Hydrangeas are the showstoppers of any garden, with their lush blooms and vibrant colors. However, when it comes to pruning, not all hydrangeas follow the same playbook. Some varieties need a light...

Platt Hill Nursery is proud to offer the beloved heirloom variety, Rutgers Tomato. With large and vigorous plants that produce round, bright red fruit, this tomato has a rich, delicious flavor that is perfect for canning, fresh eating, salads and sandwiches. Disease and crack resistance make this variety easy to grow, and it requires staking for optimal growth.
As an annual vegetable plant, Rutgers Tomato is prized for its edible qualities, producing red round tomatoes ready for picking from early summer to early fall. This determinate variety bears a full crop all at once, making it easy to harvest and enjoy. The tomatoes have a firm texture and are most often used in fresh eating, cooked and prepared, cooking, pickling, and canning.
When grown, Rutgers Tomato will reach about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. This versatile and delicious variety is perfect for any home garden and will provide delicious and nutritious tomatoes for your family all season long. Trust in Platt Hill Nursery to provide top-quality plants and exceptional customer service.
Visit our Bloomingdale, IL or Carpentersville, IL stores for local pickup!
✔ A top choice for privacy, growing up to 3 feet per year for quick coverage.
✔ Dense foliage minimizes noise and blocks neighbors while fitting in compact spaces.
✔ A cost-effective, stylish alternative to traditional fencing.
After planting, it’s essential to monitor the arborvitae’s water needs well into winter. Even in December and January, if the winter is mild with little snowfall, occasional watering may be necessary. Many homeowners stop watering in the fall when temperatures drop, leading to winter dehydration. Since arborvitae cannot access frozen water in the soil, it’s crucial to provide ample moisture before the ground freezes.
Tip: Green Giant Arborvitae are slow to show signs of water stress, often displaying damage long after dehydration occurs. Regularly check soil moisture to prevent issues.
Growth rate depends on various factors such as water, sunlight, soil type, fertilizer, and climate conditions. Green Giant Arborvitae are categorized as fast-growing privacy trees, typically growing 2-3 feet per year under optimal conditions. Unlike slower-growing arborvitae varieties, they quickly establish themselves and develop a dense, towering screen.
Tip: After planting, most evergreens take about two years to establish strong root systems. Significant top growth usually occurs in the third year.
Pruning is generally not required due to their natural growth habit. However, if needed, the tops can be pruned to shape, and the sides can be lightly trimmed with hedge shears or pruners to control width.
Platt Hill Nursery recommends pruning in late winter before new growth emerges or after new growth has developed in late spring. DO NOT PRUNE IN FALL, as this can leave the tree vulnerable to winter damage. Dead or broken branches, however, can be removed at any time.
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Hydrangeas are the showstoppers of any garden, with their lush blooms and vibrant colors. However, when it comes to pruning, not all hydrangeas follow the same playbook. Some varieties need a light...
We can help with Japanese beetles in your garden. Check out out helpful guide.
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