How to: Planting
Sometimes when you're new to something, it's the most basic things that can be hard to find information on. That's why we've created our planting how to guide - in six easy steps!
If you've been wondering why your new plants never seem as happy as they did they day you took them home, make sure you follow the steps below for thriving plants.
1. Prepare Your Soil
This is ideally done a few weeks before planting.
Remove any weeds, break up the soil if it is compacted and mix in some compost and manure to improve the soil quality. If you're preparing the soil the same day as planting, ensure you choose a manure that has been composted to avoid any risk of burning your new plant's roots.
2. Dig Your Hole
Don't forget to 'dial before you dig' on 1100 to check for any utilities.
Dig your planting hole slightly deeper than the height of your pot, but twice the width.
Make it easier for roots to form by breaking up the soil in the hole a little further. Add a few water saving crystals.
3. Prepare Your Plant
Water the plant in its pot thoroughly, then tap all sides of the pot to loosen the plant.
Invert it, holding the plant at its lower stem, and squeeze the pot gently as you pull the plant out.
4. Plant
Place your plant into the prepared hole, making sure that the top of the soil level in the pot matches the soil level in the new hole.
Back fill with the soil you dug out, a quality garden mix or a combination of the two. Surrounding the plant with loose, quality soil will make it far easier for the plant to spread out and establish its roots.
5. Water In Well
Water your plant in deeply - this is the most important step! It needs more than a sprinkle.
Adding a seaweed extract (like Seasol) at the recommended rate will also encourage roots to develop. Don't confuse seaweed extract with fertiliser - seaweed extract does not contain nitrogen which can stress transplanted plants.
6. Apply Mulch
Mulch the soil around the plant to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Your layer of mulch should be around 5cm thick, leaving a 5cm gap around the trunk of the plant. This helps to avoid collar rot, which is caused by wet mulch constantly sitting against the trunk of your plant.