We hope you
use the following information as a starting point, recognizing that
growing practices vary from region to region. What works for one
gardener does not always work
for the next as there are countless variables that enter into the
equation.
When your plant arrives,
remove from the shipping box immediately.
|
| If it is a potted plant,
immediately unpack, discard any packing material clinging
to the leaves or soil.
Cut any netting
away, pulling the netting off may cause damage to foliage.
Place them in an environment conducive to their needs and/or weather conditions
and water thoroughly. If you cannot plant it within a few days, place the flat
in a lightly shaded, protected area and water
regularly. |
If it
is a bare root plant (no soil around the roots and trimmed leaves), plant
bare roots as soon as possible. Immediately unpack, discard any packing material.
Soaking the
roots in water for at least 15 minutes is
suggested.
If you are unable
to get your new plants in the ground quickly, unwrap the plants to
determine if the roots are still moist. If the roots appear dry, soak them
in tepid water for at least 15 minutes. Store in a cool, dry area. Do not let plants freeze.
Be very careful to ensure there is no moisture on any leaves. Repeat
every couple of days. until you are ready to plant it in the
ground. If planting is delayed, heel them into a temporary bed. Dig
a trench, lay the plants at a 45 degree angle, with roots in the
trench, cover the roots with loose soil, and water well.
|
| When you are ready to plant it, do the job as early
in the day as possible. Overcast, slightly cool weather is ideal, but you
can always add some temporary shade if the sun is hot. Even sun-loving
plants appreciate a little shade their first few days in the ground.
|
| A home for your new
perennials should be prepared prior to their arrival if you wish to put
them directly into the landscape. Establishing a balance between water
holding capacity and aeration is the first key to a beautiful garden. If
your soil is heavy, it should be amended with sand, bark, and / or compost
material to improve drainage, and the soil should be mounded above grade
to assure proper drainage. Mixing different components often provides the
physical properties for optimum growth. Peat moss has excellent water
holding characteristics, bark and sand promote aeration and drainage.
Most perennials prefer well-drained
soil. |
.
|
Add organic matter at
every opportunity!
Adding amendments such as
humus or compost at planting time is critical, but nutrients leave the
soil over time, and need replenishment. Nearly all plants grow better in
soil that retains moisture, drains well, and is fairly fertile.
Continually work your soil and plants will grow to their fullest
potential. If you are creating a new bed, till the
area to a depth of about 10 inches, add a few inches of compost, and till
again. If you are planting in an established bed, work compost into the
top 6 to 8 inches of
soil.
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|
Potted plants
- A)
Dig the hole. The hole should be dug at a depth so that 1/8 of the
rootball will sit above the ground. Planting deep is a major cause of
plant death. The hole should be twice as wide as the rootball.
B) If
bed has not been amended, prepare soil mixture – 25% to 30% compost
mixed with dirt removed from the hole. Do not use topsoil as a soil
conditioner. Mix thoroughly. - Carefully
remove the plant from its pot. Always handle the plant by its rootball.
If root bound, loosen and
spread roots.
- Make
sure the plant is standing straight. Fill the hole with the soil
mixture; by hand, pack down the soil. Do not put soil on top of the
rootball.
- Mulch
around the base of the plant. The mulch should be 2 to 3 inches deep.
Be
sure to pull the mulch away from the plant base to prevent disease and
insect damage, especially in the South.
- Water
the plant slowly and thoroughly.
- Prune
any broken stems and branches.
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 |
|
Bare Root
Planting Instructions
- Immerse
the roots in a bucket of water to soak for one to four hours
- A)
Dig shallow, wide
planting hole.
The hole should be almost twice as wide as the root system and about as
deep as the roots are long. Planting deep is a major cause of plant
death.
B) If bed has not been amended, prepare soil mixture – 25% to
30% compost mixed with dirt removed from the hole. Do not use topsoil as
a soil conditioner. Mix thoroughly. - Mound
soil in the bottom of the hole so that the peak reaches just about
ground level
4.
Set the plant
so the crown (the part between roots and where stems will emerge) sits
at or just below the soil line. Spread the roots so
they cascade over the mound. Backfill with
soil mix;
by hand, pack down the soil.
- Make
sure the plant is standing straight and the crown is
just below ground level.
- Mulch
around the base of the plant. The mulch should be 2 to 3 inches deep. Be
sure to pull the mulch away from the plant to prevent disease and insect
damage, especially in the South.
- Water
slowly and thoroughly.
- Prune
any broken stems and branches.
|
 |
|
Keep plants watered during their first season. A
weekly deep soaking will
encourage the root system. It is best to water early
in the day, giving foliage a chance to dry out before evening hours - to
reduce disease possibilities and crown
rot. Apply a layer of compost each spring to provide
nutrients and maintain soil health. Beyond that, most perennials need
little supplemental fertilizer. |
Deadheading- Pinching and pruning
perennials will help keep them attractive and encourage
rebloom.
How Many Plants Do You Need?
| |
On
Center Spacing of Plants |
| 8" |
10" |
12" |
15" |
18" |
24" |
| Coverage Area in Square Feet |
25 |
57 |
36 |
25 |
16 |
11 |
6 |
| 50 |
114 |
72 |
50 |
32 |
22 |
12 |
| 75 |
171 |
108 |
75 |
48 |
33 |
18 |
| 100 |
228 |
144 |
100 |
64 |
44 |
24 |
| 150 |
342 |
216 |
150 |
96 |
66 |
36 |
| 200 |
456 |
288 |
200 |
128 |
88 |
48 |
| Spacing
Multiplier |
2.28 |
1.44 |
1.0 |
0.64 |
0.44 |
0.25 |
For other size areas, use the following
formula to calculate how many plants you will need:
(Area in sq. feet) x (Spacing Multiplier) = Number of plants needed
Finding Unknown Spacing Multiplier
For other spacing requirements, use
the following formula to figure your multiplier:
Multiplier = 144/X2 where X = the spacing distance in inches you need
Example: If you need a spacing of 13.5 inches, your multiplier would be:
144 = 144 = mulitplier of 0.79
13.52 182.25
Additional
gardening information
sources:
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