PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
- Dig hole twice as wide as the size of the container and just depth of container. Soil level in pot should match soil level in planting area.
- Remove the plant from the pot. If the plant / soil does not readily pull out of the pot, cut the container away from the soil / root mass. Using a knife, cut around the entire base and up one side of the pot.
- Set the soil / root mass in the hole. If the container needed to be cut, set the entire sliced pot in the hole and then peel away the pot. This will minimize root shock and the amount of soil lost.
- Back fill the hole, slightly packing the soil along the way. (Due to clay soil in some cases we may recommend soil level to be slightly above grade, if amending soil 50% of what came out of the hole should be added back in with 50% of amended soil)
- Mulch is recommend around base of new plant material, this will help prevent soil erosion and retain moisture. (Do not mulch excessively around stems.)
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
- Newly planted shrubs and perennials should be thoroughly watered at time of planting. The first few days of establishment plants may require frequent watering. Check soil daily for first 3-5 days after planting to see how soil is retaining water. Best way to do this is to feel at base of plant material, if area is still wet from previous watering schedule may be adjusted to less frequent watering. The smaller the plant the faster it may dry out, not all plants may need watering but it is best to check over your new investments.
- Overall water shrubs once every 3 to 5 days if 1” or more of rain does not fall for that time period. Watering wand is recommend at end of hose vs. just an open hose end (Open hose may be too aggressive and wash away loose soil or mulch or rush past root ball) to avoid fungus issues watering just at base of plants is best. Be sure to give new plant good soaking and ensure root ball is being fully watered. Depending on size of new shrub several minutes per plant of watering may be needed.
- It is best to mulch planting beds and/or individual shrubs. This helps retain moisture, eliminate competition from turf, reduce rapid fluctuations in moisture and temperature, and reduce the chance of damage from lawn mowers and weed-wackers. Do NOT create mulch “volcanos”… Mulch should not form a bowl around base of plant.
- All shrubs can be easily fertilized with water soluble such as Jacks, Proven Winners or Miracle Grow. If using a granular Milorganite is a great option. Avoid fertilizing during hot, dry periods such as July and August.
- Caring for your plant material does NOT stop after 6 months or a year… All plant material needs about a 1” of water a week whether it’s newly installed or a well-established plant. Be sure to water juvenile plants the following season if we have drought or above average temperatures.
*** Please note these are general planting instructions. Weather conditions may vary how frequently plants require water. Some shrubs or perennials may differ from sheet . Be sure to asks sales staff about plant material you have purchased if you have any questions.