EASY STEPS TO SUCCESS
Helpful Hints on how to successfully plant Nursery Stock
· Plant the tree or shrub no deeper than it grew at the nursery
· It is necessary to plant trees and evergreens in a soil that offers good drainage, therefore, if you are planting in an area with heavy clay soil, you must make certain modifications before planting
· It is vital to dig your planting at least 5" larger than the root ball on all sides to allow for soil enrichments before planting
The high phosphorous "Transplanted" type fertilizer is the only appropriate fertilizer to be used in the first season. You can help to prevent permanent damage or discoloration caused by desiccation (dry out) of evergreens by watering thoroughly into the fall, before freeze up. Divert downspouts and sprinklers away from planting area. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch 2" to 3" down into the root area. Continue this form of warring until the plant is well established and growing, A good soil mix is 50 percent soil. 25 percent peat moss, 25 percent manure.
How to handle various plant containers
Preparation
Your new plants should be installed as soon as possible. If there is some delay in planting, then it is important lo guard against moisture loss. Store plants gently and use the container or root ball to move the plant. Never hold onto the plant itself. Be sure to place your plants in their preferred growing environment for best results.
Balled and Burlap
Many trees, shrubs and evergreens have the root ball wrapped in burlap and secured with string or rope, large sizes have the ball contained in a wire basket, Theses must be planted just the was they are, burlap, rope and wire basket too. Fill around the bail with a good soil mix to three-quarters and water thoroughly. Then - untie all string or rope from the trunk fir stems. Fold back burlap and ropes and luck down out of sight. If there is a wire basket, fold back the loops and push down leaving the wire basket on. Add more good soil mix to (111 the hole. Water again using a root-stimulating transplant fertilizer.
Size of planting hole
It is vital to dig your planting hole at least 5" larger than the root ball on all sides to allow for soil enrichments before planting. When planting large heavy balls, the soil at the bottom of the hole should be left solid to prevent the tree from settling lower. The finished level of the tree should be the same as it was grown, or up to 3" higher.
Fiber pots
We cannot overstress the importance of leaving the pot ON! These pots are maid of paper and will rot away in the soil and are readily penetrated by healthy plant roots. Break off the pot rim down to the soil. Make three cuts halfway up from the bottom. DO NOT remove the bottom of the pot. Fill in around the pot with a good soil mix. Water thoroughly with a root stimulating transplant fertilizer.
Plastic pots
Water thoroughly before removing the container. If a light tapping on sides and bottom does not release the soil, make two cuts the length of the pot on opposites sides and gently pull away the halves. Use your fingers 01 a knife to gently loosen and spread exposed roots that appear crowded, To free the very malted ur circling roots, make several vertical cuts 1/2 to 1 inch deep through the root mass
Perennials and annuals
These are usually grown in beds where 31 ' to 6" sphagnum peat moss is spread over the surface and worked into the soil to a depth of 3" to 12". A good general purpose flowering fertilizer can be added at this time Thorough bed preparation is important for healthy perennials since they will be growing in that same location for many years to come. If a specimen is being planted or being added to an existing bed, then prepare the planting hole as you would for a tree or shrub.
Special care for special plants
Roses may be in fiber or plastic pots. Most roses are grafted on to different root stock. For reasons of hardiness the grafted area (which will be the swollen area where the stems originate) must be planted 2 inches below the soil. For Rhododendrons, Azaleas and other broadleaf evergreens increase the amount of sphagnum peat moss used by half. Peaches, nectarines and cherry demand excellent fast drainage. DO NOT plant in wet areas. DO NOT over water.
WHEN PLANTING
Watering
Plants grown in plastic pots tend to dry out quicker, therefore, more frequent watering may be necessary to avoid such disasterous situations. It takes several weeks for roots to extend beyond the original soil bait; be sure to check this area since it often dries out faster than surrounding garden soil. Constant watering encourages a deep root system and your plant to become more drought tolerant.
Mulching
Apart from their good appearance and deceleration of weed growth, mulches help retain moisture. Mulch also keeps roots cool in summer and insulated in winter. Maintenance is easier and your plants will thrive.