Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

At Summer Winds Garden Centers, we get a lot of good gardening questions.

We have collected these questions and done our best to answer, and then categorize them below. Please enjoy. You may also find our Links and Resources pages helpful. within your area.

If you have question and think we can help, then please send your question to us through our Contact Us form and we will do our best to get back to you with 48 hours. If you need speedy assistance with a specific issue, we suggest visiting your local SummerWinds Nursery where our trained staff can provide you with a vast amount of gardening and lawn care knowledge.

FAQ Categories
Garden Basics & Planning	Pests & Problems	Plants or Products
SummerWinds Information	Water & Irrigation

Q: There's a spot in my yard and I want to put a plant there. What should I think of before choosing a plant?:

Answer:
Here are questions you should consider the answers to before finalizing your plant choice:
-Sun Exposure: AM? PM?
Which direction does it face? North? South? etc.
-Soil condition?
-Water requirements? While its being established? After its established?
-Foot traffic?
-Height? Spread? -Growth rate?
-Flower color? Foliage Color?
-Do you want to replant every year with annuals or plant once?
-Other planting requirements: Drought, native, deer, pond, pool, patio, container, pathways, children, pets, scented, over other plantings, around other plantings, etc.
Answers to the above questions can be given to our Buyer at the SummerWinds Nursery nearest you. This information can help them to direct you towards the best variety for your needs and for the Bay Area microclimate that you live in. They can help you narrow down the choices and pick what will work for you and your garden in the long-term.

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Q: I want to buy an indoor plant, what should I conisider before making my final purchase?:

Answer:
Here are questions you'll want to consider the answers to before making your final indoor plant decision:
-Sun Exposure: AM? PM? Which direction does it face? North? South? etc.
-Water requirements? How often will you be able to water? Will you be able to provide humidity for tropical plants?
-Height? Spread? of plant at maturity
-Flower color? Foliage Color?
-Would you be able to store the plant through a "dormant" stage?
-Other planting requirements: children, pets, scented, etc. Answers to the above questions can be given to our Buyer at the SummerWinds Nursery nearest you. This information can help them to direct you towards the best variety for your needs. They can help you narrow down the choices and pick what will work for you in the long-term.

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Q: If I have a particular plant in mind, is there anything I should do before I visit your store?:

Answer:
Prior to making a trip, we recommend contacting the store, to confirm the item you are looking for, is currently in stock. Due to fluctuations in customer purchases, sometimes items can come in and out of the store in the same day. We would not want you to make a journey in vain. As assurance, you can request the item to be set aside for you.

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Q: Do Camellias and Azaleas need a different kind of amendment when transplating:

Answer:
E.B. Stone Organics Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Food

Yes. When transplanting Azalea, Camellia, Hydrangea and other shade plants, use a soil amendment with plenty of organic matter to decrease the pH of your soil. We recommend EB Stone Azalea, Camellia Mix for all of your acid-loving plants. It is enriched with ample amounts of peat along with pumice, cottonseed meal, bone meal, feather meal and blood meal. Everything you need to get your shade plants off to a great start.

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Q: What is another Bay Area resource for gardening expertise?:

Answer:

Another source for Bay Area gardening expertise is the Master Gardeners, University of California Cooperative Extension. Providing Advice to the California Home Gardener. The Master Gardeners provide excellent plant advice and tips.

Do you have questions for the Master Gardeners?

In Santa Clara County contact the Master Gardener Hotline for gardening tips between 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday to Friday at (408) 299-2638 or send them your question on-line.

For gardeners in northern Santa Clara County contact the Gamble Garden Master Gardener Hotline on Friday between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at (650) 329-1356.

SummerWinds Nursery is proud to be a Nursery Partner of the Master Gardeners. Bring your membership card into any of our South Bay Locations for a 10% discount.

For more information, please click here.

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For more information regarding SummerWinds Nurseries, Please click here.