Gardening Goodness

Garden Growing Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Please browse this page for some answers to our most frequently asked questions. We would especially love to hear from anyone who is enjoying Kawahara Nursery grown plants. Anything we can do to help - just let us know by dropping us an email.

Please note: If you are trying to contact us about the toxicity of any plant, please call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222

Q.  Are your plants from GMO (Gengenetically Modified Organisms) seeds?

A.  The GMO question has been a hot topic over the past few years and we understand that many people are concerned about genetically modified organisms. Kawahara Nurseries does not grow any GMO vegetables, confirmed by our suppliers. We've utilized the same vegetable seed suppliers for over 25 years and we do grow plants that have been hybridized within genera (plant), however, this cross pollination is not the same thing as genetic engineering. GMO plants are defined as those that have been modified by the mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods.

Q.  Where are you located?

A.  Kawahara Nursery is located in Northern California, just south of San Jose.

Q.  Can I buy plants from your nursery?

A.  We are a private, wholesale bedding plant nursery. If you hold a resale license, then please write an email to us for response. If you are a private gardener and wish to purchase plants for your personal use, our plants can be found at a variety of home and garden stores around the Bay Area.

Q.  I have a question about a specific plant. Can you help me?

A.  Of course! Just drop an email to us and we will be happy to help in any way we can to answer your question. We always try to do our best to answer your questions quickly and in a helpful manner. Please remember when writing us to include the area and/or city where you are growing your plants and detailed information about your plants so that we can ascertain the best information for you.

Q.  Do you sell anything besides bedding plants at your nursery, like pots, soil, trees, or shrubs?

A.  Sorry, no. We are all about growing gorgeous bedding plants for spectacular color and interest in your garden!

Q.  What is the difference between an annual and a perennial?

A.  A plant that completes it's life cycle in one growing season is an annual. A perennial is a non-woody plant that lives for more than two years.

Q.  How much sun is full sun?

A.  In most areas sun exposure is gauged by the hours between noon and sunset. Full sun would mean direct exposure during these hours.

Q.  What is the best fertilizer to use - should I use compost?

A.  Compost is the best! The minimum rate should be one cubic foot of compost per every six square feet of garden, mixed at least two inches deep.

Q.  What are some annual drought resistant bedding plants?

A.  Some good annual plants to try are Vinca Rosea, Portulaca, Alyssum, Begonias, Dusty Miller, Verbena, and Nasturtium.

Q.  Which bedding plants are deer resistant?

A.  Calendula, Foxglove, Poppies, Tulips, Daffodils, Lupine, and Zinnia are good bets for keeping those critters from munching.

Q.  What tomatoes do you recommend?

A.  Early Girl, Better Boy, Sweet 100, and Ace are the best for taste. Roma and Mama Mia for flavorful cooking.