PLANTING PERENNIALS

When and Where to Plant

Perennials can be planted any time the ground can be worked. It is best not to plant on a hot sunny day, but if you do it is important to provide shade for the new plantings and be sure they get plenty of water.

Choose plants to match your garden conditions of light, soil, zones and exposure. Plants grown in conditions as close to ideal as you can get them are healthier and less prone to pest and disease. Most perennials need well-drained soil in a sunny spot, but a few are happiest in shade. If your soil isn’t well drained consider building a mound or raised bed to plant on. Perennials are usually available in 4 inch, one gallon or two gallon containers. With well prepared soil, proper watering and maintenance you will have rapid growth of most 4 inch perennials in the first season. For fall planting the larger sizes with more extensive root systems will have a better chance of establishing.

How to Plant

Dig a shallow, broad, planting hole. Most tree roots grow flat like a pancake in the top foot of the soil. Few have taproots. This flat, root mass extends out in a circle as wide as the tree is tall. The hole should be at least twice as wide, and just as deep, as the pot or root ball. Loosen the soil around the hole with a fork for another couple of feet. This will encourage the roots to take hold.

Find the spot on the tree where the roots flare and spread at the base of the trunk. This spot should be partly visible after planting.

Place the tree in the hole lifting it by the root ball, not the trunk, to avoid damaging the plant. Make sure the tree doesn’t sit too deeply in the hole. Carefully remove all string from the root ball or any pot, including the biodegradable fiber types.

Make sure the tree is straight before filling with soil.

Fill the hole with the original dirt, gently packing soil around the base of the roots. Water well, adding start-up to help ease transplant shock. Don’t add fertilizer at this time.

Mulch around the base of the tree to the drip line, leaving an 8" diameter circle around the trunk clear to prevent diseases. This mulch can be 3-4" deep and made of shredded leaves, pine needles, bark, peat moss, wood chips or compost. Make sure all grass is removed as far out as the branches reach (the drip line).

Keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Water trees at least once a week and more frequently in hot weather. Continue until mid-fall. The tree will need regular watering until established.

Supplies & Sources

• Your tree
• Shovel
• Fork
• Mulch
• Books: Sunset Western Garden Book

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