Stock plants are plants that are grown in a nursery or commercial greenhouse for sale to garden centers and other retail outlets. They are usually grown from cuttings or seeds and are typically well-established and ready for sale. Stock plants are usually used for landscaping, flower beds, and container gardens. They are often used as a quick way to fill in a garden or landscape design.
Planning Your Garden With Stocks
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Stocks are typically considered to be perennial investments, meaning they can be held for long periods of time. |
| USDA Zone | The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is used to determine the minimum winter temperatures for a given area. The zones range from 1 (coldest) to 13 (warmest). |
| Cold Tolerance | The cold tolerance of stocks can vary depending on the species, but in general, they can tolerate temperatures as low as 25. Some species may be able to tolerate temperatures even lower than this. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for stocks depends on the type of stock being harvested. Generally, stocks can be harvested anywhere from one day to several months. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown stock plant is between 2 and 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | The best spacing for growing stocks depends on the variety of stock being grown. Generally, the spacing should be between 6 to 10 inches apart for most varieties. Some varieties may need more space, while others may need less. It is important to research the specific variety of stock you are growing to determine the best spacing for optimal growth. |
| Sun tolerance | Sun tolerance is a measure of how well a plant can tolerate direct sunlight. Different plants have different levels of sun tolerance, but most stocks can tolerate full sun or partial shade. Full sun means six or more hours of direct sunlight per day, while partial shade means three to four hours of direct sunlight. |
| Shade tolerance | Stocks have a moderate shade tolerance, meaning they can tolerate partial shade but will perform best in full sun. They can also tolerate short periods of full shade, but prolonged shade may reduce flowering and cause some leaf discoloration. |
| Water requirements | Ideal water requirements for growing stocks vary depending on the variety and climate, but generally, stocks need 1-2 inches of water per week during the growing season. This can be provided through rainfall or irrigation and should be applied evenly and consistently. During hot and dry weather, more water may be needed. Additionally, it is important to monitor the soil moisture and adjust watering accordingly. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing stocks depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of soil. If the soil is already high in nitrogen, reduce the amount of fertilizer used. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing stocks is 6.5-7.0. |
Why Stocks are Popular
People like to grow stocks because it offers the potential for high returns. Stocks are generally considered to be a good long-term investment, as they can provide both capital appreciation and dividend income. The stock market has historically provided higher returns than other investments, such as bonds and cash. Additionally, stocks can provide a hedge against inflation and offer diversification benefits, which can help reduce risk in an investment portfolio.
Companion Plants For Stocks
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for stocks include:
Common Pests For Stocks
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow stocks, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- flea beetles
- thrips
- aphids
- caterpillars
- whiteflies
- spider mites
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
