NURSERY - Top Frequently Asked Questions
Do you deliver & install plants?
Yes! We will deliver plants that are purchased at Battista Farms. Delivery charge is based on location. Installation is also available for those plants purchased at Battista Farms. Give us a call for details! 239-267-1133
Do you have a warranty?
Should you have a problem with your plant, bring in a sample in a ziploc baggie, and/or a picture of your plant and we will do our best to help you recover your plant. There is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied for the survival of your plants for conditions are beyond our control, such as, inadequate watering, improper spraying of chemicals or fertilizing or using pesticides incorrectly. Remember newly planted plants will need a little extra water in the beginning and then gradually slack off.
How long will it take to form a hedge?
The time it takes for a row of 3 gallon plants to form a recognizable hedge depends on the growth rate. Fast grower: 8-20 months, Moderate grower: 21-30 months, Slow grower: more than 30 months.
How can I get my Bougainvillea’s to bloom like yours?
To help your Bougainvillea achieve its full color potential during season, follow these simple steps:
1.
Regularly feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer high in iron and other micronutrients. Use our BouGain fertilizer.
2.
Ensure proper watering by using this simple rule of thumb: If few leaves, but some color – not enough water; If lots of leave, but little color – too much water; If a combination of healthy leaves and color – just right!
3.
Maximize color by “pinching” or pruning the ends of your Bougainvillea after each bloom cycle, since Bougainvillea will only show color on new growth. Do a good prune between the 2 or 3rd week of May. Take about a 1/3 off and shape the plant.
What plants are good for shady areas?
Plants that do well in the shade are some of the most unique plants! Use the list below as a starting point to help you find the right plants for your garden. Also, stop by to see our great selection of shade plants.
Anthirum, Aribocola Trinette, Bromeliad, Coontie, Ti Plants, Croton, Dracaena, Ferns, Fire Spike, Flax Lily, Foxtail Fern, Green Island Ficus, Indian Hawthorne, Iris, Oyster Plants, Philodendrun, Purple Queen, Simpson's Stopper, Viburnum Suspensum, Wax Myrtle.
Do you have fertilizer for plants?
We sure do! We have GAIN Fertilizer. For more information - Click: GAIN Scroll down about half way. Osmocote for annuals and potted plants and palm fertilizer for woody ornamentals.
Top Gardening Mistakes - What am I doing wrong?
OVERWATERING: Creates pests and disease. If it rained a lot within the last 24 hours you probably don't need to water. Make sure your irrigation is working properly and the rainfall shutoff devise is also working.
OVERPLANTING: Crowded plantings are more prone to disease. Do your design with plant's mature sizes in mind.
OVERPRUNNING: Can weaken the plant. Don't remove more than 30% of the foliage from a plant at one time. Know the right time of the year to prune.
What plants are deer resistant?
We can't guarantee that the deer will stay away, the list below should help keep them away.
SHRUBS: Bird of Paradise, Bottle Brush, Carissa, Croton, Gardenia, Ixora, Juniper, Oleander, Philodendron, Plumbago, Viburnum.
ANNUALS/PERENNIALS: Aloe, Angel's Trumpet, Bush Daisey, Century Plant, Coreopsis, Coneflower, Crown of Thorns, Dusty Miller, Heliconia, Marigolds, Peace Lily, Vinca, Petunia, Sage, Yucca.
What plants are poisonous to pets?
The listed plants may be potentially toxic to your pets and are common in Florida. You don't necessarily have to remove, but just watch your pets around these plants and make sure they don't eat!
Agapanthus, Angel Trumpet, Azalea, Begonia, Caladium, Dieffenbachia, English Ivy, Gloriosa Lily, Hibiscus, Inkberry, Jade Plant, Kalanchoe, Morning Glory, Oleander, Split Leaf Philodendron, Ti Plant, Vinca, Wild Coffee, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
What plants have a nice fragrance?
The list plants are some of our plants with a nice fragrance.
Angel's Trumpet, Arabian Jasmine, Citrus Trees, Confederate Jasmine, Gardenia, Star Jasmine.
SOD - Top Frequently Asked Questions
What type of Sod do you carry?
We carry St. Augustine Floratam, Bahia, Seville, Zoysia and Bermuda sod. We try to always have Floratam and Bahia sod in the yard for purchase by the pallet or by the piece. Seville, Zoysia and Bermuda are based on special order, and are sold by the pallet. For more information about each type of sod - Click: TYPES OF GRASS
Is your sod fresh?
Yes! We harvest multiple loads of sod daily. Sod is a perishable product, therefore, we recommend that it is installed within 24-48 hours of purchase.
Should I call ahead to pick up sod?
Yes! Please give us a call the day before you need sod. We can't always guarantee we will have first thing in the morning, but we will do our very best to have the sod available for your convenience.
How many square feet are on a pallet?
There is approximately 400sqft on a pallet. Each pallet has about 140-150 pieces. Each piece is 16" x 24" (2.66 sqf). The Pallet size is 4' x 4'. For our prices - Click: PRICES
How much does a pallet of sod weigh?
Usually a pallet weighs about 2,000 lbs, however during the rainy months, the pallets can weigh up to 3,500 lbs.
Do you carry plugs?
We do not carry plugs, however we do carry pieces and they can be cut to smaller sizes if the need is there.
How do I know how much sod I need?
We created a sod calculator to help you find out your square footage, which will let you know how many pallets or pieces of sod you need - Click: SOD CALCULATOR
My yard is full of weeds, should I remove them before installation?
If you have weeds, we recommend the yard is sprayed and killed to prevent weeds from coming back into the new sod. You can use weed/sod killer, like Round-up, or your lawn/pest control company could do it for you. We can always refer a Lawn/Pest control company.
How much should I water my new sod?
Watering is critical to the health of your new sod. We recommend watering everyday for about 30-40 minutes per zone or as needed, for the first 30 days. You can run each zone for 40 minutes or you can run two 20 minute cycles back to back. Watering should be done in the early morning to decrease the chance of fungus growth on your new lawn. During the hotter or drier months you might have to water twice a day. If the leaf blade is wilting the lawn needs more water, if the lawn is still damp at night it needs less. New sod is exempt from water restrictions for the first 30 days, but always check with your local county for the exact restrictions.
What are my county water restrictions?
When can I mow new sod?
Mowing should not be done until your sod has fully taken root. This can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks. When roots have taken the lawn should be mowed to a height of 3-4 inches. Make sure your mower blade is sharp, if its' not it will tear the lawn instead of cutting it.