Planting Recommendations and Care

Offering the best plants or most captivating combinations is only part of the equation. Success is reliant on the care plants receive after leaving the garden center. We share this responsibility with you by offering these tips and care instructions.

planting In general for shrubs, and perennials, dig a hole twice the diameter and equal depth of the root ball. Amend the soil you removed with organic matter (compost, or dehydrated manure) before returning to the hole. Backfill with the amended soil. Use the extra soil to create a circular berm around the plant, so that when watering, the water seeps into the root zone instead of running off. Mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. Keep the plants watered well while they are getting established and continue watering until the ground freezes, the first few seasons following planting.

tree planting Dig a hole twice the diameter and equal depth of the root ball. Locate root flare and expose by removing all potting soil and roots above root flare, if any. Remove all circling roots by teasing out roots or by cutting the outer inch of the entire edge of the rootball. Plant so root flare is exposed above soil grade. See Illustration. Plant according to general planting instructions above.

soil ammendments Compost or dehydrated manure will help build better garden soil by retaining moisture and nutrients. Any soil will benefit from compost. Compost loosens clay soil and helps retain water and nutrients in a sandy soil.

water The most critical ingredient for establishing new plants. Plants use more water in a container than in the garden. Until they are rooted in, they will require much more water than established garden plants. Most hanging baskets and container plants will require water daily.

fertility We recommend Tangletown Gardens’ 18-18-8, a granular slow release fertilizer. We haven’t found another fertilizer that will give better results. We recommend a yearly spring application for established perennial beds, trees, and shrubs. Annuals and containers benefit from a second application (topdressing) in July. Whatever the fertilizer, be sure to follow label directions.

mulching Organic mulch (hardwood, cedar, cocoa bean) helps soil retain moisture, prevents weeds and is attractive. It will also add organic matter over time. An annual top dressing of mulch freshens things up and replaces the mulch closest to the soil that has decomposed.

sunlight We consider “full sun” to be 5 or more hours a day of direct sun. “Partial sun” is 3-5 hours of sun. “Shade” is less than 3 hours of sun. Sunlight only counts between 9:30am and 5:30pm. This information is often on the care tags. Proper placement is necessary for plants to thrive. Also keep in mind the tolerances and preferences of plants when selecting homes for them in your garden.