New Plant Care Guide

New Plant Care Guide: The First 48 Hours

Ensuring your landscape thrives from day one.

Congratulations on your new additions!

The first few days are the most critical for a plant’s long-term health. To ensure your greenery stays in “Good Condition” and survives the transition to your garden, follow these essential new plant care steps:

Transportation Matters

Plants are surprisingly delicate during transit. Wind and heat can cause permanent damage before the plant even touches the dirt.

Cover Up: If transporting in an open truck bed, use a tarp or burlap to protect foliage from “windburn.”
Drive Direct: Never leave plants in a hot, closed vehicle while running other errands.

Hydration is Key

Plants in nursery containers dry out much faster than those established in the ground. Proper watering for new plants is your #1 priority.

The Finger Test: Stick your finger one inch into the soil. If it feels dry, water it immediately.
Even Moisture: Keep the root ball moist but not soaking wet until you are ready to transplant.

Find the "Transition Zone"

Before you dig, let your plants acclimate to your yard’s microclimate. This is a crucial step in preventing transplant shock.

Avoid Shock: Don’t move a plant directly from our shaded nursery to 10 hours of direct, scorching San Jose sun.
Temporary Shelter: Keep your plants in a semi-shaded, wind-protected area for the first 24–48 hours while you prepare your digging site.

Planning Your Transplant

Note: Transplanting voids our 2-day warranty, so please inspect your plants thoroughly before they leave the pot:

Dig Wide: Make your hole twice as wide as the pot, but no deeper than the root ball.
Water In: Water the plant thoroughly immediately after transplanting to settle the air pockets in the soil.
Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base (keeping it away from the trunk) to help the soil retain moisture.

Quick Tips for Water-Wise Success

Water at Dawn: The best time to water is early morning to reduce evaporation and fungal growth.
Focus on the Roots: Avoid getting water on the leaves of succulents and Mediterranean plants to prevent rot.
Watch for Wilting: If a new plant wilts, it's usually a sign of transplant shock or thirst. Check the soil moisture immediately.

Have Any Questions?

We want your garden to thrive! If you have concerns about the health of a plant you recently purchased, please follow these steps:

Contact us immediately at (408) 280-1131.

Your South Bay Garden Destination

Visit Central Wholesale Nursery Today

We invite you to visit our nursery and see why we’ve been San Jose’s wholesale plant destination for 50 years. With self-service convenience, wholesale pricing, and public access, we make it easy for everyone—from landscapers to first-time gardeners—to find exactly what they need.

Stop by, walk our nursery grounds, and let our team connect you with the plants and landscaping essentials that will bring your outdoor projects to life.

Location

Serving San Jose and surrounding South Bay areas including Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Milpitas, Fremont, Morgan Hill & Gilroy.

Business Hours

Monday – Friday: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

Saturday: 7:30 am – 3:00 pm

Sunday: Closed