It's October. You've scored a beautiful Proven Winners® shrub and now is the best time to put it in your garden. But how do you go about that? Fortunately, we can help you with our 7-step planting plan. Follow these planting basics and you can be sure your new plant will get the best start.
Practically all shrubs prefer sun or partial shade. Some also do well in the shade. This is indicated on the label. Choose the spot in your garden where it prefers to grow.
Before planting, put the plant including pot in a bucket of water. This way, the roots already absorb the necessary moisture preventing the root ball from drying out.
When digging, make sure the hole is as deep as the pot the plant is in, but two to three times as wide. This will give the roots room to spread.
Slightly turn over the soil at the bottom of the hole. Roots find their way more easily in airy soil. Enrich the dug-out soil by mixing in some fresh potting soil or compost. This extra nutrition will help the shrub settle in.
Now carefully remove the plant from the pot (squeezing the sides a little will help) and loosen the root ball a little to encourage the roots to spread.
Place the plant in the center of the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is just above the edge of the hole. Fill the hole with the mixed soil and press it firmly around the plant. This will ensure good contact between the roots and the soil.
Give the plant plenty of water after planting, as this promotes rooting. A 5-7 cm layer of soil mulch (e.g. wood chips) around the base of the plant will protect it from the elements, such as drought, heat or frost.
With these planting basics, you will give your Proven Winners® acquisition the best possible start in your garden. Enjoying your beautiful plant can begin!
