Proper Planting Method:
- Step 1: Dig a hole 2 to 3 times the width of the pot and no deeper than the height of the pot.
- Planting Tip: Lay out cardboard or a tarp for the soil. This will make clean up much easier.
- Step 2: Fill the hole with water to ensure that the ground is adequately moist. Allow the water to soak into the soil while you complete the next steps.
- Step 3: Remove half of the soil that came out of the hole from the pile. Replace the amount of soil removed with compost and mix thoroughly.
- Step 4: Gently squeeze the pot to loosen the root ball. For larger plants you may need to lay the pot on its side. Carefully and gently remove the plant from the pot disturbing the roots as little as possible. Set the plant in the middle of the hole checking to see that the soil level of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Planting Tip: For plants that take a wrestling match to get out of the pot, cut down the sides with a sharp knife and pull the pot away. Avoid cutting into roots when possible.
- Step 5: Backfill the hole with amended soil, tamping gently to get soil to settle, but do not compact. Do not let plant settle below grade.
- Step 6: Create a watering basin by mounding soil up around the edge of the hole. This eliminates runoff and concentrates water at the root zone.
- Step 7: Apply Mulch around the plant. Leave a few inches of bare soil at the base of the plant. Mulch increases soil moisture retention, keeps weeds down and serves as organic matter as it breaks down.
- Step 8: Water thoroughly. Newly planted vegetation needs regular irrigation to get established. Establishing a plant takes a minimum of 2 seasons. Soak root zone at each watering and then allow soil to dry slightly before soaking again. Soil should retain some moisture while establishing, but not stay consistently wet or soggy.
- Planting Tip: Plants require 3 to 5 times more water during hot, summer months.
- Step 9: Step back, wipe the sweat from your brow and admire your work.