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Pre-Planting Considerations for Michigan Gardens

Michigan’s climate lends itself to a lot of variety when it comes to crops and flowers. Being strategic about how you plan your work will make your efforts more efficient while giving you time to enjoy the fruits (veggies and blooms) of your labor. Throughout this series, I’ll provide a few examples of popular plants for a given season or purpose. If you’re curious about other plants that fit these categories, please give Willow Greenhouse a call.

Hardy Plants and Shrubs

While this post focuses primarily on vegetable and annual flower beds, when you’re planning your garden, there are some general guidelines when it comes to perennials and other hardy shrubs. The goal is to get these plants in the ground when the temperatures are milder. Therefore, plant anytime between mid-April and early-June, and then again from the end of August through October.

Fertilizers

It is my goal to convert all my customers to a full-spectrum, slow-release fertilizer. You have to feed your plants regularly if you want them to look as good as they do at the greenhouse. A slow-release fertilizer will feed your plants every time you water, which eliminates the process of preparing a fertilizing mixture every time you water. Slow-release really simplifies the process.

Pest Control

When landscaping, leave some room in your garden for plants that will help prevent pests. There are “stinky” plants that smell unattractive to pests (but pleasant to us) or those that will attract beneficial insects to your garden and prey on your pests. Because we are a green greenhouse, when you buy plants from Willow, you often end up taking home some of these beneficial insects.

Fragrant Pest Repellants

  • Citronella Geraniums
  • Lemongrass
  • Mints

Beneficial Insect Attractants

  • Marigolds
  • Lobularia
  • Purple Flash (an ornamental pepper)
Customers Love The Willow Way
We visited Willow Greenhouse to look for plants to redo our front yard landscaping, and we enjoyed every minute of our visit! We received outstanding help and advice from the team there. The selection and prices are excellent too! I would highly recommend Willow Greenhouse for any plant or landscaping needs! Ellen Morita
I love this place! My kids love it too. They love the chickens and the cats and I love the great plants and quality products they sell. The best part of Willow Greenhouse is the knowledgeable staff. They’ve been so helpful in helping this amateur gardener navigate the world of plants. They recommended a great way, non-toxic, to control my pest issues. They are awesome!! Peter Kyle
Really fantastic place! Great to see them grow both plants and as a business. We bought numerous plants for our house and yard recently. We even got a native Michigan prickly pear cactus. Most importantly though, they helped us pick out beautiful butterfly bushes, elderberries, and brandy wine bushes that we will be using in our wedding and plant shortly after. I highly recommend this place to growers and gardeners of all ages and skill level. Alexander Moroz
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You’ll Wet Your Plants

At Willow Greenhouse we want you to have a successful and fulfilling experience, which is why we offer a variety of garden friendly options and activities.

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