Essential Plant Care Tips for Long Island Gardens

Keep Your Plants Thriving with Help from Arthur’s Nursery in Commack

Caring for plants may look easy, but creating the right conditions—balanced water, rich soil, proper sunlight, and consistent feeding—makes all the difference. Whether you're just starting your gardening journey or are a seasoned pro, these essential plant care tips will help your flowers, vegetables, and greenery stay healthy and vibrant all season long.

From hanging baskets on a sunny patio to lush garden beds in Smithtown or container plants on a Huntington porch, here’s how to keep your plants flourishing on Long Island.

Watering Plants the Right Way

Water is the lifeblood of every plant—but too much or too little can do real damage. Most garden plants need to be watered at minimum every 1–2 days, more often on hot summer days. A timeless tip from Arthur himself: “Give your plant a drink every time you have one!”

  • Hanging baskets should be watered thoroughly until you see water draining from the bottom.

  • Garden beds benefit from soaker hoses, sprinklers, or a watering can with a gentle touch.

  • Container plants may need more frequent watering due to quicker soil drying.

Pro Tip: Don’t rely on rainfall—it often doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to sustain roots.

Letting plants dry out leads to wilting, which may permanently impact growth even after they bounce back.

Choosing the Right Soil for Healthy Growth

Good soil = happy plants. Long Island’s natural soil can vary, so it’s worth checking what soil you have:

  • Clay-heavy soil holds water and drains poorly

  • Sandy soil drains too quickly and often lacks nutrients

If needed, upgrade with nutrient-rich topsoil. For containers and pots, always use premium potting soil that supports root development and moisture retention.

Did You Know? All plants sold at Arthur’s Nursery come pre-potted in quality soil, so they’re off to a strong start from day one.

Give Your Plants the Right Amount of Sunlight

Sunlight is essential—but different plants need different levels. Before planting:

  • Check tags or ask our nursery experts about each variety’s sun needs

  • Full sun = 6+ hours of direct light

  • Partial sun/shade = 3–6 hours of filtered light

  • Full shade = Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Still unsure? Bring a photo of your space to Arthur’s and we’ll help match plants to your yard or porch’s light conditions.

Feeding Plants with the Right Fertilizer

For lush leaves and brilliant blooms, a little food goes a long way. We recommend using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer like MiracleGro every two weeks.

  • Mix until water turns a light blue—if it’s too dark, it’s too strong

  • Water your plants with the mix as you normally would

  • Focus on heavy bloomers and container plants, which lose nutrients faster

Avoid overfeeding, which can scorch roots or promote weak growth. Lastly, be sure to coordinate with your landscaper to ensure that they don’t use herbicides (weed killers) appropriate for lawns close to your flowers.

Your Long Island Garden Starts with Expert Plant Care

With just a few simple steps—proper watering, healthy soil, the right light, and steady feeding—you’ll be on your way to a thriving, colorful garden. Whether you're planting impatiens in Commack, petunias in Smithtown, or filling hanging baskets in Huntington, Arthur’s Nursery has the plants and guidance you need.

Need help? Stop by or contact us for personalized advice from our local plant care experts!