and are a good source of late nectar for any pollinating insects. They have fern like foliage which adds texture to bedding plans and works great in a cottage style border or bed. They mainly come in shades of white, pink and red, although Cosmos Sulphureus will provide fiery reds, yellows and oranges. They often bloom during mid-summer and will flower until mid-autumn. They also make unique cut arrangements for indoor vases.

Summer Bedding Plants Arizona

If you are looking to buy quality plants from local nurseries A&P Nursery has locally grown high quality nursery stock of bedding plants. Our plants are ready for your landscape and the heat of Arizona as they are grown locally. We carry a wide selection of bedding plants at our 4 locations in Mesa, Queen Creek, and Gilbert. Stop by or call today!

A & P Nursery
40370 N. Gantzel Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85240
480-655-5789

A & P Nursery
2645 W. Baseline Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85202
480-839-5362

A & P Nursery
6129 E. Brown Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85205
480-396-8800

A & P Nursery &
Lawnmower Shop
2601 E. Baseline Rd.
Gilbert, Arizona 85234
480-892-7939

Tips for Fertilizing Arizona Plants

If you’re searching for tips for fertilizing Arizona plants, this is the article for you. The fertilizing process is an important part of gardening as it keeps trees and plants healthier and ensures they are getting all of the nutrients required for a stimulated growth.

Primary Fertilizer Nutrients

Fertilizer mixes are created with three main nutrients or ingredients which act as a plant based multi-vitamin. These are nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous:

N = Nitrogen Photosynthesis, which is the process that plants use for converting sunshine into food. Nitrogen is used by plants to assist them in producing chlorophyll, which is the main chemical in the process of photosynthesis.

K = Potassium, which assists the plant in manufacturing and digesting food.

P = Phosphorous, which assists in supporting and stimulating stronger development of blossoms, fruits, stems and roots.

Various types of fertilizers are available. Prior to making a decision on the fertilizer, you should determine the type of plants, soil, trees or shrubs that will need to be fertilized. Keep in mind that with fertilizing, more is not always better, as fertilizing too much can lead to plants being damaged.

Fertilizer Varieties Available

When you need help with answering any fertilizing questions or advice on products, your AP Nursery specialists are ready and willing to help. Below are some of the fertilizing products offered:

A&P Moisture Mulch

This is a 2 cubic foot bag of composted mulch and nutrients. When purchased with plants it provides a 6 month warranty for plants.

Bedding Plant Food

This is a great option when you’re preparing a new flower bed or even after you’ve planted your bedding plants. Good for year round use you can get either a 4 lbs or 15 lbs bag. This product has a 7-22-8 analysis.

Fruit, Citrus and Pecan Tree Food

This fertilizer is great for used in spring, summer, and fall and helps your nut and fruit trees grow. Available in either 4 lbs or 20 lbs bags this product has a 19-10-5 analysis.

Gardener’s Special

A favorite with gardeners who grow vegetable gardens, flower beds, and roses it can be used all year long or after planting. Available in either 4 lbs or 15 lbs bags this product has a 11-5-11 analysis.

Green Maker

If you want to get the green lush lawn that makes a house feel like a home this product is perfect. It is specifically formulated for alkaline soils that features slow release nitrogen and is high in iron which grows the lushest green lawns. It is available in 30 lbs bags and consists for 18-06 + 10% sulfur.

New Lawn Starter

Starting your lawn in the heat takes the right planning and products. This product is formulated to help your new lawn grow faster, stronger, and be greener. It promotes better root systems and is designed for use when prepping soil, seeding, sodding, or sprigging. Available in a variety of sizes this product has a 9-13-7 analysis.

Palm Tree Food

Palm trees might not be native to Arizona but they have become one of the icons for many homes and business parks. This palm food is designed to keep your palm trees looking great during hot summer months. Available in 20 lbs bags it has a 12-8-4 analysis.

Root Stimulator

When transplanting trees or shrubs it can shock the plant. Root stimulator helps ease relocation or even established plants which are stressed. Available in 1 pint, 1 quart, and 1 gallon sizes this product has a 4-10-3 analysis.

Tree & Shrub Food

If you want to have the best looking oak tree, evergreens, or palm trees in the valley this is the product to use. Good for use in spring, summer, and fall this product is designed to give your majestic trees everything they need to stay looking regal. Available in 4 lbs or 20 lbs bags it has a 19-8-10 analysis.

Weed-Out Lawn Fertilizer

If your lawn has weeds and could use a boost for growing more lush and green Weed-Out Fertilizer is a great option. Not only does it help your lawn grow greener and more thick but it helps kill the weeds growing along side the blades. Available in either 20 lbs or 40 lbs bags this product is best used when it is under 95°F on weeds that have broad leaves.

Fall fertilizer for your lawn

Keep your lawn cut to about two or three inches to produce healthy grass roots. By cutting the grass too low, you will cause them to die quicker and it can result in patches being left.

During fertilizing, ensure you should use the 3-1-2 ratio (law to food).
Spread annual rye grass seeds on your lawn in the warmer season for adding color throughout winter, while reseeding the lawn on thinner areas.
Apply ½ inch of compost for the top-dressing to help build the root system for your grass.
In areas that are compacted, ensure you aerate the lawn using an aerator machine.
Ensure your lawn is watered during the fall, especially in the event a dry month occurs.

Pomegranate Tree Fertilizing: When it comes to fertilizing pomegranate, using a fertilizer that contains ammonium sulfate is a good choice. Use roughly 1/3 cup and sprinkle it on the ground near the roots to help add nutrients to the soil which the tree will require for healthy growth. During the first year of growth, you should do this about three times. The best months for fertilizing are Feb. May, and Sept.

Cherry Tree Fertilizing: If your cherry tree has consistently grown more than eight inches, fertilizing is not required. However, if the growth rate is under eight inches, you should use some fertilizer rich in nitrogen. Start by measuring the tree 12 inches from the ground and apply 1/8^thlb. of nitrogen per inch of the trunk’s diameter.

Fig Tree Fertilizing: There are many times when a fig tree is planted directly into the ground, there’s no need for fertilizing. However, there is an exception if the soil is sandy. If you are not sure if the soil you tree is planted in contains the nutrients needed, you can take a sample and have it tested. If it is determined the soil is low in nutrients, you should get ½ lb. of nitrogen and split it equally over three treatments. You should apply nitrogen in the growing months of May, June, July.

Indoor Succulents Fertilizing: Similar to other type of plants, succulents experience the most growth during spring and summer months. You should ensure that your succulents are fertilized three to four times between spring and summer. Using the standard houseplant type fertilizer will work, but ensure that you use half the recommended amount when being used on succulent plants. You do not need to fertilizer the indoor succulent during the fall and winter months, because the growth either slows or fully stops.

Fertilizer For Sale In East Valley

Your landscape needs a helping hand in Arizona and if you live in the East Valley of Phoenix A&P Nursery has all of the fertilizers you will need to take your yard from average to all the rage. Stop by and see one of our garden experts to help choose the right fertilizers for your needs.

A & P Nursery
40370 N. Gantzel Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85240
480-655-5789

A & P Nursery
2645 W. Baseline Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85202
480-839-5362

A & P Nursery
6129 E. Brown Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85205
480-396-8800

A & P Nursery &
Lawnmower Shop
2601 E. Baseline Rd.
Gilbert, Arizona 85234
480-892-7939

Growing Peaches In Arizona

Having fresh peaches from your own backyard is a delicious way to save on your yearly grocery bill. They are great fresh and can be dried and canned. Even jams made with peaches can be a great way to make the most of growing peaches in Arizona.

When to fertilize peach trees

You should never plant your peach trees in low areas that are known to be frost pockets. If you are wanting to delay your blooms in areas that have frequent spring frosts, then you should plant on the north side of a building. The building will be able to shade the tree in late winter, which delays the bloom, but allows the tree to get the needed sunlight of summer. Peaches tend to do quite well in sandy, well-drained soils. You should plant the trees in the spring so that it will be well established by winter. Be sure that you are spacing your trees 15-20 feet apart.

Fertilizing Peach Trees Arizona

Fertilizing the peach tree

You should fertilize your young trees with a fertilizer that contains nitrogen like a pound of 10-10-10 or an equivalent after it has been planted for 6 weeks. During the second year, you should add three-quarters of a pound of fertilizer in spring and then the same amount during summer. Seeding your lawn around the tree with grass and white clover or with crimson clover or bird’s foot trefoil will give your tree extra nitrogen. Trefoil and clover are nitrogen fixing legumes. Once your tree begins to bear fruit, it won’t grow as fast and won’t need a lot of nitrogen. During the third year and up, you will need only a pound of nitrogen yearly, and it should be applied during spring when the growth is starting. Slowing the growth of a tree is a great way to ensure that it will be stronger, hardier in the winter, and live longer. Don’t apply any fertilizer within 2 months of the first fall frost and let your lawn grow up around the tree in late summer/early fall. Be sure that you don’t apply a lot of water during this time and don’t prune your tree in the fall.

Caring for your peach tree

In order to keep your tree from getting winter sun-scald, you may paint the tree trunk white. Be sure to remove the old mulch from the base in order to avoid it attracting any type of rodents and then be sure to place mouse guards around the trunk as needed. During late winter and early spring, once the ground finally has been thawed, you should place heavy layers of mulch around your tree to ensure that the soil remains cool which in turn delays blooming.

Pruning Peach Trees

You can train peaches to open in the center and then prune them annually. Be sure that you remove the diseased or dead wood first, then prune the branches that are drooping down or growing straight up. Nectarines and peaches will only bear fruit from lateral buds on year old branches. They will need to be pruned yearly during dormant season to stimulate fruit wood growth and to keep the fruit bearing branches closer to the trunk. Whenever the bloom is heavy, you should lightly head back the longer fruit bearing branches in order to reduce fruit load and prevent breaking branches. The summer pinching will help to control your tree size, which encourages the formation of the next year buds and will improve the quality of fruit. Whenever the tree is around 5-6 years old, remove the wood that has been produced in the last 2 years. This will keep your tree from getting too tall and will restore growth to older wood.

IN about 4-6 weeks after the bloom, you should thin out some of the excess fruit if you have a lot of peaches. Remove and then destroy the fruit that has signs of insect punctures. Thin the fruit so that they are spaced between 6-8 inches apart on the branch. The left over fruit will be sweeter and larger than they would have been without thinning the fruit.

Harvesting and then storing peaches

You should never shortchange yourself by picking the peaches way too early. The reward for all your hard work is special, home grown flavors of a tree ripened fruit and not one that has to sit on your kitchen windowsill. If there is a bit of green on your peach, then it isn’t ready to be picked. A peach should easily come off the branch with just a slight twist and nothing harder than that. Be careful while you are harvesting because many types of varieties such as the Champion and Reliance are soft fleshed and will bruise quite easily when they are ripe. In order to store your peaches, be sure that they are in a cool, dry place to prevent them from ripening further.

Peach Trees For Sale in East Phoenix Valley

If you want to get the most out of your peach tree, or are thinking about planting your own peach tree A&P Nursery has you covered from start, to fertilizer, and to harvest. We can help you choose the right tree for your landscape, get you the tools you need, and help you with tips on how to get the most out of your gardening. Call or come by one of our nurseries today.

A & P Nursery
40370 N. Gantzel Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85240
480-655-5789

A & P Nursery
2645 W. Baseline Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85202
480-839-5362

A & P Nursery
6129 E. Brown Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85205
480-396-8800

A & P Nursery &
Lawnmower Shop
2601 E. Baseline Rd.
Gilbert, Arizona 85234
480-892-7939

Growing Succulents In Arizona

Many landscapes in Arizona don’t feature lawns and the typical American iconic plants. The arid environment of the desert makes the care arduous and expensive. Desert landscapers create unique and visually exciting yards by including succulent plants. They have unique and unusual appearance that set the desert gardens and landscapes apart from just about anywhere else in the world. Growing succulents in Arizona is one of the best ways to make a visually stunning landscape.

On This Page:

What Is A Succulent?
Succulents Add Unique Landscaping Appeal
Which Types Of Succulents Grow Well In Phoenix?
Planting Succulents
Succulent Care
Watering Succulents
Buying Succulents In The Phoenix Area

What Is A Succulent?

While cactus is a succulent, not all succulents are cactus. Succulents or succulent plants are known in botany as plants that have some parts that are more fleshy and thickened. Typically these thicker areas are designed to retain water in arid climates, like Phoenix. The area in which the plant stores the water varies. Some succulents store the water in their leaves or stems. Other succulents might not appear as thick or fleshy above ground, because they store their water in their root system.

Succulents Add Unique Landscaping Appeal

There are about 50 plant families that fit the definition of succulent. While the term gets a little arbitrary when really nailing down exactly which plants are and which plants are not succulents there are some that people are familiar with. Agaves and cactus are two of the most well known and common types of succulents.

Lesser known succulents are a way that many gardeners and landscape companies choose to create unique interest in the landscaping. A lot of the more obscure styles of succulents deliver unique, somewhat alien forms and shapes that make the landscape stand out and add value to the curb appeal of your home.

Due to the interesting structural shapes of the succulents many can provide interesting silhouettes and totally unique appeal. If a gardener wants to make a one of a kind type of yard succulents can help achieve this goal like few other landscaping options.

Which Types Of Succulents Grow Well In Phoenix?

A Madagascan palm is a great succulent option for the desert. It is a moderately faster grower and grows well with partial shade.

The Aloe Vaombe is an aloe tree that grows well in our low desert environment. It has red flowers and pure green leaves. This combination provides beautiful contrast and visual interest. It does require some shade but tolerates the desert fairly well.

Planting a Ponytail Palm is a great way to get some real interest in your landscape. This is because of how big these palms grow. At their mature height you can expect one of these palms to reach as high as 25 feet! The base of a full grow Ponytail Palm also reaches about 6 foot in diameter.

The Smooth Agave is another wildly popular succulent plant for Arizona. It grows quickly and best when it is in partial sun or shade. The size when mature is about 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall. The Smooth Agave flowers in the spring with bright yellow blooms and has low litter to keep your landscape cleaner.

Ocotillo is a staple for many of the commercial, public, and residential landscapes in Arizona. It is an incredibly hardy plant and can survive temperatures down to 10°F. It enjoys growing in full sun and can grow to be 10 feet wide and 12 feet high! The Ocotillo blooms in the spring with orange to red clusters and is a great plant to attract humming birds.

Lechuguilla Verde is another low water use succulent that grows very well in Arizona. They grow to about 3 feet high by 3 feet wide and grow best in partial sun. Yellow flowers bloom during late winter and spring on the Lechuguilla Verde. The plant does feature sharp thorns, so care should be taken when planting where children will play.

Planting Succulents

The majority of succulents are not native to Arizona and need to be cared for a bit differently. While cactus and agave are at home here other varieties of succulents will need to be planted where they do not receive the full day’s sun. The key is planting the succulents so they do not get the afternoon sun, when the heat and light is at its. Shade given by bushes is an easy and effective way to offer these interesting and beautiful plants the environment they will thrive in.

Succulent Care

One of the biggest keys of caring for succulents is having well draining soils. Clay type soils that tend to hold water for extended periods of time are detrimental to the root systems of succulents. Gritty or sandy soils are some of the best for these types of plants as they really do prefer to be in the dry climates.

Watering Succulents

During the growing season monitoring the soil is critical to getting the watering right. Once the soil is dry more than a couple of inches down a deep watering is necessary. After that watering allow the soil to dry out again before applying more water. Base watering for succulents is preferable to sprinklers or applying the water directly to the leaves, stems or other above ground structures.

Buying Succulents In The Phoenix Area

A&P Nursery has locations in Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek, Arizona. With a wide selection of Succulents gardeners and landscapers in Arizona can customize their landscapes and make something truly unique and breathtakingly beautiful.

Stop by one of our locations to see our selection or give us a call if you are looking for a specific type of succulent.

A & P Nursery
40370 N. Gantzel Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85240
480-655-5789

A & P Nursery
2645 W. Baseline Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85202
480-839-5362

A & P Nursery
6129 E. Brown Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85205
480-396-8800

A & P Nursery &
Lawnmower Shop
2601 E. Baseline Rd.
Gilbert, Arizona 85234
480-892-7939

How to Care for Your Succulent Terrarium

When starting out with succulents, we have managed to kill our fair share by either too much sun or too much water. However, after gaining some needed experience, we have learned that they are very forgiving and do not live at the same pace as we do. While we get hungry after a few hours, it may take them over a week to grow hungry. Overcompensating for a less than perfect look of your plants can be disastrous, when caring for your juicykits.com terrarium is simple. Try not to screw it up!

When to Water Your Succulents

A commonly asked questions is why succulents are dying, the answer would probably be too much water. When should you water your succulents? When the soil is completely dry, it is dependant on where the succulents live. Being desert plants, they do not require much water. Actually, the prefer not to sit in wet soil. Soil in moisture grows bacteria, the roots of these succulents are sensitive to this. That being said, the main three things to keep in mind when caring for your juicykits.com terrarium is water, light, and death.

The Right Light

The right lighting is a no brainer, and your succulents need a lot of light. How much? Your plants can tell you this.

Too Little- Commonly refereed to as ‘stretching’ or etiolation, plants tend to grow tall or bend in a particular direction looking for light. Though it looks funny, it isn’t harmful. Also, there can be a lack of color or a pale look to your plants with to little light.

In the event of too little light, there are a couple things you can do to remedy this. For starters, if you haven’t been growing your succulents in direct sunlight, avoid exposing them to it for lengthy periods of time. This could burn them, instead, train them to the sunlight slowly. Starting off with an hour or two each day, then slowly extending the time they spend in the direct sunlight will cause them to adapt safely to it. If you live in a naturally dark part of the world, try using artificial lighting (Grow Lights) to help them compensate for the too little light issue. It is important to remember not to keep these light directly over your succulents. No more than 12 inches from the plants is ideal.

Too Much- Please note that too much light is a dangerous thing, especially to the baby succulents. Many small succulents will also burn in direct, hot sunlight if exposed to a long period of time. Spotty burn marks, and dry leaves will be visual evidence of this, even the glass to the terrarium could magnify direct sunlight into heated death beams for the plant.

In this instance, do not worry too much over burnt leaves, more will grow and the old ones will die. The best reaction is to move the terrarium away from areas that are too bright. Do not give it a great quantity of water, this is a common mistake. On really sunny days, try fitting a piece of thin fabric or plastic grocery bag over the terrarium. Make sure it has sufficient air flow.

The Correct Amount of Water

We are often asked for the ‘perfect’ amount of water for succulents, however, the perfect amount of water is a flexible idea. We usually respond with ‘More water, Less often.’ As a general idea of when to water your succulents, pay attention to the soil itself. If the soil is completely dried out, water it thoroughly and do not add water till it is completely dry once more. The soil, or cactus mix, that succulents love tend to drain quite quickly. Pouring water in a concentrated area will cause it to just drain to the bottom without moistening the rest of your terrarium. This isn’t ideal at all, terrariums by definition have no drains or openings. The proper way to water your succulents is with a low flow of water over a large area. As stated before, do not over water your succulents. Don’t water them too often, unlike house plants, changes will not happen over night. Here are some signals from your succulents, in reference to their watering needs.

Too Little- The leaves of the plant will wilt downwards, or look shriveled. This is common with a younger variety of succulents such as the jelly beans, or donkey tail.

In the event of too little water, stay calm and do not give it a ton of water yet. A dry succulent isn’t a doomed succulent. They are desert plants, and naturally are designed to withstand long time periods without water. If you house your succulents in a terrarium with no drainage, make sure you are cautious with the amount of water provided to your plants. Use a low flow watering spout, go slowly to moisten the soil in a large area and not a concentrated spot. Patients when watering is important. If you try to just dump it and move on, the water will immediately drain to the bottom. They will plump up again over the following weeks. If your succulent lives in a draining container, you are able to soak the entire planter/pot for 5-10 minutes with water. Large amounts of water will not cause them to rot and die as long as they are draining out.

Too Much- Signs of too much water are simple, the bottom leaves will start to die or rot. This is a common mistake with succulents that people tend to make, and we do not like this. When rotted, the leaves are gross and squishy, only you can prevent a soggy death to your plants. Honestly, think of plants in the deserts, they are dry most of the time. Enjoying the very occasional rainstorm, and a light mist at night, they do not require much water to strive healthily. With that being said, a ‘dry’ succulent terrarium shouldn’t be completely closed, some drainage is ideal.

In the event of overwatering, just let the terrarium sit without watering it. When the soil dries, then you can proceed to water it properly. In order to make sure that the soil is dry, a few tells it will have is a lighter color and dusty nature. You can also use a toothpick or moisture meter to test the levels. Kind of like baking a batch or brownies. If you made the mistake of putting WAY too much water in causing water to fill up the bottom vessel, or dirt becoming soggy, consider more extreme methods. A trip to your local computer store or pharmacy to procure a large syringe with a long needle is ideal. These needles are the ones used to refill cartridges of ink. You are able to stick that syringe into the watery part of the vessel and suck out as much of this moisture as you can. Now let your terrarium set in a bright, great aired area to dry out. No direct sunlight. Once dry, continue to properly water your plants. Do not be discouraged if some parts of the plants die, this is normal and doesn’t mean the entire plant is dead. Some nurturing will bring these parts back in time.

The Death Talk

No Dead Allowed- It is very natural for parts of your succulents to die with time. A sign of healthy leaf growth in the plant is that bottom leaves die as tops leaves grow in. Having a set of long tweezers is not a bad idea to remove all dead pieces regularly, these dead pieces will cause bacteria and rot near the roots.

The Death of a Plant- If you find that a whole plant has died, no crying allowed. Make sure to promptly remove the dead plant, afterwards replace it at the local garden center. You may also have pests involved if you find little fuzzy dots on your plants.

Flimsy, Weak Looking Plants- after some elapsed time, if you find your plants looking thin and flimsy, the reasoning may be a lack of light or food. The nature of these terrariums being so small can cause succulents to use the nutrients in the soil. If the event occurs where they have devoured all these nutrients, you can provide more goodies for them in the soil with our plant food formula. Our formular is gentle on the roots, where as heavy-duty formula like Miracle Gro is made for house and garden plants that require more food and water. The heavier formulas can cause chemical burns on the roots of your succulents. A good feeding process to follow is to do so once a month for the majority of the year, and every two weeks in the summer time while they grow rapidly. If they require sunlight, they will grow upwards in search of it. With the right light, however, they will remain chubby and short. As you will read in posts about artificial lighting for succulents, preference remains that the plant receives more sun and less food, this can bring out the color in the leaves more.

East Phoenix Valley Nurseries

If you are looking for new succulents to add to your office, home, or business A&P Nursery has a great selection. Succulents offer interesting structures, shapes, and textures as well as being easy to care for. We offer help in choosing the right succulents, advise on how to care for them, and can recommend fertilizers and adjustments to watering which will help you make the most of the succulent plants in your living or working spaces.

Call or visit one of our 4 locations today!

A & P Nursery
40370 N. Gantzel Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85240
480-655-5789

A & P Nursery
2645 W. Baseline Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85202
480-839-5362

A & P Nursery
6129 E. Brown Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85205
480-396-8800

A & P Nursery &
Lawnmower Shop
2601 E. Baseline Rd.
Gilbert, Arizona 85234
480-892-7939

Growing The Palo Verde Tree In Arizona

Many people loving growing the Palo Verde Tree in Arizona, not just because it is the State Tree of Arizona, but it is a visually stunning tree. During spring in Arizona the Palo Verde blooms out with bright yellow flowers and puts on an amazing display.

The Palo Verde is also known as the “green stick” as it translates in Spanish and is called this because it has a lot of chlorophyll in the flesh of the truck. The chlorophyll is what makes the bark green, and the bark is actually responsible for three quarters of the tree’s photosynthesis.

Arizona Palo Verde Species

There are two Palo Verde trees which are common in Arizona. These two species grow wild but are also featured in both residential and commercial landscaping.

Blue Palo Verde

The Blue Palo Verde is a water loving tree and is more commonly found near water and features a bluish green trunk.

Foothills Palo Verde

As the name suggests the Foothills Palo Verde is found commonly on rocky slopes on the foothills of mountains. The trees feature tiny leaves, yellow green trunks, and have pods which hold the seeds.

Planting Your Palo Verde Tree

Planting any tree takes a little work, a little planing, and some preparation. If you are buying your Palo Verde Tree at a local nursery you will usually have the option of taking it home yourself and planting it, or having the nursery come and do the work for you. If you choose to do the job yourself, here is a guide of things to keep in mind.

When To Plant

You can plant your container grown Palo Verde Tree any time of year. Summer does present the challenge of a little extra watering, but it is possible. For days which are more windy or especially hot it is critical to keep newly planted trees watered. Colder months can also be tricky if you live in a part of Arizona that is prone to freezing.

How To Plant

A big part of planting any tree is planning ahead for how big it will be in height and width. Most Palo Verde trees grow to about 10 to 20 feet tall, depending on species and vary in width depending on how they are trimmed, pruned, and shaped.

Safety In Planning

The biggest keys in planting is keeping the tree away from overhead power lines or being too close to any structures. Before digging it is also critical that you check to make sure there are not utility lines, foundations, or pipes where you are planning on planting your tree.

Digging The Hole

When digging the hole make sure that it is about 4 times the diameter of your tree container. The depth should be deep enough that the soil in the container is level with the soil in your landscape. Take the time to inspect the soil where you are planting for drainage problems. To test it fill the hole with water and if it has not drained within an hour you might have a caliche problem. If this is the case holes might need to be punched through the layer to allow proper drainage.

Setting The Tree

Once you have your hole dug and draining properly you can start by removing the tree and root ball from the container. To do this you will want to gently squeeze the container to loosen the soil around the root ball. Carefully remove the tree, roots, and soil and set it in the hole. If the soil is too loose and falling apart you will need to set the tree in the hole and cut the container away to preserve the soil around the roots. After you have the tree in the hole you backfill in the dirt. Wet the soil as you backfill but avoid overwatering and creating sludge. Once all of the dirt is back around the tree you can create a raised edge around the tree of dirt which will collect runoff.

Harvesting The Palo Verde

While a lot of Arizona residents just use the Palo Verde tree as a centerpiece for landscapes, it does product edible seeds and flowers. Much like edamame or peas the seeds from the Palo Verde should be sweet when ripe and the pod can be pulled off and collected. The best time to collect the edible parts of the Palo Verde is when the pods are green and the seeds are tender, small, and green. If they are chalky it is too late to harvest them this way and they should be allowed to dry on the tree and picked when they are dry and brown.

What To Do With Seeds

If you have picked them fresh and when they are green they need to be blanched as soon as possible on the day you pick them. To blanch your Palo Verde seeds you will need to wash them in cold water, set them in boiling water for 90 seconds, and then switch them to ice water for another 90 seconds. Drain and put them in freezer bags.

What To Do With Flowers

The flowers of the Palo Verde can be eaten fresh in salads or they can even be included in desserts when they are candied. The bright yellow flowers offer a sweet taste and are non-poisonous. Care should be taken if the tree has been sprayed for bugs using any pesticides which are not designed for fruit producing trees.

Palo Verde Trees For Sale

If you are looking for a place to purchase your Palo Verde Tree in the Phoenix area, A&P Nursery has what you need. We grow our stock locally so you know it is ready for the sun, heat, wind, and will thrive in your landscape. We have knowledgeable and friendly staff who will help you plan where the tree should go, help with selecting a tree, and we will even deliver and plant your Palo Verde Tree for you. Call or visit one of the 4 locations in the East Phoenix Valley today!

A & P Nursery
40370 N. Gantzel Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85240
480-655-5789

A & P Nursery
2645 W. Baseline Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85202
480-839-5362

A & P Nursery
6129 E. Brown Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85205
480-396-8800

A & P Nursery &
Lawnmower Shop
2601 E. Baseline Rd.
Gilbert, Arizona 85234
480-892-7939

Best Perennials For Arizona

Perennials are a favorite for gardeners who want to have plants that come back year after year. The category of perennials includes shrubs and trees as well as many succulents and flowers. Plants where the stems, leaves, and flowers die each winter or frost are referred to as herbaceous perennials. The roots however live on through the colder months and when the spring comes, the plants rise again. Plants which can live through the winter and come back are also referred to as hardy.

Choosing Your Perennials

When you are planning your landscape and want to include perennials you should consider what purpose the plants will be serving. Will they be included to offer a splash of color, plants for edging, or accents around larger trees like the Evergreen? When you know what you want the plants to do you will have an easier time choosing the best plants.

Below you will find a selection of what the local perennial nursery will carry. Each have their own place in landscapes. For specific information on when each species will bloom so you can ensure your landscape blooms the way you want, speak with your local nursery experts about the perennials you like best.

Agave

Agave is at home in Arizona as it is native to arid and hot regions. It is found naturally in the southwestern United States and Mexico as well as parts of south America. As a perennial succulent the Agave has fleshy leaves which come to a sharp point along with a tall stem during flowering. During blooming a number of tubular, short flowers.

Western Columbine

The Western Columbine covers a large spread of western North America. Stretching from Alaska all the way down to Baja California it grows wild and adds welcomed splashes of orange, red, and yellow to the landscape. The flowers generally appear between April and August, depending on the weather.

Geraniums

The range of geraniums is filled with variety; in fact there are over 200 different species of geraniums. They can be shrubs, perennials, and even succulents. Choosing the right Geraniums will depend on your goals for water conservation. A popular variant of the geranium is the Zonal geranium. These examples are genetically advanced and feature stronger and sturdier leaves.

Primrose

There are 2,790 species of Primrose, which gives gardeners an incredibly wide selection to choose from. Virtually all primrose are perennial, but keep an eye on your labels when shopping at your local nursery. For Arizona the Evening Primrose is a popular option as it is drought tolerant and can withstand full sun. Evening Primrose has even been used to treat health disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, and controlling fatty acids.

Gerbera Daisy

The Gerbera is native to Asia, Africa, and South America yet has been broadly cultivated and planted in gardens all over North America and Arizona. Flower colors vary greatly and include shades for red, white, pink, yellow and orange. As a wildly popular bedding gardening plant the Gerbera Daisy is the 5^th most cut and displayed flower in the world.

Prickly Pear

Cactus and Arizona go together and the Prickly Pear is one of the hardiest cacti available. It grows well in both low and high altitudes and is available in a wide variety of colors. These plants are vigorous growing cactus that features detachable spines. With thick wide pads these plants can grow between a foot and up to 18 feet tall.

Four o’Clock

The Four o’Clock has an interesting history having been cultivated by the Aztecs for medicine. Being native to Peru the Four o’Clock is a great ornamental flower which has vibrant color and can even have varied flowers growing on the same plant. As the name suggests the flowers open in the late afternoon with a strong and sweet smell into the evening and night.

Penstemon

Generally Penstemon are perennial plants which include about 250 species between Eastern Asia and North America. They are found in both desert areas, alpine zones, and moist forests. This makes them adaptable to various climates. With flowers commonly purple, red, and orange the Penstemon will add a wonderful burst of color into your landscape.

Salvia

Salvia comes in a wide variety of colors which grow in dense flowering stalks. Colors vary from purple to reds, whites, and even shades of blue. They offer incredible color to landscapes and attract insects like butterflies to your garden. They are also incredibly heat and sun resistant and actually thrive in both. There are many species of Salvia which offer different shapes of flowers and colors which will accent your landscape.

Datura

The Datura features beautiful white flowers which release a wonderful aroma in t he evening. The flowers have a trumpet vine look and they are a native sprawling wildflower. This makes they drought resistant, perennial, and a great addition to just about any Arizona landscape. They flower grows well in full sun.

Lawn Care Tips For Arizona

If you are searching “Lawn Care Tips For Arizona” you might have just moved to the state or you got your first home. Keeping your lawn looking great takes a little preparation, good watering, and a bit of work. The heat of Arizona means that you will need to adjust your watering depending on the season and step up your lawn mowing schedule. Being ready for caring for your lawn starts with having your lawn mower serviced or lawn mower repaired. When your tools are in good condition it makes lawn care easier, faster, and a lot less frustrating.

Lawn Mowing

Most lawn mowers have height adjustments and it is tempting to lower it as low as possible to try to cut down on the frequency of having to mow, this isn’t a best practice. When you cut your lawn too short you are “scalping” your lawn. While you don’t want long unkempt lawn you should avoid cutting it too short as it will require more water the shorter it is.

Lawn Mowing Heights

There are three common types of grass used in Arizona lawns: Hybrid Bermuda, Bermuda, and Annual/Pernennial Rye. Both Bermuda and Rye grass should be cut to between a inch and a half to two inches. Hybrid Bermuda grass can be cut shorter and should be cut between a half an inch to 1 inch.

Lawn Care by the Seasons

Each season has different challenges from the heat of summer to the leaves and debris of fall and winter. Read more below to get specific information for each of the 4 seasons.

Spring Lawn Care

In the spring it is a good plan to apply any weed control or fertilizer that you will want to use. These products help keep weeds out of your lawn and promote greener more lush lawns. Watering in the mild season of spring should be done to avoid any brown spots but not over done to avoid wasted water.

Summer Lawn Care

In Arizona, especially in the Phoenix Valley, summer is hot. The intense heat and arid climate can be hard on lawns and will require daily watering. The best time to water is just before sunrise in the morning so your lawn has the moisture it needs. Use a soil probe to measure the moisture after watering. If it doesn’t go 10 inches into the soil easily increase the duration of watering.

Fall Lawn Care

Once the summer heat has subsided you can cut back your watering and use your probe to make sure you are watering enough. It will vary depending on the heat and the type of soil in your landscape. Use the same rule of 10 inches of moisture and adjust your watering frequency and duration to meet your lawns needs.

Winter Lawn Care

To keep lawns lush and green through the winter it is common in Arizona to “overseed” lawns. From parks to golf courses and residences overseeding is a common practice to keep the lawn dense and lush. During winter and the cooler months you will be able to cut watering frequency and duration back even more. Use your soil probe to monitor the moisture in your lawn’s soil to keep track of how you are doing.

Lawn Care Equipment & Repair

If you live in the Phoenix valley A&P Nursery sells, services, and repairs lawn mowers, lawn care equipment, and all other types of motorized landscaping equipment. We can tune up your lawn mower, repair it if it is broken, or even sell you a brand new easier to use lawn mower. Whatever your needs we can help you take care of your lawn more easily and help you choose the fertilizers that will help you keep it green all year long.

A & P Nursery
40370 N. Gantzel Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85240
480-655-5789

A & P Nursery
2645 W. Baseline Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85202
480-839-5362

A & P Nursery
6129 E. Brown Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85205
480-396-8800

A & P Nursery &
Lawnmower Shop
2601 E. Baseline Rd.
Gilbert, Arizona 85234
480-892-7939

Growing Watermelon in Arizona

If you thinking of growing watermelon in Arizona, this article is for you. Watermelon is synonymous with summer and is served at just about every backyard BBQ and 4^th of July party you go to. It is an easy-to-grow crop which yields incredible flavor and is one of the largest edible fruits.

Watermelon Seed Varieties

There are 4 main categories of watermelons that most people buy or grow today. These are icebox, picnic, yellow, and seedless watermelons. Icebox watermelons are the smallest which range from 5 to 15 pounds. Seedless watermelons are a little bigger and will usually grow to between 10 and 20 pounds. The picnic watermelon is the largest of them and will grow under the right conditions to between 15 and 20 pounds.

Watermelon Options

There is a wide variety of hybrid and heirloom seeds available to the Arizona home gardener which gives the power of choice for the pattern, color, size, and flesh colors. The flesh colors you eat can be the iconic bright red all the way to nearly white. Rinds are also available from dark or light green to mottled, stripped, or solid colors.

How To Grow Watermelon

Having your own fresh watermelon for the summer is a wonderful way to enjoy the fruits of your gardening labor. Planning the space you will need, variety of seeds, and knowing how to water your watermelon are some of the key points to success.

Soil Preparation

Watermelon needs to have good soil and fertilizer to grow well. Soil should be amended with organic matter like compost or animal manure. Soil should also be enriched with fertilizer which is well balanced and rich with nitrogen.

Watermelon Vine Spacing

Watermelon vines are known for growing quickly and spreading out. They can reach lengths up to about 20 feet. This means you need to choose areas in your landscape that afford room to your watermelon. Avoid planting too close to other crops or ornamental plants as the vine might fight for space. There should be about 4 feet between your watermelon seed plants in a row, and 8 feet between rows. Space is a challenge in growing watermelon, start out with plenty and you’ll thank yourself.

Planting Your Seeds

Once you have chosen the seeds you want to plant from your local nursery you need soil that isn’t too cold. It is best to wait until the soil is 70°F or warmer, which isn’t typically a problem in Arizona. The soil needs to be warm for the seeds to properly germinate and grow. Small hills should be made and about 9 seeds should be pushed 1 inch deep in the top of each of the hills.

Watermelon Watering

Watermelons have deeper roots than most people expect and need to be watered deeply. This is especially important in the desert heat of Arizona. Soil probes can be purchased to keep track of how deeply the soil is saturated. Keeping track of your watering schedule helps create plans that are easy to follow and will help you be successful.

Harvesting Your Watermelon

Once the work and wait is done it is time to enjoy your watermelon, but knowing when they are ready can be tricky. In hot summer weather when watermelon are generally being grown it only takes about 32 days for the watermelon to be ripe after the plant blooms.

How To Tell When Watermelon Is Ripe

Tendril Ripe – Many experienced gardeners watch for a tendril which is located closest to the main stem. A tendril is a stem of modified leaf which grows as a spirally slender coil. As soon as this tendril dries up and turns brown your watermelon is ripe.

Sound Ripe – Another method a lot of people like is tapping on the watermelon and waiting for a nice soft hollow sound. They do this by slapping, tapping, or thumping their melons.

Appearance Ripe – One of the most reliable ways for gardeners to know when the watermelon is ripe to harvest is watching the bottom of the melon where they touch the ground. This spot many times starts as a near white look and will turn to a rich yellow as the watermelon matures. The skin of the watermelon also changes appearance from having a slick shiny surface to one that is more dull.

Watermelon Handling

Watermelons can be ruined with rough handling. They should never be dropped, bumped, or rolled. If gardeners are not careful with their watermelon there can be bruising of the flesh inside the watermelon.

Storing Watermelon

While watermelon is best served chilled, uncut watermelon need to be stored with temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Watermelon which is exposed to temperatures above 90 or below 50 for too long will have deterioration of the flesh.

East Phoenix Valley Gardening Supply

A&P Nursery has been planting, growing, and harvesting plants in Arizona for many years. We have the knowledge, right tools, fertilizers, and everything you need to get started in growing watermelon here in Arizona. We can help you plant the type you want, where to plant them, and help you understand how to keep them watered and fertilized for the best results. Call or stop by one of our 4 east valley locations today!

A & P Nursery
40370 N. Gantzel Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85240
480-655-5789

A & P Nursery
2645 W. Baseline Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85202
480-839-5362

A & P Nursery
6129 E. Brown Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85205
480-396-8800

A & P Nursery &
Lawnmower Shop
2601 E. Baseline Rd.
Gilbert, Arizona 85234
480-892-7939