Planting and after care
Where to plant
Refer to the information sheet for the particular plants you have selected or check the label.
When to plant
Most plants are supplied growing in pots with their own soil. This enables them to be planted at any time of the year. Provided these plants have good light and are watered daily they can be held for 2 - 3 weeks before planting.
If there is a ‘best time’ to plant it is Autumn because this allows plants the longest time to establish before their first summer which is usually the hardest period for them.
Preparation
The key to success with plants is a thriving root system.
Hence a little extra time and money at planting time pays off.
Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball or spread of roots.
Break up subsoil
If you have heavy soil ensure you add gypsum regularly,
Make sure the plant is well watered before planting.
Planting
The plant should be placed in the hole so that the soil level after planting is the same as the level in the pot (or in the case of ‘bare rooted’ plants the soil level on the stem).
Some plants may appear a little ‘root bound’ ie. They have a mass of roots especially around the base.
This is not normally a problem, but it is a good idea to gently tease out the roots around the base.
Backfill around the roots with planting mix or compost, mixed with soil from the hole.
Incorporate with this ican Slow Food as per instructions. ican Slow Food is safe, will not burn roots, and give your plants a perfect start in life.
No other feeding is required in the first year.
Firm the soil around the roots to ensure a good contact and to keep the plant stable.
Staking
Trees and tall shrubs require staking to aid establishment and to keep the plant erect. For best results use 2 or 3 stakes and ties as shown
This page sets out step by step how to plant for best results. A little extra time and money at planting time pays off.
This page assumes that you have already selected plants or varieties suitable for your purpose, climate, soil and position. If you need guidance in selection of plants please refer to other relevant information sheets on this site or ask a Green Door Team members.
After planting care
Watering
It will be some weeks or even months before your new plants have roots penetrating well out into the soil. Until this happens they are dependent on the initial root ball for their water.
This is not a big reserve and therefore plants will need watering regularly through the first summer.
From September through to April your new plants should be watered 3 times a week.
Mulching
This involves covering the soil surface around your plants with a layer of compost or straw 20-40mm deep preferably laid prior to summer. This reduces water loss from the soil and keeps roots cool in the hot weather. Mulching also prevents weeds.
Feeding
If you have used ican Slow Food at planting time there will be no need to feed your plants for a year.
Thereafter you should give them annual topdressing of Novatec
A light annual dressing of lime or gypsum is also desirable.
For more detailed information on the requirements of the different plant groups refer to the specific information sheet or ask a Green Door Team member.