Planting Guide
A little care and a few simple steps when planting new plants will get you well on your way to a successful garden.
When to plant gardening tip
Today, most hardy nursery stock is grown directly in the container you purchase the plant in or has been dug and potted at the proper time of year. Since this minimizes transplant shock, it’s now completely safe to plant from April through to November.
You’re not limited to spring and fall planting only. When planting in the summer, water to a depth of at least 10 cm (4”), and never allow new plants to dry out. Be aware of natural precipitation and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Autumn can be dry and warm as well so continue to pay attention to soil moistness. As long as the soil is dark in colour and cool to the touch you don’t need to water that day. Transplant established plants in early spring before they leaf out. Consult an expert at a Sheridan Nurseries Garden Centre near you for more gardening tips.
Care Upon Arrival
How to plant gardening tip for evergreens, shrubs, and trees.
Step 1
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container and 20 cm (8”) deeper. If the soil is compacted, gently loosen it at the bottom and on the sides with your shovel.
Step 2
Fill the bottom 20 cm (8”) with Parkwood® 3 in 1 Planting Mix and pack it down so the rootball doesn’t sink below ground level when watered.
Step 3
Measure the height of the rootball before lowering it into the hole especially in the case of large plants that are very heavy. You want your plant to be 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) above grade to allow for some initial sinking.
Step 4
Lower the rootball into the planting hole following directions listed for different containers. Make sure all plants are watered well in their containers before planting.
Step 5
Adjust the position of the plant in the hole so that the sides are facing in the desired direction.
Step 6
Start filling the sides of the hole with Parkwood® 3 in 1 Planting Mix and pack firmly as you go to avoid air pockets. Once you have filled the hole halfway, water to remove air pockets and continue to fill the hole with a mix of Parkwood® 3 in 1 Planting Mix and existing soil.
Step 7
For larger plants, make a circular ridge of soil that forms a trench so that water won’t run off.
Step 8
To strengthen and stimulate root growth dilute Parkwood® Transplanter 5-15-5 with water as per directions and water area thoroughly with this mixture.
Step 9
Trees will need to be staked so that they will grow straight otherwise they may end up leaning away from the wind. Secure the trunk to the stake using tree ties (pictured above). Check ties regularly to ensure they don’t tighten around the bark. Remove stakes and ties after one or two years when plant is firmly rooted.
Container Types
Plants with Burlap Soil Balls
Lower the complete burlaped ball into the pre-dug hole. Cut the strings at the top of the ball that are wound tightly around the stems or trunk and remove. Pull the burlap away from the stem. It will end up being covered by soil. Don’t try to remove any of the burlap. It’s biodegradable and tender roots will have no trouble pushing through it.
Plants in Plastic Containers
Grasp the base of the plant securely, turn the pot upside down, and gently slide out the moistened rootball. If the roots appear thickly entangled or tightly wound around the base of the soil ball, loosen them gently with your fingers. Place in the planting hole.
Plants in Fibre Pots
Trim the rim of the pot down to the soil level in the pot with a sharp knife or a pair of garden pruners and remove. Cut the bottom off and remove. Place the plant in the desired position in the hole, then make 4 evenly spaced slits in the fibre pot up the sides from bottom to top. Don’t try to remove the sides. They’ll decompose naturally.
Plants in Wire Baskets
Lower the wire basket into the planting hole having measured the depth carefully first. If you’ve misjudged the depth of the hole, it will be very difficult to lift the soil ball out to make the necessary adjustments. With wire cutters, cut all the cords that are tied to the trunk of the tree and remove. Cut off and remove the top third to half of the wire basket. Pull back the burlap from the top of the soil ball and cut off or leave to decompose. For fruit and shade trees as well as large evergreens, place two sturdy tree stakes on either side of the rootball before starting to backfill the sides. Trees with wire baskets should be thoroughly soaked at time of planting. Once planted water with a hose to ensure that the soil is thoroughly watered.
Plant ‘N Grow™
Environmentally Friendly!
Easy planting, the coir pot and plant can be planted together in the ground.
Upon contact with the wet soil the plant roots will start growing through the coir fibre.
No plastic waste coir pots are left on when planted and 90% of it decomposes naturally in the soil after one year.
All natural, made from sustainable products, (coconut fibre & rubber latex).
Coir pots ‘breathe’ allowing air and water to flow through the pot wall. Coir pots do not heat up like plastic pots.
How to Plant in Clay Soil
Avoid planting in any low areas (except plants that tolerate extremely wet conditions). Start at the bottom of the hole with a 10-15 cm (4-6”) layer of gravel and add 20 cm (8”) of Parkwood® 3 in 1 Planting Mix. The plant will now sit 10-15 cm (4-6”) above ground level to allow for additional drainage. For larger plants in wire baskets, place 20-25 cm (8-10”) of gravel in the bottom followed by 20 cm (8”) of Parkwood® 3 in 1 Planting Mix. Follow the rest of the planting instructions as previously outlined and cover the raised rootball with mulch.
How to Plant Gardening Tip for Annuals, Perennials & Ground Covers
Dig 3 cm (1-1.5”) of composted manure into top 12 cm (5”) of soil. At the same time, work in Parkwood® Garden-All, 4-12-8 as per the package directions. With a trowel or small shovel, dig planting holes slightly larger than the container. For ground covers planted bareroot gently ease each one apart. Plants in plastic containers need to be gently removed and roots eased apart if they appear rootbound. When positioned in the ground, firm soil around the roots. Don’t let plants sink below the level of the ground or they may drown. Dilute Parkwood® Transplanter, 5-15-5 as directed on package instructions and saturate area.
