So your plant order just arrived – cue the excitement! You open the box, breathe in that fresh greenhouse smell, and marvel at your new beautiful flowers. But now what?
Here’s how to help your plants transition smoothly from our greenhouse to your home and set them up for long, healthy lives in your garden.
Unbox Your Plants Right Away
As tempting as it is to admire your new flowers for hours, the first step is simple: unbox them promptly. Remove any packaging materials, including any soil protection or plant sleeves.
Our proprietary shipping containers are designed to keep everything intact, but your plants still need light, air, and room to breathe once they arrive. Don’t leave them in the box, even overnight, they’ll be much happier stretching out in their new space.
Let Them Acclimate Before Planting
You don’t have to plant them immediately. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. Give your plants a chance to adjust to their new environment before introducing them to the soil.
Set them outside in the spot where you plan to plant them – preferably somewhere with filtered light and protection from wind or intense afternoon sun. This “hardening off” period helps them acclimate to temperature, humidity, and light levels and prevents transplant shock.
Leave them in their pots for 2–3 days, checking daily to make sure they’re getting enough water and not drying out in the sun.
Check Soil Moisture Daily
Shipping can cause soil to dry out quickly or retain more moisture than expected. Gently stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, give the plant a good drink.
Be careful not to overdo it, plants hate soggy feet. Make sure containers can drain freely and don’t leave them sitting in pooled water.
Time to Plant!
Once your plants are acclimated and the forecast looks good (no surprise frosts or downpours), it’s time to get them in the ground or pot.
Loosen the soil where you’ll plant them and gently remove the plant from its container, taking care not to disturb the roots more than necessary. Place it in the soil at the same depth it was growing in the pot, firm the soil gently around it, and water it in well.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Newly planted flowers are more sensitive to weather extremes. If a cold snap or heatwave is headed your way, provide some temporary protection like light shade cloth or frost covers. Even a cardboard box can work in a pinch!
Maintain the Love
Ongoing care is key to keeping your plants happy long after planting. That means:
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- Watering regularly, especially during dry spells
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- Feeding with a balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks
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- Deadheading blooms to encourage new growth
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- Checking for pests or signs of stress so you can step in early
Thriving Starts with the Right Start
When you order from Garden Footprints, your plants are already off to a healthy, greenhouse-grown start. With just a little care and attention after delivery, you’ll set them up for success and enjoy a season full of vibrant color, lush growth, and garden joy.
Ready to get planting? Your flowers are waiting. Shop Now!
