Planting Directions

After you have purchased a plant, you need to recognize that it has been through a rough trip to get to your home garden. The plants have been shipped in trucks and passed through many hands. Often times, the new plants can be in a state of shock (foliage discoloration, droopy leaves and/or dry dirt) from all the travel they have experienced…not to worry, with a little time and care, they will perk back up!

Before You Start:
The first thing you need to do is keep your plant watered. Keep your new plant watered until you have a chance to plant it. If you are experiencing extreme heat, take measures to keep your plant at least partially shaded, protecting it from harsh conditions.

Planting preparations:
This is the most important step to ensure your plant lives a long and healthy life. All plants must have good drainage, nutrients, and available water at all times.

Drainage:
To ensure good drainage, you must have organic matter (compost, peat moss) incorporated into the surrounding soil. Mix a ratio of 50% premium soils with 50% natural soil that you just dug up. The organic matter will help clay soils drain and will ensure sandy soils retain enough moisture for the plant to survive.

Nutrients:
Your plants have been fertilized several times before reaching your home. It is not necessary to add chemical nutrients to your plant until it has established its root system. You will receive the benefit of natural fertilizers when you integrate organic matter into your soil.

Water:
All plants are watered before they are packed for shipment, this helps keep the plant moist throughout its long journey. However, some moisture is going to escape. When you receive your plant, thoughrowly water it, and place it in a shaded area for a few hours. This will help “perk” it back into shape, and ready for planting.

Preparing your hole:
Dig a large hole about twice as wide and a little deeper than your plant. Add ample amounts of organic matter to the soil you removed from the hole.

Planting your shrub/perennial/tree:
Place some dirt back into the bottom of your hole. (This has helped loosen some soil for your plants roots to grow down into.) Some plants may be “root-bound”, this is not a concern as you can simply take your hand and lossen up the roots and soil that surround you new plant. Place your plant upright into the hole and begin to backfill the hole with dirt. You want to be sure that your Root Collar (the original soil line of the plant) is even with the ground. While filling, pack the ground gently with your hand to eliminate any air pockets that might have developed. When you are complete, place your garden hose near the plant and water with a slow trickle until you see no more water draining. If your soil has settled from the first watering, add more soil. Be sure not to cover up the plants root collar.

Watering:
Most new shrubs need general watering the first weeks/months they are in your yard. Be careful not to over water… (An over watered shrub often looks like an under watered shrub. If you see your shrub wilting, and are constantly watering, back off with the water and see how your plant does on its own for a bit.) During a dry spell, be sure to deeply water your shrub and the surrounding soil twice a week. Long, deep waterings are much more beneficial than short, sporadic waterings.

Mulch:
Mulch is a garden’s best friend. It is a true workhorse for your garden. It holds down grasses and weeds that will compete with your new plants roots for water, and also helps the soil retain water. It helps the soil from becoming overly compacted and acts as an insulator during the winter months. Create a mulch bed around your plant that is 2-3 inches thick, while encircling your plant with a several foot diameter. It is also recommended to leave a slight area mulch free just where your stem reaches the ground.