How to Install your New Plants

Depending upon soil type, prepare hole to a size that will provide ample space for new growth. If ground is loose, a big hole is not necessary. Make sure there is good drainage at the bottom of the hole. Install new plant so the top of the root ball is at grade with the surrounding soil. On container plants, slice the roots a bit to promote new growth. With balled plants, roll them gently into the hole and straighten plant. Cut off any plastic twine or strapping. If sisal twine is used, you can leave it on and cut it from around the trunk once the plant has take root. Never remove the wire basket from the plant, it's what holding the root ball together.

Backfill the plant and tamp soil firmly around plant. Water in well to remove any air pockets in the soil. We recommend a backfill mixture of one third each peat moss, compost and top soil (if present soil is of good quality, new top soil may not be needed.) Fertilize new plants with super phosphate in and around the the planting hole. Follow up with late winter and early summer application of fertilizer which is at least 50% organic and has N-P-K and micronutrients. Spread fertilizer evenly around plants and not on foliage. Spread approx. 2" of mulch to help keep soil moist and keep weeds down.

Watering is tricky. Irrigation systems are fine, but you can not use the "set it and forget it" method. Monitor your soil to make sure it is getting proper moisture but still draining between waterings. During hot summer weather, it may be necessary to hand water some plants the first year. Never water the foliage during the day time to "cool them off", the plant will lose more water than it is taking in. Water your plants right up until hard frost so they are turgid going into the winter months. This will help promote a deep root system as well. As plants have different watering requirements, ask us about the plants you are buying.