Planting for Success
Before You Dig
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Choose the Location you want to plant in.
Choose Your Plant based on the environmental conditions of your location.
1. Dig a Hole
Potted Plants: Dig your hole the depth of the pot if in good soil conditions and 1-2 times wider than the diameter of the root ball.
TIP: To prevent settling, be sure soil beneath root ball is undisturbed or has been compacted.
2. Before You Plant
Measure Your Hole to ensure the plant will be level with the final grade.
If Your Hole is Too Deep, back fill with high-quality soil and tap down.
3. Time to Plant
Prepare Your Plant: Gently squeeze your pot to help remove the root ball from the pot. Make sure there are no circulating roots. Gently massage the roots to allow them to root faster.
Place Your Plant in the hole: Position your plant to make sure it is straight and level with final grade.
Back fill the first half of the hole with a high-quality topsoil or a good compost and tap down. Continue to back fill the remainder of the hole and tap down until level with final grade.
4. After Planting
Water the plant thoroughly, this will let the soil settle and the air to bubble out. You may need to top up your soil and tap down again.
Fertilize with a plant starter fertilizer; with a high middle number (ex: 10-52-10) at this time. Follow the package instructions.
Mulch Your Plant after soil has settled level with final grade to increase the moisture retaining capacity of the soil.
TIP: If the plant becomes too wet, rake the mulch off the root ball to allow it to dry out faster. Never put filter fabric directly over a root ball.
Watering Tips
No Two Plants are the Same. How much water your plant needs will vary based on the type of plant, size of plant, weather conditions, location, etc. Your plant will wilt if it is too wet or too dry, so it is important to check the soil before watering.
Newly Planted Plants benefit from deep soaking during the first year to encourage deep root production: Turn the hose on low, place it close to the base of the plant and allow water to soak into the root area over an extended period of time. Let the surface dry completely before watering again.
To Determine Your Plant’s Water Needs, carefully check the moisture level up to 12 in. down, just outside the root ball. If the soil is crumbly, it is time to water. If it feels wet and muddy, give your plant more time to dry out before watering again.