Steve Lorton of Sunset Magazine shares some techniques to help you give plants the right start. To begin with, it's important to plant at the right time. Summer is generally the worst time to put a plant in the ground. Fall planting works well in mild-winter climates, and of course, spring bulbs must be planted during fall in all climates. Almost anything can be planted in spring, with good results. Before planting, soak container plants in a tub of water (figure A) to make sure the roots aren't dry.
Choose the proper tool for planting. If you're installing a large plant in a heavy soil, use a large shovel. When planting annuals in a prepared flower bed, use a trowel. The tool should match the size of the plant and the condition of the soil. Dig large planting holes, wider than they are deep. Before you place the plant in the ground, fill the hole with water, and let it drain three times. This will ensure that your plants don't encounter dry soil, which can be hard on tender roots. When the planting hole is completely saturated, add compost. Remove the plant from the container by squeezing the sides of the pot, laying the plant on its side and slipping it out of the container. Loosen the root ball gently with your hands before planting. Tear the roots only if they're tightly compacted (figure B).
Place the plant in the prepared hole at the proper depth. Plants placed too high tend to dry out, and those placed too low may rot at the base of the stem. Make sure that the top of the container's soil is at the same level as the garden soil (figure C).
Fill in with soil, firming the soil around the plant to eliminate air pockets. Use the handle of the shovel or your hands to avoid injuring the roots. Once you're finished, water once more to settle the soil in place. As the plant grows, keep the weeds away: they steal nutrients and water.
RESOURCES :
Sunset Magazine
Sunset Magazine & Books
Menlo Park, CA 94025-3661
Phone: 650-322-3600
Fax: 650-322-1043
Website: www.sunset.com/
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