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Where to plant: When choosing a home for your new plants, bear in mind the characteristics of your garden site. When selecting plants be aware of the specific growing requirements of the plants you are considering and match them to the garden spots available to you. Matching plant requirements to growing sites is a giant step towards achieving gardening success. Factors to consider are light requirements, tolerance to heat or cold, moisture requirements, ability to withstand winds, soil preferences, including composition (sand, clay, loam, organic matter), fertility, and level of acidity or alkalinity.

How to plant: Careful site preparation is the next step towards achieving healthy, vigorous plants. Clear your site of weeds and dig or rototill soil deeply, incorporating composted organic matter to improve structure, fertility, and drainage. (Never work soil that is too wet. To do so destroys soil structure, compacts it, and makes it hard as bricks! Soil is workable when it holds together somewhat, but still crumbles in your hand).

Now you are ready to place your plants in the ground. Dig holes wider and a little deeper than the root ball of your plant. Leave a mound in the center of your hole. Place plant on the top of the mound so the soil level of your plant is about 1" above the soil level of your garden. Spread roots out over the mound and backfill with garden soil. Tamp soil to remove air pockets, then water well. Gently work the plant up and down to settle soil around roots, tamp soil again, and water a second time.

To plant a tree or shrub in an area that hasn't been prepared as a garden is much the same. However, you will want to dig your hole much wider - two to three times as wide as the root ball. Leave the sides of your hole rough. As described above, place root ball on mound and spread roots out and down into hole around mound. Any damaged roots or roots that are growing in a tight circle should be cut off. The removed roots will rapidly be replaced with vigorous new feeder roots. Backfill the hole with soil removed from the hole. Some composted material may be mixed with your backfill. Tamp soil and water, as above.

The next step is to add mulch. Use bark, hulls, or whatever is available in your area. Apply 3-6" over root area, being careful not to pile mulch up against plant stalks or trunk. Mulch reduces water evaporation, keeps soil cool, and prevents weed growth - good return on your investment!

Young trees usually require support for a year or two until roots have established a good anchor. one stake should be sufficient for a young whip with a trunk 1" or less in diameter. Trees with a larger trunk require three stakes spaced evenly around the trunk. Place the stake or stakes outside the root area and loosely secure trunk to stake, or stakes, with rope or wire. It is important that the trunk is allowed some movement so it can build enough strength to eventually stand on its own. Where wires or rope come in contact with the tree trunk, protect the trunk by covering wire or rope with lengths of old garden hose. This prevents the supports from cutting into bark.

Care after planting: Unless you live in an area that has enough rainfall to insure continued moisture during the growing season, you must keep your plant watered. Build a berm around your plant 3-6" higher than ground level, just outside root area. Fill the moat you have created with water. Fill slowly and let water soak in. The object is to water deeply to encourage roots to grow downward. Allow time between watering so soil does not stay soggy, but do not let soil dry out completely. During this first growing season your plant is tender with a limited root system. It is imperative that the soil does not dry out completely! Be aware that although the soil may be moist, the root ball may not be accepting water. It is a good idea to check the root ball area from time to time. Do this by sticking something sharp into the root area to make a small hole, and feeling the soil for moisture. If the root ball is not accepting water, turn your hose on to the tiniest trickle, place it on top of the root ball and let it run until root area is wet. This may take a day or two.

Fertilize very lightly this first season, increasing amounts the following year. Avoid feeding in fall, just before onset of winter as this encourages new growth at a time when the plants are going dormant, thereby stressing the plant.