27 Jul How To: Plant Like A Pro
If you’ve had a little experience or if you’re brand new to crafting a garden sanctuary, it’s a good idea to do a little research to ensure your plants and trees have the best shot at living a full and happy life. Taking care of certain plants might be less labor-intensive, but if you have a good working knowledge when it comes to planting, you will make sure that your endeavor is a success instead of a source of stress.
Remember that the planting stage is perhaps the most important part of the gardening process. Below, The Green Goddess goes over a few ways you can plant like a professional!
Where Do You Plan to Plant?
Thinking about the location of your garden is tremendously important. You’ll want to make sure that your garden gets plenty of fresh air and sunlight. You want to create the best environment for your plants and trees to thrive.
When placing the hole for your plant/tree, the hole itself should be around 2-3 three times larger than the width of the root ball. Of course, if there is no root ball, you can simply measure the bare roots. When considering depth, all you have to do is dig the hole as deep as the root system itself. In other words, you do not want any plant structure above the root to get buried.
Prepping the Plant and the Soil
Make sure to prune any damaged roots before you plant. If you have a root ball on your hands, take special care to quarter the root ball by making vertical slices on the sides as well as an “x” pattern at the base.
Before you plant, make sure to remove:
- Any strings or burlap
- Metal or plastic cages
- Any additional materials that are not part of the plant itself
You don’t want to have anything hindering the plant as it attempts to grow. If you skip this crucial part of the process, your plant’s external walls will likely break, which will limit the plant’s ability to take in nutrients and water.
As far as soil goes, many regions have native soil that will work just fine. Do your research and, in the event that native soil is lacking in quality, you can use soil mixes that will ensure your plant grows up happy and healthy. Make sure that you are aware of the soil needs your particular plant has and do your best to accommodate those needs.
When it’s Time to Plant
Now that you’ve prepped everything, it’s time to plant! Place your tree or shrub inside of its hole with extra special care. Keep the plant upright. Make sure that the plant is facing the way you prefer before backfilling the hole. Pack the dirt sturdy enough to hold the plant in place without suffocating the plant by impeding root growth. The soil should be at the level just beneath or exactly level with the root flair. Burying the root flair is a common mistake and will end up being fatal for the plant in question.
Lastly, apply mulch around your plant and give it a generous watering. You can prevent “transplant shock” by staying on top of initial watering. You can use tools like gator bags that will help ensure your plant gets a slow and steady drip.
If you follow these steps, you’ll have a green sanctuary before you know it.
If you have any questions about planting or would like to look at our vast selection of plants, flowers, succulents, and more, contact The Green Goddess today.
We proudly serve our Phoenix, AZ community with two locations.