Peter Vera

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Peter Vera - Mahoney’s Garden Centers

Peter Vera has been in the garden-center business for 25 years now, 20 of them with Mahoney’s, and he’s now our “Visual Merchandising” manager.  (And sometimes we call him our “style guru”.)

How Peter got into gardening is a familiar story - he was raised on it.  As a kid he helped his parents garden at their summer cottage on the Cape, where his dad was into land “shapes” and his mom was into plants, but Peter says they worked well together as a team.

About his work at Mahoney’s, Peter says it takes up most of his time (and not complaining - he loves it!), so at home he just has time to plant up containers on his deck.   

Peter loves to experiment and figure out solutions for gardening, and is into bio-diversity in the landscape.  “I believe that the more diversity we have, the stronger our environment will be.”  

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1 Comment

Thank you Jim! (Winchester)

Comment posted on:Aug 14, 2011Written by:Visitor

Just wanted to thank Jim for taking the time to really help me plan my Rhody purchase— he was great! I consider myself a gardener and have always loved working with plants — I even worked at Mahoney’s in Winchester 20 years ago— but I wanted to make sure I made the right decisions when planning a major planting.
He took the time to discus the different varieties available, the pros and cons of using each and even offered detailed planting advice specific to my particular location.

Thank you Jim!
PS I will be back to buy my Winter berry ( following Jim’s suggestions) in a few weeks .

Posts by Peter Vera

Lights

Unpublished
Posted onOct 17, 2010Written byPeter Vera
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Lights in front of Mahoney's in WinchesterLights in front of Mahoney’s in Winchester

Acclimating tropicals back indoors for the fall / winter

Posted onSep 23, 2010Written byPeter Vera
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I was talking with my neighbor the other day and noticed she still had her Ficus tree outside on her deck.  I reminded her that it is important that it come back in now, in September.  Acclimation is important, but getting the ficus protected from upcoming cold nights is more important.

If you have any indoor plants still out on your deck or patio please get them in, if you want to winter them over. Before you bring them in you may want to check for pests, though.  Look on the new growth and on the undersides of the leaves and see if you can see any insects.  If you do, water it well and later that day when the sun is not on it, spray it good with an insecticidal soap.  Start at the bottom of the plant on the underside of the leaves and on top, and work your way up until the plant is well sprayed.  You may have to do this again in 5 to 10 days. 

Also, wipe down the pot and remove the top 2” of soil and replace it with fresh potting soil.  Most insects will use the top inch or two of soil to live in. 

Photo credit.

5 Winter Tips for Healthy Houseplants

Posted onJan 18, 2011Written byPeter Vera
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1: Avoid Overwatering

It’s counterintuitive, but overwatering is the most common reason plants fail – particularly in the winter. Overwatering can cause browning of leaves, fungus, gnats, and dropping of leaves. Wait to water your houseplants until they become dry.  Test the soil with your finger. When the top inch is dry, then add water.
Nice Idea: Use the same watering vessel each time, so you know to add the same amount whenever you water.
Neat Idea: place a cork pad under your plant’s saucer. This will eliminate water stains on your carpet or hardwood floors.

2: Cleen the Green

Keep your leaves free of dust and grime this will keep your plants healthier – plus they’ll look better.  Take a half of a lemon and squeeze it into a quart of water using a soft cloth. Wet it with the lemon mix and wipe gently. Support the foliage using your other hand so you won’t bend or break the leaf.  Unless you live in a dust bowl, you’ll probably only have to do this once every six months or so.

3: Feeding

Your houseplants need food during the winter, but less is more.  If your directions say 1 tablespoon or 1 scoop we recommend cutting that in half. Feed only once a month until spring. Personally I believe organic fertilizers are better for plants. 
Who knew: Using filtered or bottled water will help eliminate dead ends. The minerals in tap water will settle to the ends of the leaves and cause the dead ends.

AphidsAphids Mealy BugMealy Bug

4: Check for Pests

Keep an eye out for pests.  They usually will attack the new growth and also hide on the underside of the leaves and along the stem.  They are not harmful to humans and are easily able to control.  If you do discover pests grab yourself an organic insect spray. Lay out some plastic under the pot and start spraying at the bottom of the plant.
Spray the foliage on the underside and then on top, working your way up. Your treatments may take several applications 7 - 10 days apart.  The sooner you discover those pests, the easier it is to get under control, so check your plants often.

5: Wait to Repot

If you feel your plant needs to be repotted into a bigger container, it’s best to wait to late winter or early spring. Longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures are more conducive to root expansion.  Choose a container that is 4 – 6 inches larger than the existing pot.  When choosing a pot the saucer is important. You want at least 2” of space between the saucer edge and the bottom of the pot. 
Alternative idea: If you cannot find a matching saucer, check out Mahoney’s clear plastic “Super Saucers” – they “disappear” under the pot.