To
maximize the chances of your containerized plant surviving
when you plant it in your garden, follow these steps:
Plants
in containers sitting at our Garden Centre
Step
1:
Dig a hole slightly larger
than the root ball of the plant. Put this dirt to one side.
Step
2:
Remove the plant from the
container and attempt to loosen the roots either with your
hands or a small knife. Don't be timid! This can sometimes
mean the the difference between a plant that will take root
quickly versus one that will remain root bound and die.
Step
3:
Put the plant into the hole,
and, depending on the composition of the existing soil (usually
clay), add equal parts topsoil, sand and an organic matter
to the soil you took out of the hole. Mix this up and fill
in the gap between the root ball and the hole with this
mix. Any excess mix can be used elsewhere. Pack this done
with your hands.
Note: Never use your foot to tamp down the
ground around a newly planted tree or shrub, as you will
compact the soil so much that the roots will have a hard
time penetrating.
The root ball of the plant should be between 1-2" above
the existing grade, as it will settle over time. If you
plant it level with grade at first, it will settle to below
grade and there is a good likelihood that the plant will
rot out due to water puddling around it.
Step
4:
Mulch lightly against the
trunk of the plant and water in.
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