✅ Quick Tip: For container-grown plants, plant them at the same soil level they had in the pot—not deeper.
1. Timing
Best time to plant: Spring through fall, when temperatures are moderate and roots can establish before extreme heat or frost stress.
Avoid planting in the peak of summer heat unless you can water frequently.
2. Preparing the Plant
Water the plant in its pot thoroughly a few hours before planting.
Gently remove the plant from the pot:
Squeeze or tap the container sides to loosen.
Support the root ball and slide it out carefully.
Tease them apart gently or make a few shallow vertical cuts to encourage outward growth.
3. Choosing a Site
Sunlight: Match the plant’s needs (full sun, part shade, or shade). This information is found on each plant’s product page.
Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for nearly all potted plants. Amend poor soil with compost.
Space: Allow enough room for the plant’s mature size.
4. Preparing the Soil
Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and the same depth as the root ball.
Loosen soil at the bottom and sides of the hole so roots can grow outward.
Incorporate organic matter (compost, aged manure, or peat moss) into the backfill if needed.
5. Planting
Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil (or slightly above in clay soils to improve drainage).
Backfill with the soil you removed, firming gently around the roots.
Avoid burying the crown or piling soil against the stem/trunk.
6. Watering
Water thoroughly right after planting to eliminate air pockets and settle soil.
Keep soil consistently moist for the first few weeks while the plant establishes.
Transition to deep, less frequent watering once established, according to the plant’s needs.
7. Mulching
Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer around the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Keep mulch a few inches away from the crown or trunk to prevent rot.
8. Aftercare
Fertilize lightly a few weeks after planting (avoid heavy fertilizing immediately, which can burn tender roots).
Remove spent blooms, yellow leaves, or damaged stems to reduce stress.
Stake taller plants if needed for stability.
Monitor moisture closely through the first growing season—consistent watering is the key to success.
✅ Common factors that limit plant health and flowering:
Planting too deep → crowns or stems buried, causing rot.
Underwatering or overwatering → stress slows growth/flowering.
Incorrect site selection → too much sun/shade for species.
Poor soil → heavy clay or low fertility limits roots.
Root-bound plants not loosened → roots circle and can’t spread.
