FAQs
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT POOT’S WITH QUESTIONS?
The most efficient way to contact us with questions is to message us directly on Facebook or Instagram. Our response is faster and more thorough, because we can send and receive photos. You’re also more guaranteed to get a reply, because phone calls can be missed at times.
Another way to contact us, is to call our number, (209) 599-7241, and we’re happy to answer your questions that way.
The last way to contact us would be via e-mail. You can send a message to this e-mail address: pootscactusnursery@gmail.com. Our response via e-mail can be more delayed, but we will still try to promptly get back to you about any question you may have.
WHAT ARE YOUR STORE HOURS?
We are OPEN for operation Monday - Saturday, from 9am - 4 pm.
CLOSED on Sundays.
Open all Holidays, EXCEPT: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, & New Years Day.
WHERE IS YOUR SHOP LOCATED?
We are located in Ripon, CA, on Hwy 120.
Our exact location is: 17229 E. Hwy 120, Ripon CA 95366
WHEN IS YOUR BUSY SEASON?
We are most busy within the Spring/Summer months, generally starting in March and continuing through September, when most of our plants are actively growing- which is the best time to do landscaping and gardening.
A highlight of the busy season is the ‘BIG BLOOM’ that occurs in the Spring, once in April, once in May, and once in June. Our Trichocereus Hybrids (and other cactus varieties) bloom in abundance, and our desert landscape gradually becomes a momentous, colorful array of beautiful blooms.
ARE PHOTOGRAPHERS ABLE TO TAKE PICTURES AT YOUR LOCATION?
Yes! We love it when Photographers come out to use our desert and retail areas for fun pictures to take of their clients! We do however, request that Photographers purchase $60 worth in plants / merchandise, or to pay us $60 as a fee, to use our location as a studio. Another thing that helps us out tremendously, is to call our number (209-599-7241) in advance so we can put it on our calendar, and to also ensure we will not have anything else that conflicts with the date and time the photographer plans to come.
DO YOU SHIP PLANTS?
We do not ship plants as of right now, but we hope to someday. We are a small, family owned business, and we do not have the man power or proper infrastructure to ship plants that would meet customer standards.
Another reason we don’t ship is because not all plants travel well, and it wouldn’t be worth it for the customer to go through the trouble of purchase and cost of shipping, just to be disappointed upon delivery.
DO YOU PROVIDE LANDSCAPING SERVICES?
We do not do any landscaping, however, we provide the perfect selection of plants to tolerate drought, and warm, arid weather. If you're wanting a desert like landscape, we are the best place to select the right plants. We have the expertise and knowledge of what plants will thrive in the environment you provide for them.
We also have a list of local Landscapers available to any customers in need of one. We can give you their contact info, and help you find the right fit for your project!
HOW OFTEN DO YOU WATER?
Spring/Summer months (April-September): When temperatures reach up to 80°F or 85°F we try to water once a week, especially if temperatures climb to 100°F or higher. Most plants are actively growing in the summer, the plants that go dormant in summer we’ll water occasionally, and in small amounts because we want their roots to stay healthy, but we don’t want the plant to rot.
Fall/Winter months (October-March): When temperatures drop to 70°F, we slow down on watering, and usually only water every 2-3 weeks. When temperatures drop to 60°F or lower, we water once a month or less. Most plants go dormant in the winter, but we have a small selection of winter growers that need to be watered weekly, we also water small potted succulents and cactus every 2-3 weeks.
CAN I BRING MY DOG ON THE PROPERTY WITH ME?
We are a pet friendly environment. Dogs are allowed on the property, as long as they are:
On a leash.
Accompanied at all times.
Well behaved.
Sociable with other dogs.
Cleaned up after.
DO YOU DELIVER PLANTS?
We do not deliver plants for the same reason we do not ship plants. We are a small, family owned business, and we do not have the man power or proper infrastructure to deliver plants that would meet customer standards.
WHAT IS THE BEST SOIL TO GET FOR MY CACTI & SUCCULENTS?
Our soil is the best soil for your cacti and succulents at home. Twelve years ago Bill Poot, the owner of Poot’s Cactus Nursery, designed and perfected our proprietary soil blend, so that your plants could thrive in an optimal environment. We grow all of our own plants in our soil blend, and they grow faster, stronger, and fuller, because of what we have in our soil.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT’S OKAY TO WATER?
Cacti are generally found in warm, dry, and arid geographical locations, they survive on little water in hot temperatures. Since we understand their environment, we know they do better in dry soil; so we water them (at most) once a week when it’s warm, and wait to water again until the soil is completely dried out to avoid rotting.
Succulents are found in similar conditions, but not as extreme. They do better with less sun and heat, and a little more water. We water them once a week, and usually wait to let the soil dry out. Sometimes we water them while they are still slightly moist, they aren’t as prone to rotting.
To test the soil and check if it’s completely dried out, we take a wooden pencil and stick it down into the soil all the way (or until it reaches the bottom of the pot). We then pull the pencil out - IF the pencil is damp, and the soil clings to it, DO NOT WATER. IF the pencil is completely dry, and no soil clings to it, it is SAFE TO WATER.