| 1. After thoroughly preparing the soil, place the plants, still in their
containers, in a square or "W" pattern in the planting area. When you're
satisfied with the arrangement, start planting, working from a corner out (don't
plant yourself into a corner).
|
| 2. Invert each plant so the roots, soil and plant fall out of the pot
into your hand. Squeeze the pot or tap the bottom if needed to help stubborn
plants come out of their pots. Here's a good way to remove plants from
cell-packs: hold one cell in your hand while pushing on the bottom of the cell
with the thumb of your other hand. Continue pushing on the bottom of the soft
plastic cell until the plant is pushed out. Pulling on the stem risks destroying
the roots, so don't give in to this temptation.
|
| 3. Dig a small hole in the prepared soil with a trowel or small shovel,
place the plant in the hole, and cover around the root ball with soil. Continue
this method until all plants are planted.
|
| 4. If you are planting a large number of plants in hot weather, water in
the planted ones periodically. Thoroughly water all of the plants when you
finish.
|
| 5. This would be a good time to add a Root Stimulator to encourage your new
specimen to become established more quickly. Mix it according to label directions
and pour it on the planted area. Be sure to water the actual root area thoroughly
for each new plant. This is vital to the success of your landscape.
|
| 6. Topdress the area with 12 inches of organic mulch. This will conserve
moisture, reduce weeds and create an attractive soil covering for your freshly
planted bed.
|
