Buy Your Plants Where They're Grown!
4554 Whiteford Road, Toledo, OH 43623
419-882-4110
OPEN EVERYDAY -- 9AM - 8PM
Whiteford Greenhouse Open Daily! 4554 Whiteford Rd. Toledo, Ohio 43623

Frequently Asked Questions

We want you to have a successful + beautiful garden! We are here to help!

Whiteford Greenhouse Open Daily! 4554 Whiteford Rd. Toledo, Ohio 43623Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight

Q
What is Full Shade?
Full shade refers to less than 4-6 hours of morning sun or a garden under a dense tree canopy. This means NO afternoon sun which will fry the shade loving plants.
Q
What is the difference between morning and afternoon sun?
Think of humans to answer this question. When do you get sunburned? the afternoon, why? because the sun is more direct. The sun peaks or straight up between the hours of 12-6. Thus before noon and the evening hours the sun is indirect due to its trajectory upon the earth.
Q
How much Sun is Full Sun?
Full Sun means you get at least 6+ hours of all day sun, which includes morning and afternoon sun. In the afternoon the sun is much more direct so therefore 4+ hours of afternoon is sufficient for Full Sun. All day filtered sun can be considered "Full Sun” but only if it exceeds 6 hours. High filtered sun is the best sun you can haven your garden.
Q
What is Part Sun?
Part sun refers to the sun being indirect, like in the morning or evening. Filtered sun by trees or other obstacles is considered part sun because it is not direct on the plants.

Hardiness Zones

Q
What is a Hardiness Zone ?
This is the USDA standard which growers and gardeners use to determine what plants will survive at the particular zone. The map is based on the average annual minimum temperature in that zone. Each "F Zone" is divided by 10 degrees of change.
Q
What Hardiness Zone is NW Ohio?
Our zone is 5-6 or as cold as -20/-10 during the winter. This is due to our unique placement off of Lake Erie. We live in the “Black Swamp” which is a fertile dried up swap that happened millions of years ago leaving us with wonderful dirt which plants thrive in. We grow plants in those zones however; If its not it becomes an Annual or a “self-sow” perennial if not in that zone.

Planting

Q
When is the best time to divide perennials?
Basically perennials can be divided every 3-5 years depending on habit and cultivar. Dividing is sometimes crucial to avoid overcrowding like in a Hosta or Hemerocallis. As a general rule, spring blooming plants should be divided in the Late Summer-Fall. Summer blooming plants in the spring or fall. Fall blooming plants in the Summer. There are exceptions to this rule, so always inquire before dividing when in doubt. We are happy to answer those questions anytime.
Q
When do I cut back Mums so they stay short in the Fall?
Its best to cut mums back 1/3 to 1/2 their height in mid-June then again in July but no later than Mid-July because it will delay flowers in the fall.
Q
When do Perennials bloom?
Perennials are so cool in the fact that they all have their own bloom times. They also may re-bloom after the first flush has gone. Some perennials which are sterile will re-bloom all summer. Other perennials need a slight cut back or “deadheading” after the first set of flowers to avoid seed production and extend blooming.
Q
What is Deadheading?
Deadheading refers to pinching or cutting off the expired blooms. This is to eliminate the energy from going to the seeds but instead going to new flowers and/or growth. This should be done on a regular basis for plants which readily set seed like Daisies or Phlox. Other perennials like Daylilies and Sages will self shed old blooms and continue to flower.
Q
What does Low Maintenance mean?
Low maintenance refers to the fact that the plant requires little to no care once established. Naturally these plants also are drought tolerant and pest/disease resistant. They require less care and almost no attention to look good and thrive. A few examples are Hens and Chicks, Sedum, Ivy, Peony, and Daylilies.
Q
Why does my Rose have holes in the leaves?
Roses are bug and disease magnets except for the Knockout series which has the most resistance. Many bugs like Roses, beetles to Aphids. Old fashioned roses need constant care. Thats why we grow Knockout Roses. They are tough, disease and pest resistant and never stop blooming. They self shed expired flowers and are always growing until they go dormant.
Q
When and how do I fertile Perennials and Annuals?
Generally speaking, Perennials require very little fertilizer. An easy way is to use a slow-release fertilizer. This is granules applied when wanted or a top dressing raked into the soil. Liquid fertilizer may be used once a week or twice a month on most perennials especially in poor soil conditions. Important to apply when plants are actively growing. That means when the temperatures are above 50 degrees and you can see new growth. Always read instructions before application. On the other hand, most Annuals love fertilizer, such as Petunias. They can be fertilized up to 2-3 times a week or every other watering. Other Annuals especially those in containers once a week should be fine.

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