Plant Care by Blackcreek Nursery
Download our Printable Plant Care Guide Here
Planting Tips For Success
Nothing gives us more satisfaction than growing our own plants. Whether for beauty, food, shade, or other functional purposes, growing plants can be rewarding and cost-saving. Your plant’s success is directly linked to its planting. You want to make sure that you are giving it the best start possible.
We’ve listed some tips here to help you get your plants off to a good start. This will apply to almost any container-grown plant.
Choosing the Right Plant For the Location
Planting success starts with making sure that you have the right plant going in the most optimal spot. If you have full sun area, then you may not want to put in a plant that requires shade. Likewise, if you have a wet area, you don’t want to put in a plant that won’t tolerate wet feet. Knowing where to plant your plants is the first step to plant success.
Water Before You Plant
The best thing to do when planting your plant is to make sure it’s well-hydrated. Thorough watering in the container before you plant it will give it a little hydration and help it ease into its new spot.
Don’t Plant Too Deep – # 1 Killer of plants
The number one cause of plant failure when planting containerized plants is planting them too deep. The top of the root ball needs to be at or above ground level with very little, if any, soil on the top of the root ball. Dirt placed on top of the root ball can prevent water and oxygen from reaching the roots and will cause them to suffocate, dehydrate, and die. Mulch on top is suggested.
Avoid Air Pockets – # 2 Killer of plants
Just like planting too deep can cause extensive damage or death to plants, so can air pockets. When you plant you want to make sure that the backfilled soil is packed very tightly around the root ball. If you leave any air pockets, when you water the plant it will run down the sides and not through the root ball which can result in dehydration. Use a board or the end of your shovel to really pack the soil tightly around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Don’t Forget Mulch
Mulching is the most important step in healthy plants. Mulch provides shade, moisture retention and organic matter as it breaks down. 2-4″ of mulch is usually adequate. Use only natural mulch like Bark, Straw or Leaves. We don’t recommend synthetic mulch.
A Word About Irrigation Systems
Irrigation Systems are designed for ‘established plantings’. They are supposed to provide enough hydration to keep the plant with what it needs. But, you should not rely on them completely for new plantings.
Keep in mind that your plant still thinks it’s in the container. The roots are still in one place and it is accustomed to getting more frequent water. You may need to hand water it well for a few weeks to make sure it’s adequately hydrated. After the roots start to grow out in the surrounding soil then you can rely more on your irrigation system for its care.
Nutrients
We recommend fertilizing your plants with organic fertilizers like Espoma (Hollytone, BerryTone, PlantTone, BioTone)products or Milorganite. Generally when using organics, you can fertilize 3 times a year—spring, summer and fall without the risk of burning your plants. It’s very important to have adequate nutrients to your plants because it will help them overcome a lot of issues if they have enough food.
Use timed-release and granular fertilizers with caution and always according to package directions. Make sure your plant is adequately hydrated to prevent fertilizer buildup and burn.
Chemical Control - Insect, Disease & Pests
It’s inevitable, you will have plant problems at some point. Some pests, insects and diseases can be minor, some may be major. The most important task is determining a correct diagnosis for your problem.
The internet is filled with self-made gardeners and most of them know what they’re talking about, but you will always want to get a second and third opinion before you grab an insecticide or fungicide bottle and start spraying. The mis-use of chemicals is the leading cause of loss of our pollinators. Not applying the product per label instructions or for a mis-diagnosis is a hazard to yourself, your plants and the environment.
We suggest the following when considering using ANY chemical including organic.
1. Correctly diagnose the problem—Contact a professional like Blackcreek Nursery
2. Explore all treatment options & pros and cons
3. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL
4. Search For Preventative Options
Steps By Step Planting For Success
· Water your plant in the containers before you plant
· Dig your hole about 1.5 times wider and only as deep as your container.
· Amend the soil you removed with compost or other organic matter if your soil is sandy. If your soil is clay or very compact, then you may want to use soil conditioner which is a very finely ground pine bark that will break up the soil to allow more oxygen.
· Put your hand on the root ball and turn the pot upside down then remove the pot.
· Loosen the root ball if it is tightly compacted. You can use a spade or a knife to make cuts in the roots – it will not hurt it at all and will encourage the roots to start growing again.
· Place your plant in the hole, with the top of the root ball slightly above ground level. It’s best to not put any dirt on top of the root ball
· Fill in the soil tightly around the sides of the pot, packing them in with a board or your shovel handle tightly so there are no air pockets.
· Mulch Heavily with 2-4″ of organic mulch. Bark, Straw, or leaves are always the best bet as they will break down and add nutrients and organic matter back to the soil – and improving the plant’s health.
· Avoid synthetic mulch like rocks or rubber mulch for general plants.
· Add organic fertilizer like Espoma Products which will aid in getting the plants established.
· Water well. Keep hydrated as they get acclimated according to the requirements of your plant.
Download our Printable Plant Care Guide Here