Sometimes we can’t plant our plant purchases right way…No problem! Plants in containers will remain in good health for a long time. Make sure that they are watered regularly so they don’t dry out before we are ready to plant them. A slightly shady spot will be beneficial to the plant. B+B material, or balled and burlapped plants, can be treated the same way. Mulching around the roots will also help slow down water loss and keep the roots cool until planting.

Unless adding a plant to an existing bed, don’t cheat by just amending the soil removed from the planting hole. The roots need to be encouraged to develop beyond the new hole. This is especially true when planting trees and shrubs. Many studies have shown that amending the soil only within the planting hole actually inhibits root development beyond it. The roots need to grow into the surrounding soil and the sooner that happens, the faster and better the plant will become established. Plants that are said to require good drainage usually need some sand added to the soil, not organic material. If the plant is being installed in a location similar to where it has adapted to in the wild, then no soil additives are needed.

Remember the old advice about digging a hole twice as wide as the root ball and half as deep? Forget about it. Dig no deeper than the height of the root ball. Dig the hole at least twice as wide. The wider the better; especially for trees and shrubs.

After setting a balled or burlap tree or shrub in place, make sure it is facing the right direction and is plum. The plant should be smiling in the direction it will be viewed from most. Fill the hole with soil level with the top of the root ball, but not covering it. Do not plant too deep. Press the soil firmly with your fingers, then water.

There are some conflicting instructions on what to do about the string and the organic burlap. I recommend cutting and removing the twine and the string on the upper part of the root ball unless we are planting on a very windy location. Keep the burlap tied for 1 or 2 yrs in a windy site for proper anchoring. Do not leave any burlap exposed. During dry conditions, it can act as a wick and dry the root ball.

Wire baskets should not be removed, as they help keep the root ball intact. Plastic burlap needs to be cut off completely because it does not decompose.

Most newly planted trees will do better without staking. Young trees standing alone with their tops free to move will develop stronger trunks and roots than those staked for several years. Trunk movement is required to develop strong tapered trunks and roots.

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

And tune in to hear "The Living Landscape" with Pete Muroski throughout the day on LIME Radio, Sirius Satellite channel 114. Thanks for visiting "The Living Landscape".