Face your garden to the east, as morning sun provides the best, cool light perfect for growing plants. Soil should be loose and dark in color, not red and clay-like or sandy. Loose soil means there is plenty or aeration, making it easy for roots to grow, while the dark color indicates nutritious soil.
Since plants are not meant to be removed and replanted, transplant shock is inevitable. The plant may not root well, leading to unsuccessful growing. However, if the root ball, the mass of soil surrounding the plant’s roots, is disturbed as little as possible, the plant is more likely to take to its new environment.
Place the plant in the hole to make sure the plants will rest in the ground at the same level as it was in its original pot. Remove any rocks from the hole and break up chunks of soil so the plant has a loose and clean space. Keep in mind that some plants may need to be buried in a deeper or shallower hole. If your plant didn’t come with planting instructions, look it up online to see which size hole you should plant it in.
Add about 1 to 3 inches of compost for planting flowers or vegetables. Next, create a 2 to 3 inch barrier of soil between the compost and roots. This layer will keep the compost from stealing nitrogen from the roots, but will still be close enough to filter nutrients into the soil.
If the plant doesn’t come loose, it is root bound. Score the edges of the pot with a dull instrument and loosen with your finger. Spread out the roots of root-bound plants when you plant them in the ground.
Make sure your plant sits in in the ground at the same height as it did in its original pot. Plants too low in the ground will flood, while plants to high may not root properly.
Mulch is important for healthy plant growth, reducing the amount of surface evaporation for the soil, moderating the plants temperature and protecting the roots from weeds and other hindrances.
Material also affects the overall style of your garden. Choose a material that fits with your personal style as well as the location.
If you can’t find a pot with holes, you can drill them yourself, as long as the pot isn’t too fragile.
You can also purchase pot feet or a stand if you want the water to drain directly onto an outdoor surface.
Ask if any of the species you are buying are invasive. Plants like mint should be planted with their original small pot intact to keep them from spreading out and killing other plants over time. Non-invasive annuals can be planted 5 or more in a pot. Invasive annuals should have their own pot or be contained within a smaller pot. Choose plants that don’t have dense root balls. They will become easily parched and they will be more likely to die. Choose plants that need the same type of soil and sun.
If the site requires you to bend over in order to plant, you might try elevating the pots on a bench or table in order to save yourself from unnecessary back pain.
Use a potting mix, instead of garden soil. Choose one with slow-release fertilizer granules, so the plant is taken care of over a long period of time, or purchase your own granules to mix in. To make your own batch of potting soil, combine five parts compost, two parts vermiculite, one part builder’s sand and one-quarter part dry organic fertilizer.
Right after plants are moved to a new environment they need special care so they take to their new home. Water whenever two to three inches of soil is dry.
Consider the tree’s future height and canopy spread. Make sure there are no objects in the way that will deter the tree from growing to its full potential. Consider the tree’s characteristics. If the tree is deciduous, make sure the location allows for piles of leaves. If the tree will bear fruit make sure this will not create a hindrance for you or your neighbors. Consider the proper amounts of soil, sun and moisture. Consult experts either at an arboretum or nursery, even your community’s local tree board, in order to confirm you are planting the correct tree for your environment. [3] X Research source
Trees with hardened circled roots may need to have them cut. However, this should only be done when there are few circling roots and a fairly large root ball.
Adjust the tree’s position in the hole by lifting from the bottom of the root ball. Never lift using the trunk. Ask someone to help you determine if the tree is straight and sitting properly in the soil.
The uppermost portions of the tree’s roots are the most vulnerable to flooding. Make sure you create a mound about 6 to 12 inches above the soil depending on tree size. [4] X Research source
Fill the entirety of the existing hole with more soil, continuing to mound, adding a definite ridge around the circumference of the circle. A berm should generally be 4 to 5 times as wide as its height.
