Gen1 Greenhouse -

How do I Prune Crepe Myrtles?

Crepe myrtles are among the most recognizable flowering trees in the South. They are valued for their summer flowers, attractive bark, fall color, and relatively low maintenance requirements. Unfortunately, they are also among the most frequently mistreated landscape plants. A properly planted crepe myrtle often requires little pruning. The goal of pruning should not simply be to make the tree smaller or force it into a particular shape. Instead, pruning…
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How to Grow Lantana in East Texas

Simplified Lantana Care Guide Lantana is one of the easiest flowering plants to grow in East Texas. Give it plenty of sunlight, well-drained soil, and enough water to establish a strong root system, and it can provide colorful blooms from spring through fall. Light: Full sun is best. Aim for 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Water: Water newly planted lantana regularly until established. During the spring and fall,…
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2027 Business Expansion Plan

Past Business Expansion History Gen1 Greenhouse started as Caleb’s plant hobby in 2021, and became an official business in September of 2023. Ever since then, our business has slowly grown from season to season. We started offering more plant varieties, and then soils and fertilizers. Today, Gen1 Greenhouse offers plants such as house plants, flowering annuals, vegetables, shrubs, trees, and more! We also offer fertilizers, soil mixes, and landscaping services…
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Fall Kickoff Sale – September 2026

This September 7th-12th (Monday-Saturday) the greenhouse will be open for customers to come browse our inventory of fall season plants, soils, and fertilizers! We will have potted fall arrangements for decorating a porch or patio, classic garden mums (chrysanthemums) in a wide variety of colors and sizes (up to 14″ GIANT pots!), luscious fruit trees ready to be planted, and many more plants! We also offer potting soil and fertilizers…
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Petunia Exserta – The Endangered Red Star

Among the countless cultivated petunias sold in garden centers around the world, almost none resemble the wild red star petunia species exserta. Modern hybrid petunias are highly modified ornamental plants bred for large flowers, compact growth, and extreme color variation. Hidden behind those hybrids is a much smaller group of wild South American species that started it all. One of the most unusual and scientifically important of this group is…
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The Easiest Houseplant – Tradescantia (Wandering Jew)

If there is one houseplant genus that combines beauty, resilience, speed of growth, and ease of care, it is Tradescantia. Commonly called wandering dude, wandering Jew, inch plant, or spiderwort depending on species and region, Tradescantia plants are among the most forgiving plants for beginners while still being attractive enough for experienced collectors. With colorful foliage, trailing stems, and rapid growth, Tradescantia can thrive indoors, on shaded porches, hanging baskets,…
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What is Happening at Gen1 Greenhouse?

What Have We Been Up To? Here at Gen1 Greenhouse, we have been busy with landscaping jobs, plant breeding, propagation of new plant varieties, and other behind-the-scenes work most of this season. We appreciate your patience as our sales gradually increase in size and frequency. We are working towards opening the nursery full-time, Tuesday-Saturday, but considering that we only have one worker (Caleb Jones) working as the founder, owner, nurseryman,…
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Three Ornamental Plants That Thrive in the East Texas Climate

Introduction to the Climate Gardening in East Texas presents unique challenges. Long summers, intense heat, heavy rainfall followed by drought, and variable soils can make plant selection difficult. Choosing ornamentals that are already well adapted to these conditions is one of the most effective ways to create a successful, low-maintenance landscape. Three plants consistently stand out for their durability, beauty, and performance across East Texas landscapes. When used correctly, these…
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Petunia Breeding Program – February 2026

The History Behind the Petunias In 2024, my great aunt, Nelda, showed me a group of petunias growing wild on her property. These plants were immediately familiar to me. As a child, I remember playing among this group of petunias in her backyard when I would come to visit. The petunias have grown on her property without human care for at least 25 years. They reseed themselves, survive in heavy…
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How to Compost for Beginners

Overview Composting is one of the most effective ways to improve your soil naturally. By recycling kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials, you can create a nutrient-rich amendment that strengthens your plants, boosts soil structure, and supports long-term garden health. For beginners, composting may seem complicated, but the truth is that anyone can do it. Whether you garden on a small porch or several acres, there is a…
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