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Needham's Nursery 12425 Hwy 70 Mt. Juliet, TN (615) 754-7076 -Proper Planting Directions-
Planting a plant purchased from a nursery gives you a head
start over the way it happens in nature. The
root system is already started. There
are some simple steps you can take to ensure the successful growth and maturity
of the plants in your landscape.
1.
Selection of the plant for
the area to be planted. Pick the
right plant for the area you are planting in. Shade plants need shade, sun
plants need sun. Please see our section on Plant Selection for your Landscape. 2.
Digging
the Hole is important.
Dig the hole twice as wide, but not quite as deep as the root ball of the
plant to be planted. This will allow
the root system to spread out through loose soil as it grows.
If you are planting container plants, gently loosen the root system on
the outside edges of the root ball. This
will allow the root system to spread out laterally.
If the root ball of the plant is covered with a burlap material, do not
disturb this covering or any wire or string that is around the root ball until
after the plant is in the hole with dirt around it and watered in well. This
will ensure that the root system doesn’t get loose in the dirt ball. Cut the
string and burlap off of the top of the root ball and leave the rest in the
ground. It will naturally biodegrade in the earth. 3.
Amending
the Soil is necessary with
the clay based soils in this area of Tennessee.
A good mixture ratio is one-third peat moss and two-third’s soil from
the hole you have dug. Plants that
require shade can require up to a 50/50 ratio of peat moss and existing soil.
This mixture should be thoroughly mixed together. 4.
Setting
the Plant in the hole.
When the plant is finally in the hole, be certain that the top of the
root system is above grade level. A
common rule is 1/2 inch above grade level for small to medium container plants.
At least 1 1/2 inches above grade level for tree root systems.
Filling the Hole with the amended soil.
Place the mixed soil back around the root system.
Be careful not to get any soil on top of the root system. 5. Watering
Plants can vary depending
on the ability of your soil to soak up water.
With your hose at a slow trickle, allow the water to run for
approximately 1 minute for small plants up to 3 minutes for large plants or
trees. 6.
Use
Root Stimulator according
to the instructions on the bottle. 7. Mulch
Plant.
Be sure to mulch the top 3” of the root system, making sure to keep
mulch away from the plant’s trunk. Also be sure to mulch around the sides of
the plant. This will allow moisture
to be retained for the plant and also shade the roots from the heat of the day. 8.
Water
New Plants once a day for
the first 2-3 days depending on the temperature outside. After that, the plant
needs water at least 1-2 times per week, in between watering be sure to keep an
eye on your newly planted plants to ensure they remain moist. |
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