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Potted Plants

Watering Your Houseplants the Right Way

Proper watering is critical to the health of your houseplants. Too much or too little water can cause serious issues for your plants and could limit their ability to grow or thrive. In some cases, the wrong watering techniques could kill your houseplants outright. Investing in quality plant saucers is a good first step toward healthier houseplants. Here are some guidelines for watering your potted plants to keep them green and healthy now and in the future.

Choose the Right Way to Water

For most houseplants, a gentle approach works best for watering.

  • Most gardening experts recommend soaking the soil completely with a watering can and allowing it to drain through holes at the bottom of the pot. This can be repeated as many times as necessary to ensure that the plant stays hydrated and healthy.
  • An alternative method of watering involves filling a plant saucer with water and placing the houseplant and its pot into the saucer. This can allow the plant to drink the water it wants over the course of 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the houseplant, empty the saucer and allow the pot to drain any excess back into the saucer.

Be careful not to overwater. Properly sized plant saucers and hanging basket drip pans can hold the precise amount of water needed to moisten all the soil in a pot. To ensure the right size, choose a saucer that fits over the top of the pot. This will ensure adequate water for your plant when using the saucer method of watering.

Timing Is Important

Making sure your plants get the right amount of water when they need it is the best way to ensure that they stay healthy. Overwatering your plants can be just as dangerous as failing to water them at all. You can use a few proven methods to determine whether to water or wait:

  • By touching the soil in the pot, you can sometimes tell whether it is dried out or still moist from the last time you watered.
  • Moisture-indicator strips can also be used to let you know when it is time to water your plants.
  • For a more permanent solution, a moisture meter can provide ongoing information about the moisture levels of the soil in your houseplant’s pot.

These tools can help you ensure the ideal moisture levels for your plants to enhance your indoor décor.

The experts at Curtis Wagner Plastics Corp. can provide pet place mats and hanging basket drip pans designed with the needs of your customers in mind. We work with retailers and provide top-quality plastic products that offer the durability and value your customers want and need. Call us today at 713-937-3784 to place an order or to discuss your requirements with us. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

Plant Saucers

Correct Sizing of Plant Saucers for Potted Plants

Choosing the right plant saucers can have a big impact on the health of your houseplants. In some cases, the saucers that come with the decorative pots you buy may be the wrong size. These pots may be designed by people with little or no knowledge of gardening and may not provide adequate water for plants in indoor or outdoor environments.

Matching the Size of the Pot

One good rule of thumb when choosing clear plant saucers for your decorative pots is to measure the diameter of the top of the pot and to choose a saucer that is the same diameter or a little larger. Most plant containers are designed to be wider at the top than they are at the bottom. By selecting a saucer with plenty of room for drainage, you can ensure the health of your plants and can protect them from the damage that overwatering can sometimes cause.

Why Saucer Size Matters

According to gardening experts, your plant saucers should be able to hold exactly the amount of water needed to moisten all the soil in the container. The size of your pot determines the amount of root growth possible for your houseplants. This, in turn, decides how big your plants can grow. Proper drainage is necessary to ensure that roots have enough room and water to expand to fit the pot and to provide structural support for your plants. A large enough saucer is necessary to allow water to drain and to provide added moisture for healthier, happier plants.

Making Room for Growth

All types of plants can eventually outgrow their containers. One of the first warning signs that it is time to repot is the extension of roots through the holes at the bottom of the pot. Careful attention to your plants can allow you to move them to a larger container to ensure that your plants continue to grow and thrive indoors and outside. Upgrading your saucers at the same time that you repot your plants can keep them healthy and can prevent issues with lack of water or inadequate drainage.

The experts at Curtis Wagner Plastics can provide you with top-quality plant saucers designed with the needs of your customers in mind. We offer a wide range of wholesale plastic products that include paint trays, pet place mats, floral boxes, coasters and merchandising displays. Our lineup of products is competitively priced to ensure the best options for your customers and your retail stores. Call us today at 713-937-3784 to place an order or to discuss your needs with our customer service representatives. We look forward to providing the best plastic products for your business.

Potted Plants

All About Potting Soil for Healthy Plants

Selecting the right potting soil can have a dramatic impact on the health and beauty of your indoor and outdoor plants. Achieving proper drainage with plant saucers is a good first step toward growing healthier plants. Here are some key points to remember when choosing potting soil for your gardening activities.

Potting Soil Is Not Really Soil

Unlike dirt found in your garden and sometimes tracked through your home, potting soil consists of a mixture of peat moss, perlite or vermiculite and composted tree bark. These substances combine to create a fluffy, nutrient-rich environment for plants inside a wide range of containers. In most cases, composted plants, humus and minerals are added to the basic mixture to promote the health of indoor vegetation.

Aeration Is Essential to Plant Growth

Making sure that your potting soil is fluffy rather than dense can help root systems grow and derive nourishment most effectively. Dense or overly wet potting soil can reduce the ability of plants to thrive in the indoor environment. Good potting soil will allow water to drain easily and will typically begin leaking excess fluids within 10 seconds or less. By taking steps to prevent roots from becoming waterlogged by using hanging basket drip pans and vinyl saucers, you can improve growing conditions for your plants indoors and out.

Fertilizer Supplements Are Recommended

Over time, the fertilizer included with your potting soil will be absorbed and consumed. Adding the recommended fertilizer type can recharge the potting soil and provide your plants with the added boost of energy needed to continue to grow and thrive. This can help you enjoy the brightest blooms and the most beautiful foliage for your potted plants.

Structure Is Important for Roots to Grow

Choosing a high-quality potting soil can ensure that plants can take firm root in their new environments. Proper root structures are essential for strong and healthy plants. If you are in doubt, your local plant nursery can often provide you with accurate recommendations to help you choose the best potting soil for strong roots and beautiful plants for your home or office environment.

At Curtis Wagner Plastics Corp., we offer an extensive array of cork plant mats, plant saucers and other products designed to help keep plants healthier and more beautiful now and for many years to come. As the original inventor of clear vinyl saucers, we have a proven commitment to innovation and exceptional customer service in the plastics field. Call us today at 713-937-3784 to discuss your needs with us. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and your customers.

Plant Saucers

Plant Saucers, Proper Drainage and Care for Indoor Plants

Indoor plants require plenty of tender loving care to thrive. This includes a regular application of fertilizer, a healthy dose of sunlight and the right amount of water to keep these plants looking and feeling their best. The proper use of plant saucers can improve drainage and ensure the healthiest plants for your home or business environment. Here are some expert watering and drainage tips to keep your houseplants looking great all year around.

Create a Permeable Barrier

When repotting plants into new containers, be sure to put mesh or other permeable material over the hole in the bottom. This can prevent potting soil from washing out through this opening during watering. Making sure that your soil stays in place can provide improved support for root systems and can ensure the healthiest possible plants for your indoor areas.

Invest in Clear Plant Saucers

One clever and attractive way to ensure optimal drainage for your houseplants is to set them into clear plant saucers lined with colorful gravel. This can prevent damage to your plant’s roots because of standing water while ensuring a humid climate for your tropical foliage. Saucers can also prevent damage to your flooring and carpeting, making it easier to maintain your indoor spaces in the style you most prefer.

Soak Up the Sun’s Rays

Your indoor plants need at least some exposure to the sun to stay healthy. Making sure that this exposure takes place during the warmest part of the day in winter and during the cool of the morning or late afternoon during hot summers can help your plant derive the most benefit from the rays of the sun. This can also provide you with a chance to pamper your plants with added fertilizer, misting and a motivational talk to ensure proper growth.

Consider Double Pots

If your décor is constantly changing to suit the seasons, making sure your plants can be transferred easily can help you manage these tasks more quickly. Using an approved container with adequate drainage inside a larger decorative pot can make swapping out pots and plants a breeze. Double potting allows you to enjoy the greatest possible convenience when altering your interior design at home or in the workplace.

At Curtis Wagner Plastics, we offer a wide range of pet place mats, clear vinyl plant saucers and many other plastic products designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. If you need the best in plastics manufacturing, we can provide you with an outstanding array of choices just right for your needs. Call us today at 713-937-3784 or toll-free at 1-800-332-1663 to discuss your retail requirements with one of our friendly customer service professionals. We look forward to the opportunity to provide your business with the best plastic products for your customers.

Pet Place Mats

Tips for Ordering the Right Pet Place Mats for Your Customers

For customers with four-legged friends that can be messy at mealtimes, pet place mats can provide on-the-spot protection for carpeting and other floor treatments. These practical and attractive solutions can prevent pet food from becoming embedded in carpeting or damaging the finish of hardwood floors. Here are some tips for choosing the right pet place mats for your retail stores and your customers.

Size Matters

While some smaller place mats may have engaging designs, larger is usually better for pet place mats. Opting for ample space around water and food bowls can often limit the effect of messy eating on the surrounding area of flooring. Offering your customers a selection of sizes ranging from medium to extra-large can allow you to increase customer satisfaction with these pet purchases.

Stock Mats in a Range of Materials

Place mats and plant saucers are available in an array of materials that include fabric, plastic, silicone and carpeted models. Carpeted mats require frequent cleaning but offer superior absorbency for spilled liquids. On the other end of the spectrum, plastic trays and mats are easy to clean and can be maintained in top condition for a longer period of time. By selecting a variety of materials for your pet food mats, you can cater to a wider range of customers and can ensure that your stores carry the products most wanted by patrons of your retail establishments.

Provide a Selection of Non-Slip Mats

Pet place mats that feature a non-slip coating on the bottom are ideal for hardwood and tile floors. These coatings can prevent dogs and cats from sliding their bowls and mats around on the floor. By recommending these practical solutions for your customers and stocking an array of non-slip pet place mats, you can ensure that they achieve the desired result for their floor treatments and their homes.

Offer an Array of Design Choices

Your customers will likely have personal preferences in colors, styles and designs for their pet place mats. By choosing a representative collection of mats for your retail outlets, you can increase the odds of having the perfect place mat for your customers. This can boost your sales and enhance your reputation for customer service among those who frequent your stores.

At Curtis Wagner Plastics, we design and manufacture a range of durable plastic goods designed with the consumer marketplace in mind. We offer hanging basket drip pans, plant saucers, pet place mats, paint trays and many other plastic products perfect for your retail stores. To place an order or talk to one of our customer service representatives, give us a call today at 713-937-3784. We look forward to helping you provide the best products for your customers.

Uncategorized

Holidays Plants To Decorate Your Home or Business

christmas hollyThere’s a lot to love about the holidays. The people, the music, the decorations, the trees, the entire feeling of the holiday season is a great one. Our personal favorite is the plants that come along with the season. Our protective plant saucers & basket liners are useful for these holiday plants that are sure to capture the essence of Christmas time.

Holly

When thinking of Christmas plants, holly is definitely at the op of the list. It’s a must for the season & one of the best evergreens to have in your garden.

Poinsettias

holiday poinsettias

Another holiday stable that signifies Christmas are the poinsettias. These beauties are available in many different colors like white, green, and marble, but the staple red poinsettia is a holiday tradition.

Christmas Cactus

christmas cactus

In the Southwest & South America, these are gaining popularity! They’re known for their daisy-chained pads & bright flowers. You can ready more about these beauties here.

Rosemary

rosemary

When thinking of rosemary, the first thing to come to mind would probably be that it is the sort of plant/herb you can put on roasted potatoes, right? While that’s true, it is also considered as a holiday plant! They are usually shaped & modeled to be like mini-Christmas trees & also used as decoration.

There you have it! Grab a couple of our plant saucers & basket liners to decorate your interior & exterior home or commercial building for the winter.

 

Paint Palettes, Paint Trays

Back-To-School: Painting With Artist Paint Palettes

Bid a farewell to those summer days & say hello to the start of a new year, teachers! Some of you may have a love-hate relationship when it comes down to getting ready for another school year, but we’re here to make your life easier!artist paint palette, paint palette, painting palette, artist palette

“Well, how’s that?”, you ask? We help you add one activity that can be diversified & changed to go along with whatever your lesson plan may be! We’ll let you in on how that is… with artist paint palettes! We’ve got a variety of sizes & shapes for the young artists in your classrooms.

Now these can be used for any age group or grade level, but we are going to focus on how it can help younger children, preferably from Pre-Kindergarten and on to 2nd grade, learn. It is known that young minds learn best by experience & by ‘doing’. Here are some ideas for incorporating painting with our artist paint palettes into your lesson plans:

STEAM Tangram Animals

With this activity, students will learn the differences between geographic shapes. Paint & get creative while also asking thought provoking questions like “Which shapes can you name?” or “What new shapes can you make with the ones you see?”.

Underwater Scene

Teach your kiddos about the different ocean habitats. Mention things like the different animals, plants, colors, and shapes that are involved. After, let their creativity flow by asking them to paint their own ocean, leaving no white space on the page.

Self-Portrait

This is an exercise that is observation based while also working on their painting skills. It’s up to their own interpretation! This is for sure to be a portrait that will be cherished by their families.

We hope these ideas give you the push to make the move on purchasing our artist paint palettes! Interested in more that we have to offer? Check out our catalog for lawn & garden products & even pet supplies!

Uncategorized

Summer Celebrations – Plants & Cakes!


It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And no… I’m not talking about Christmas. It’s officially summer! Schools out for everyone… unless you’re in summer school. Summer is an amazing part of the year because you can spend all your time outside eat popsicles
without getting a brain freeze. It’s also socially acceptable to spend 50% of your day in a swimsuit. We want to make your summer even better here at Curtis Wagner Plastics. I know a lot of you have plants of some sort either inside or outside of your house. Do those planters or pots leave rings on your surfaces? Probably. Will they leave rings if you purchase our clear plant saucers? Absolutely not. I forgot to mention that Curtis Wagner himself was the inventor of these clear plant saucers. They became an instant phenomenon as soon as they hit the market. What are you waiting for? Get yours today.

Summer is also a season of celebrating. I don’t know about you but when I think celebrating I always think cake. Preferably lemon cake or red velvet, but I’m not one to judge. Serving cake off of a large plate can be so tedious and time consuming. Not to mention an absolute pain. Good news- we also have a solution for that. Our plastic cake serving boards are stronger than any cake board you would purchase elsewhere. They are also reusable, moisture proof, and greaseproof. What’s not to love? Nothing, the answer is nothing.

Summer is a season of love and gathering with your loved ones. Don’t sweat the little things. At Curtis Wagner Plastics we try our best to help out with all the little things so you don’t have to sweat a single drop. Our saucers and cake serving boards come in a variety of sizes so you don’t have to make accommodations at all. We completely accommodate to you.

What are you waiting for? Treat yourself or one of your loved ones to one of our high quality, durable, reusable products.

Creative Use of Plastic, Floral Products

Getting Festive with Holiday Treats

As soon as we cross the threshold from November to December, something changes. The air feels more electric and everything is more exciting.  Houses begin putting up lights, coffee shops begin to introduce festive flavors to the drink menu, and stores start putting out merchandising display stands with holiday gift ideas. But one of our favorite things that come from the weeks preceding the start of the holidays is the food! Many bakeries and homeowners start creating the most magical, delicious, and festive holiday treats you can imagine. There are so many delicious holiday treats you can make this time of year, you really can’t go wrong.  But one of our personal favorites are the truly exquisite holiday cakes you’ll likely see in the display windows when you’re walking down the street.  So we thought we’d put together a list of ideas for you to try in your bakery, or even just at home, in preparation for the most wonderful time of the year!

Fun holiday flavors.

Many people associate this time of year with flavors like peppermint, gingerbread, mocha, eggnog,  and more.  These are flavors most of us don’t really have access to throughout the year, so the start of the holiday season is very exciting for people who are dreaming of tasting them year round. So if you really want to capture the essence of the holidays, why not bake a cake based on those flavors? This scrumptious chocolate peppermint holiday cake from The Kitchen McCabe is the perfect option to have customers rushing into your store.

Load up your cake!

It’s no secret that this time of year is all about extravagance. Everyone wants to create some magic, and so there’s no shame in going above and beyond to transform anything you do for the holidays into a piece of art. So why shouldn’t the same be true for your holiday treats? Now, more than ever, is the best time to really go big or go home in your baking! So we suggest making a huge tier cake and decorating each tier with something that reminds you of the holidays. Try decorating one tier with candy canes, another with gingerbread men, and the third with candy snowmen! Just be sure to make use of our plastic cake boards so your masterpiece can stand strong throughout all the festivities.

Add something unexpected.

Traditions are amazing, but there’s something to be said for really thinking outside of the box. The holidays are a time of year where we often can expect to see a lot of the same. And while that’s not to say that what we’re seeing isn’t amazing, the last thing you want is for your treats to get lumped together with everyone else’s. So this year, add a dash of originality by putting real flowers on your cake. No more candied flowers like everyone else! You can go for red roses, green orchids, or white lilies to really tie into the holiday theme. And with our clear floral boxes. you can be sure your flowers will stay fresh until the exact moment you’re ready to brandish your cake and show it to the world!

 

If you’re ready to start brainstorming some magical ideas for your bakery,  be sure to give us a call beforehand. We can help provide you with all the wholesale plastic products you need to be sure your baking adventures go off without a hitch.

Pet Place Mats

Avoiding Mess With Plastic Pet Products

Plastic Products Can Make Any Pet A Breeze

 

There’s no denying that the addition of a four-legged friend to any home is a joyous occasion. Cats and dogs quickly become a source of love and happiness for so many and are often immediately embraced as a long standing member of the family. But not everyone is gung-ho about the idea of having a pet. Some parents or spouses may be putting up a fight against the idea of throwing a furry addition into the mix, and understandably so. As much as our pets are a source of joy, they can also be a source of mess and money spending. Between messy eating at dinner time, trying to train the pet, and continuous spending on things like food, it’s no wonder some people aren’t quite on board with the responsibility of a pet for the next 8 plus years. But not to fear! There are simple, cost-effective solutions that make clean up a breeze. So you can worry less about messes and that you’ll go through money too quickly, and spend more time enjoying a lifelong companion for your family.

Training Your Pet At Home

A lot of people worry about what it will cost to train their pet. Most people think it requires an expert to teach their animal where to use the bathroom, which furniture to stay off of, how to walk on a leash, or which commands they need to follow. But spending tons of money on a pet trainer isn’t really necessary. There are lots of easy to follow guides, such as this one from Cesar’s Way, that will give you understandable instruction to teach your pet the rules they need to follow.

Making Dinner Time Easy

Pets don’t come equipped with a set of table manners the way most adults too. So when feeding time comes, it’s normal to worry that the food and water will get everywhere, potentially ruining your flooring. But there are options such as pet place mats to keep the mess contained. By giving the pet a designated eating space, you limit messiness to one area. And the pet placemat works to keep your floor safe from water or food damage. So you have one less thing to worry about, for a considerably good price!

Cutting Costs When You Can

One big reason parents tend to fight their children on getting a pet is because of money. There a ton of different financial responsibilities that come along with owning a pet, and it can seem intimidating if you’re not prepared to shell out the cash. But there are ways to cut costs so that your wallet doesn’t hurt and your pet can still stay happy. Investing in ways to keep pet products fresh longer, such as pet food can savers, are a great way to make every purchase last.

 

Adopting an animal into your home may seem intimidating, but the benefits are well worth it. Your spouse or family members will love you for the sweet surprise. And you’ll likely find yourself quickly falling in love with your new cat or dog. Our team will happily help your community navigate the path of pet ownership. If you’d like your local pet store to stock up on any of these supplies, have them contact us. We’ll talk to them about what they need to do in order to get everything they need to help keep your pet (and family) happy.

 

 

Creative Use of Plastic, Floral Products

Unique Ways to Use Flowers in a Wedding

We love flowers. That’s why we created clear floral boxes––to keep your blooms fresh and beautiful. And with wedding planning always a popular topic for discussion, we thought it would be appropriate to talk about the ways you can use florals in your wedding. From the boutonniere to the bridal bouquet, from the centerpieces to the rose petals in the flower girl’s basket, flowers have always been a big part of weddings. But why limit yourself to the traditional uses of flowers? We’ve come up with a list of 7 unique ways to use flowers in your wedding.

1. Use flowers in your hair

Adding flowers to your hair can be an unexpected and beautiful accessory. You can weave individual blooms into your hair or wear a floral crown––both will make for a breathtaking bridal look. You can also make floral crowns for your bridesmaids or flower girls. Choose something delicate or add a pop of color––either is sure to wow.

2. Use flowers to decorate your cake

Instead of fondant, try decorating your cake with fresh flowers. No matter how many blooms you choose to decorate your cake with, the final result will be sure to get a lot of attention from your guests. When it’s time to cut the cake, just remove the flowers before serving.

 

3. Use flowers as your party favor

Wedding favors aren’t necessarily a must-have at every wedding, but for those who choose to go this route, it might be a good idea to consider flowers as the gift. Some creative options are tiny succulents, individual cut flower stems, or a packet of flower seeds. Flowers are a great (and relatively inexpensive) way to thank your guests in a memorable way.

 

4. Use flowers as escort cards

Instead of a typical 2” by 3” card that tells your guests where to find their seats, consider attaching the note to a flower instead. Not only does it double as a wedding favor, but it’s a beautiful and unique detail to add to your perfect day. A cute little vase or fresh-cut flowers are both gorgeous options. The sky’s the limit!

5. Use flowers in a monogram

Displaying the initials of the bride and groom is becoming a popular trend. But instead of following this trend in the same fashion as everyone else, use flowers to make your wedding monogram pop! 

 

6. Use flowers as napkin rings

If you just can’t get enough of fresh flowers, try using them as a napkin ring. It’s a fun, memorable, and creative way to add a pop of color to your place settings.

 

7. Use flowers to create a photo backdrop

It’s the perfect place for your guests to snap a picture with you on your big day. Photo backdrops are becoming more popular at weddings––often people will create a chalkboard wall, a glitter wall, or a wall of strung lights. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box! Your wall of flowers will be as unique as the love you’re celebrating. It’s the perfect way to add your personal touch to a fun wedding decoration.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your flowers. Our team wants to do everything we can to help keep your wedding day stress free. So if you’re worried about keeping your blooms fresh on the big day, contact us about storing them in our plastic floral boxes. This will provide easy transportation and will keep them looking beautiful until it’s time to start the decorating. Check out our entire line of floral products to help your day go off without a hitch.

Creative Use of Plastic

How to Create a Perfectly Tiered Cake

Have you ever been at a wedding, or a fancy dinner party, or even the quaint bakery down the street and wondered how in the world the baker was able to stack 17 perfect layers into that beautiful, and more importantly, stable stack? You just know that if you ever tried to create a tiered cake, it would end up looking more like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. But fear not! You don’t have to be a world-renowned baker to pull of a successful tiered cake. The secret? Plastic cake serving boards.

First, start by baking your layers. Make as many or as few as you want––each one a little smaller than the last. You can bake using different sized cake pans, or, in a pinch, you could trim the layers to the right size (this method works best for a cake covered in frosting rather than a naked cake). You want to bake perfectly flat layers so they stack well on top of each other. These cardboard and plastic cake boards will help with stability. Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it seems!

Take an old towel and cut it into strips that fit around your cake pan (you only need one strip for each pan). Wet the strip and wring out any excess water (it should be damp, not soaking). Wrap it around the pan and safety pin the two ends together so the strip is secure. Once you pour the batter into the pan, drop it onto the counter from a few feet up to pop any air bubbles which can cause the cake to dome. Bake the cakes, and there you have it! Perfectly flat layers. If this do-it-yourself method is too complicated or doesn’t appeal to you, you can always buy even-baking strips or you can bake as normal, and then even off the top of the cake with a serrated knife after the cake cools.

Now comes the intimidating part––stacking the layers. Use one of our plastic cake boards for each layer of your cake. Because they are non-permeable, you don’t have to wrap the boards in plastic wrap or tin foil––just use them as is! This also means you don’t have to worry about the boards weakening from oil or grease, so you can trust that your cake will remain steady. Start with your base layer on top of your largest cake board. In addition to structural stability, the cake boards are perfect for allowing you to transport and display the cake with ease. Next, simply stack the rest of the layers with a cake board in between each. The boards will prevent the cake from collapsing due to the weight of the layers, and they also make serving easy as you can simply remove each layer one at a time to slice and serve. Finally, frost your cake, decorate, and impress all your friends with your perfectly tiered creation.

Our cake boards are perfect for your next event, whether that be a wedding, a work dinner, or a birthday party. They are washable and reusable, so they’re much more cost-efficient than other options like cardboard cake dividers. Take your baking game to the next level with our plastic cake boards.

Cork Mats, Creative use of Cork

Cork Mats & Furniture Protector | Creatives

For many, trying to find a good gift to give a friend or loved one for an event, holiday, or birthday can be nerve-wracking. It can be almost impossible to find a present that perfectly incorporates creativity, thoughtfulness, flexibility, and fun, all while trying to maintain any specific budget you may have set for yourself. Giving gifts can be especially difficult if the person receiving the gifts is a creative. How do you manage to find a gift that they won’t simply create for themselves? Here at Curtis Wagner Plastics, we all believe in the power of creativity. More than that, we believe in giving people the tools they need to create something interesting and fun all on their own.

Cork plant mats are an uncommon idea for a present for a special occasion. But these simple pieces have the potential to unlock a whole world of gift meanings! Ideally, the main use of a cork plant mat is meant for those who have a strong connection to plants and flowers. This gift would be a perfect bulk present for anyone you may know who owns a plant nursery or a flower shop. Buying a present that supplements their business goals is thoughtful and it is smart. It shows the person that you support their business while also alleviating them of the cost of having to purchase it for themselves. But you needn’t limit yourself to people only in the business of plants. Anyone you may know that boasts a impressive collection of plants of flowers in their home will be grateful for the addition to their repertoire.

This gift is also idea for those who love to host guests and dinner parties in their homes. Cork plant mats can easily be substituted for coasters to place drinks under. And for the creative people in your life, cork plant mats are a way to create endless opportunities for arts and crafts of DIY projects. A simple search on Pinterest.com lists tons of exciting and interesting possibilities to create interesting pieces of art using cork plan mats. Some examples include creating moss-covered coasters, or turning your plant cork mat into a personalized mouse pad. You can even create wall hangings! This is a great way to encourage your most creative friends to continue to push the boundaries of what materials they can use.

If you’d like to order cork plant mats for your next gift in Houston, give us a call today!

Creative Use of Plastic

Utilizing Grow Tubes

Over the last 10 years, the use of grow tubes has become popular and fairly widespread among vineyard growers throughout the United States. Grow tubes allow the vine to get off to a quick start by promoting rapid upright growth without the use of stakes. Likewise, during dry periods, they can provide moisture at the grow tube base by capturing normal condensation. In doing so, the added moisture aids in the initial establishment of the vine. The tubes also added protection to young vines from pests such as rabbits and deer. If you are a new grower, the most advantageous quality of grow tubes is to reduce the dangers to the vine when applying herbicides.

Grow tubes are available in many different shapes and sizes. Some tubes are preassembled while some require assembly. The cost of these tubes is a significant factor because plant densities range from 500 to 1500 plants per acre. Moreover, the life expectancy of the grow tubes are only 3-5 seasons. Tubes are available in several Heights from 18 to 36 inches. Some of the costs are are offset by the fact that they allow the grower to reduce labor costs associated with vine training and eliminating the need for individual fine stakes

Growth rates of almost 2 inches per day have been reported with the use of grow tubes. This rapid growth is significant because the faster the vines get up to the fruiting wire, the faster the vine can be allowed to produce. Internode length is often longer inside the tube. This can result in fewer water sprouts in later years, further reducing future labor costs.

Grow tubes create a multitude of benefits for vine establishment. As we pointed out, they encourage upright growth and speed the growth process. In addition, grow tubes offer protection against physical damage from the wind and small mammals. They also protect young plants from herbicide dangers used in weed control.

Read more about plastic grow tubes.

Hanging Baskets

How to Keep Hanging Baskets Moist

10in-Hanging-Basket-Drip-PanHanging baskets are notoriously difficult to keep moist especially if you live in a climate that is very hot or windy. Although it may take some effort on your part, you can make sure that your plants thrive. One thing you can do is attach hanging basket drip pans to your baskets. These devices catch the water overflow and help your plants stay moist, but there are other things that you can do as well.

Choose the Largest Basket

The largest hanging baskets can hold the greatest amount of soil, so this is the best choice for every type of plant. A basket with a lot of soil can hold moisture for a longer period of time, but it can also retain more nutrients for your plants or vegetables. Keep in mind that it must not be so large that it cannot be safely secured to your home.

Apply a Lining

After you have the perfect basket, the next step is to line it with plastic, such as a simple grocery bag or a garbage bag. To make sure that it does not show, cut it so that it comfortably fits inside the basket. Then, place it beneath the basket’s rim. Also, cut several holes in the bottom of the bag to reduce the amount of moisture that evaporates along the sides. If your plants like a drier climate, only line the basket’s sides. This allows moisture to freely drain to the bottom.

Select the Appropriate Soil Mix

Some soil mixes retain moisture more efficiently than others. Two options are substances that are made from volcanic rock called “vermiculite” and “perlite.” Experts suggest that you add between 20 and 40 percent of these special substances to your soil to help your compost retain its water. The downside is that these substances are a little expensive, but there is an alternative. Worm compost also serves as an excellent moisture retainer, and it is something that you can make yourself.

Add Mulch to the Soil

You can slow down the evaporation process by placing a substance that is known as “mulch” on top of the soil. Mulch can be anything, including pebbles, pieces of plastic, old leaves, grass clippings or cardboard.

Water with a Plastic Water Bottle

You can slow down the watering process by fashioning an altered plastic water bottle to the compost. Take a half-liter plastic bottle and then remove the bottom. Drill a few 1/8-inch holes in the bottle’s lid. Place the bottle in the compost with the lid facing downward. When it comes time to water your plants, use your watering can to fill the bottle. The water will slowly drip out of the plastic bottle through the holes in the lid.

Feed Your Plants Frequently

Even if you have a big hanging basket, it will not be able to hold a large amount of food. Therefore, you will have to feed your plants on a frequent basis. A liquid tomato feed works well on fruiting crops, but other types perform well with worm tea or liquid seaweed.

Other Accessories

Hanging baskets will lose water whether you follow the advice listed above or not. Therefore, you would benefit from other products that will prevent water damage in your home. For example, you can place cork plant mats beneath your hanging baskets to keep water from touching the furniture or the floor. You can also use plant saucers for this purpose. Clear plant saucers are unassuming and can fit in with the décor of any room. These and other useful accessories are available through local florists and garden stores to help you create a joyful and satisfying planting experience.

Plant Saucers

Proper Drainage Is Critical For Potted Plants

SQDSMoisture is essential for healthy growth of decorative greenery, but standing in stagnant water is usually fatal for most plants. Wet soil promotes root rot in a container, taking up space that provides air to healthy plants. Proper plant care allows moisture to nurture feeder roots, using drainage holes to direct excess water into plant saucers. Choosing a container for potted plants requires consideration of stability and floor protection in addition to drainage considerations.

Ensuring Proper Drainage

Outdoor and indoor container plants require proper drainage, although many pots do not include a drainage hole in the bottom. Removing plants from containers that cannot provide proper drainage and re-potting them is essential. Pots that have only a single drainage hole are likely to create root rot as well when the opening clogs with compost.

Experts advise against placing gravel in a pot to improve drainage, citing the tendency of water to “perch” above the layer of gravel. A better alternative is to place gravel in a saucer below the pot to increase humidity in the area of the plant’s roots. Water that evaporates from the gravel escapes upward into the bottom of the container.

Choosing an Appropriate Container

Decorative pots can enhance the appearance of a garden or patio, and the ambiance that they create in a home’s décor is unique. Pot selection is a matter of personal preference, and it can reflect the architectural style of a home. Terracotta or glazed, stone pots are suitable for outdoor settings, and their weight usually ensures a solid environment for a plant.

Plants such as camellias and Japanese maples can grow to heights that can cause a pot to tip over, however. Using a compost that is heavy can help resist tipping over. Pots that accent a patio can achieve a desirable level of drainage by resting on bricks or the pot’s feet instead of sitting on a solid surface.

Making sure that indoor plants have solid footing prevents spills and accidents that can damage tender growth and blooms. Anticipating the full height that a plant may reach can prevent the tendency to overload a pot with a top heavy plant. Clear plant saucers in heavy, vinyl gauge plastic are ideal for use indoors or outdoors. Serving a functional purpose while not attracting attention, they hold excess water and prevent it from creating a potential problem. Water that escapes from plants on a patio can make a surface slippery, and any moisture that leaks from pots in a home can cause damage to expensive furniture, carpets and floors.

Accenting with Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets in garden shops appeal to anyone who wants to create an array of flourishing greenery at eye level. Hanging baskets may require more care than plants that live in pots or in the ground, but they provide a unique beauty that is a welcome reward. Regular watering is essential for hanging baskets that are exposed to direct sunlight and wind.

Hanging basket drip pans that have four hooks instead of three provide stability that reduces the opportunity for spills and drips to occur. Clear plastic plant trays enhance the appearance of hanging baskets without the distraction of unnecessary color. The elevation of hanging baskets usually puts them at a height that allows them to drip on someone soon after they are watered if a hanging basket drip pan is not used..

Technologically designed drip pans that are easy to snap on to a basket can prevent unwanted accidents. Drip pans that feature built in, molded hooks are effective for indoor or outdoor use. By catching water overflow and keeping plants moist, they allow hanging baskets to provide an accent of colorful blossoms and greenery.