Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about gardening, plants, and working with quality local providers
Choosing the Right Plants
What plants grow best in the Nashua area?
Nashua, New Hampshire is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b-6a, which means cold-hardy perennials, shrubs, and trees thrive here. Popular choices include coneflowers, daylilies, black-eyed Susans, hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, and a wide variety of evergreens. The key is selecting plants rated for Zone 5 or colder to ensure winter survival. This is where working with a knowledgeable local nursery makes all the difference—they understand which varieties perform best in our specific microclimate and soil conditions.
When is the best time to plant in New Hampshire?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal planting seasons in New Hampshire. Spring planting allows plants to establish roots through the growing season before winter. Fall planting gives plants time to develop strong root systems before their first winter. Summer can work for established nursery stock with proper watering, but young plants struggle with heat stress. Always ask your local nursery about specific timing for the plants you’re purchasing—they can advise based on current weather patterns and your specific garden conditions.
How do I know if a plant is healthy when purchasing?
Look for vibrant green foliage without discoloration or pest damage, moist (but not waterlogged) soil, and white or light-colored roots visible at the drainage holes. Avoid plants with leggy growth, wilted leaves, or weak stems. Quality nurseries like Sunny Valley Farms maintain healthy stock and can guide you through the selection process, showing you what to look for and explaining why certain specimens are superior choices. They take pride in the health of their plants—it’s a sign of excellent care and expertise.
Garden Care & Maintenance
How often should I water my garden?
Most established gardens need about 1-2 inches of water per week from rain or watering. The key is consistency—regular deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering, which encourages shallow root systems. Newly planted gardens need more frequent watering until established. Rather than following a strict schedule, check your soil: if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. Mulching around plants helps retain moisture and reduces watering frequency. Your local garden center can recommend watering strategies specific to the plants you’ve chosen and your soil type.
What’s the best way to prepare my soil?
New Hampshire soil varies widely, but most gardens benefit from added compost or organic matter. Work compost into the top 6-12 inches of soil before planting to improve drainage, nutrient content, and overall soil health. A soil test can reveal pH levels and nutrient deficiencies specific to your property. Quality garden centers often offer soil testing services or can recommend local university extension programs that provide affordable testing. This investment pays dividends in plant health and garden productivity.
When should I prune my shrubs and trees?
Timing depends on the species and bloom time. Most spring-blooming shrubs should be pruned immediately after flowering, while summer-bloomers are pruned in late winter/early spring. Trees are generally best pruned in late winter when bare, making structure visible. Never remove more than 25% of a plant in one season. If you’re uncertain about your specific plants, ask when you purchase them—a knowledgeable garden center will provide care instructions and pruning guidance, setting you up for success.
Seasonal Gardening
How do I prepare my garden for winter?
Fall is a critical time for winter preparation. Cut back perennials after frost, add mulch to protect roots (2-4 inches of organic material), and rake fallen leaves that can harbor pests. Plant spring-blooming bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocuses) in October and November. Stop fertilizing by late summer so plants can harden off. Ensure drainage around plant beds so water doesn’t collect and freeze. Many people winterize their garden center visits, but fall is actually the best time to plant for next year’s success. Your local nursery can guide you through this preparation process.
What’s special about Christmas tree shopping?
Choosing a Christmas tree is a holiday tradition worth doing right. The best trees are fresh—needles should be vibrant green and hold on firmly. Wait as long as possible before purchase to maximize freshness through the season. Cut an inch off the base and place in water immediately. Keep the tree away from heat sources and maintain water daily (trees drink more than you’d expect). Specialty tree farms and quality garden centers like Sunny Valley Farms offer personally selected trees, care advice, and often delivery services. The experience of choosing a tree from someone who understands tree care adds to the holiday magic.
How do I transition my houseplants for outdoor summer?
Don’t move houseplants directly from indoors to outdoor sun—they’ll sunburn. Place plants in shade for a week or two, gradually increasing sun exposure. Once acclimated, many houseplants thrive on a sunny patio. Water more frequently as outdoor temperatures increase. Before bringing them back inside in fall, check carefully for pests. Starting the transition in May and bringing plants back in by late September prevents stress from temperature swings.
Working with Your Local Nursery
Why is a local garden center better than big-box stores?
Local garden centers curate plants for your specific region and understand your climate. Staff members are typically passionate gardeners themselves, with deep knowledge of plant care, local pests, and seasonal patterns. They’re invested in your success because their business depends on customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth reputation. Quality centers like Sunny Valley Farms offer personalized advice you won’t get from automated systems. They often source from growers who match their quality standards, ensuring healthier specimens. Plus, supporting local businesses strengthens your community economy.
What should I expect from a quality garden center?
Quality nurseries offer healthy, well-maintained plants with accurate labeling and care information. Their staff ask about your growing conditions (sun, shade, soil type, moisture) before recommending plants. They explain care requirements and are honest about whether plants suit your situation. Many offer landscaping consultation, bulk materials, and can special-order items. They handle your concerns if a plant doesn’t establish properly. Most importantly, they approach gardening as a partnership—they’re invested in your garden’s success as an extension of their own reputation and passion.
Do I need a plant guarantee?
A reasonable guarantee demonstrates a center’s confidence in their plants and care practices. Many quality nurseries offer satisfaction guarantees—if a plant doesn’t establish within a specific timeframe despite proper care, they’ll replace it. The condition is usually that you follow care instructions. This isn’t a free pass for poor gardening—it’s a recognition that even healthy plants occasionally fail due to unforeseen factors. A quality guarantee also tells you the center stands behind their products and employees who selected them.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out to our team or visit a local garden center where knowledgeable staff can provide personalized guidance for your specific gardening needs.