Container grown plants have a few pre-planting requirements. After removing the plant from the pot, loosen or cut the roots with a knife or a scissor. This is especially important if the plant has been in the container for too long and has become root bound. When a plant is root bound, its roots grow in circles or in a girdling fashion and the plant will eventually die. The practice of cutting the roots is necessary to stimulate the roots and help them adapt into the native soil.

Dig the hole for your plant two times the width of the containerized root ball. When using very sharp shovels or planting in clay soils, glazing may occur. Glazing creates a slick surface that plant roots may have trouble penetrating, so use an iron rake to loosen up the sides of the planting hole. Pack the soil around the root ball to eliminate air pockets, which inhibit root growth. Soil amendments should be avoided or kept to a minimal and only added if planting in poor soil. Water thoroughly during the acclimation period to ensure proper health.

For more information about ecological gardening log onto the Native Landscapes Garden Center website at www.NativeLandscaping.net.

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