Planting Instructions

Below are brief instructions. If you want a tutorial with photographs, see how to plant.

To plant container-grown plants: It is best to plant them at least a month before temperatures dip below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, to give them time to extend roots before going dormant for the winter. Prepare planting holes twice as wide and deep as the plants you are planting. Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container. Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole, working soil around the roots as you fill. If the plant is root bound, you may elect to separate the roots with your fingers to lessen transplant shock. Continue filling in soil, tamping lightly as you go to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly, and if possible, protect plant from direct sun until stable.

To plant bare-root plants: Follow the instructions for container-grown plants (above). In addition, make sure you plant them at least a month before temperatures dip below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, to give them time to extend roots before going dormant for the winter. Plant as soon as possible after delivery (you may specify your delivery date when you check out).

If you are planting the bare root Hay Scented Ferns, be sure to plant these roots parallel to the ground (do not plant them with the root pointing up/down, the root should be pointing side-to-side), about 1 inch below the surface of the soil.

For all other bare roots, prepare suitable planting holes (3-4" wide and 5-6" deep), spread roots (if possible) and work soil among roots as you fill in, tamping lightly as you go to remove air pockets.

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Water thoroughly, and if possible, protect plant from direct sun until stable.

After planting, apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of pinestraw or wood mulch. If planting vines (such as Vinca, Wintercreeper, ivies, etc.) that need to touch the ground to re-root, use less: a 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch. When planting groundcovers that have long runners (such as ivies), it is easier to spread mulch before planting, and then push aside a small area in order to dig the planting hole (letting the runners lay on the mulch).

Keep the planting evenly watered (at least 1" of water per week, water every 2-3 days - do not water every day) for the first season to promote rooting and establishment.

When transplanting ivies, you must let the soil dry out between watering, but not so much that the plants die. Stick your finger three inches into the soil, if you feel any moisture at all, do not water them. More people kill ivies by overwatering than anything else.

See also:
  Ground preparation and fertilizing
  Testing and adjusting pH of your soil
  When you should plant
  Explanation and description of bare roots
  How to plant (tutorial with photographs)
  Plant calculator