What are the elements of good potting soil? The next time you add more potting soil to the plants in your accounts, you may be wondering what all those granules you see in the soil are? Here's a quick and simple guide to the beneficial elements found in good potting soil. Perlite: What is [...]
What's your customer service score? Customer service is not a perfect science. You can’t write a formula for how to respond to each situation. People are unpredictable, so interactions will always have to be individualized for each situation. A key to being successful in dealing with customers is to remain flexible. Each interaction is [...]
Caryota mitis - Fishtail palm What is the correct way to trim a fishtail? Do I use pinking shears or just cut straight across? The answer to this question is of course neither... if you are needing to trim tips, it’s because you are doing something terribly wrong in caring for the plant. Many [...]
Many insects affect plant health About 10,000 years ago, the last of the Pleistocene glaciers had retreated and it was the dawn of a new age for humans. Someone picked some seeds from a favorite grain plant and saved them. Then, in a favorable place where game was plentiful, this person planted these seeds. [...]
Use pesticides responsibly Sometimes it's necessary to treat the plants in your care with pesticides. Their health is important and yours is, as well. Always be sure to apply these 10 safety tips the next you use pesticides. Always read the label and follow the instructions exactly. Never eat, drink or smoke while using [...]
All of us... our families, our friends, our casual acquaintances, and our customers, are worried about the economy, job security, national security, global warming and everything else our modern society has to throw at us. These are trying times. Think back over the past year, how often have you walked into an account to find empty [...]
Successful integrated pest management (IPM) programs tailor a series of pest control strategies to the specific pest damaging the plant. The first step in any IPM program is to correctly identify the pest to be controlled. Insects vs mites Insects and mites are animals belonging to the Phyla Arthropoda and have similar basic characteristics such [...]
Always read the label and follow the instructions exactly. Never eat, drink or smoke while using a pesticide. Keep all pesticides in original containers with their labels clearly visible. You should store the containers in an airtight box to prevent breathing of the fumes. Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, rubber shoes, goggles and gloves. Gloves [...]
Sooty mold is gross. It forms a black deposit on the leaf surface that blocks out light and air movement. Severe attacks can turn entire leaves completely black. Eventually, it can cause a plant to die from lack of light. I've seen 20' Ficus with 50% of their leaves sticky, black and falling off. These then [...]
Hoya leaves hold on to water Water is one of the key elements for any landscape business. You need water to keep plants alive, and during the long, hot days of summer you use plenty of it. When water supplies get tight, your customers may look to you to make adjustments to cut back [...]
