Planting Guide

Let's Talk Soil...

Whether you are planting in raised beds or placing trees, shrubs, & perennials soil should be amended. This process rejuvenates spent soils with needed nutrients, breaks up our native clay soils to help roots get established, and regulates soil temperatures encouraging even growth.

See below for recommended for our recommendations

Water, How Much is Enough?

Water thoroughly before planting, at planting time and the day after planting. This helps to settle the soil and get rid of large air pockets.

Water daily for the first week, then twice a week for the next month or so. Take your time and be sure the water soaks the entire root ball.

Slow, deep, infrequent watering encourages the roots to follow the water deep into the soil. This is vital for the longevity of your trees, shrubs, and perennials.

See the "Annual Flowers & Vegetables" section for watering tips in the garden.

What is Dormant Care?

Dry, cold soil loses its insulating properties that protect tree root systems during winter.

Water when its above 40°F and in the middle part of the day.

Water slowly. Dry soil tends to resist water at first, and you want water to go down a foot or more.

Water away from the trunks/center along the dripline of the tree or within the mulch ring of newly planted trees & shrubs.

Drizzle water from a hose (or use a soaker) for 20-30 mins once a month from late fall to early spring.

Trees, Shrubs, & Perennials

1. Hole 2-3 times the size of the root ball or container

2. Root ball should sit slightly above ground level when backfilled. Take off caging/containers.

3. Soil should be amended with Soil Pep or Compost (see the "Let's Talk Soil" Section) Mix 50/50 with the soil from the hole when backfilling.

4. 2-3 inches of mulch should be used to top dress. Keep away from the trunk. We recommend using Soil Pep.

5. Staking is important for support and should be left in place for the first 2 -3 years as roots establish.

**The planting instructions for perennials and shrubs are the same, but for most of them you get to skip step #5!

Annual Flowers & Vegetables

1. Grow what you love. Pick veggies you'll eat and the flowers that suit your style. Not sure? Just ask. We're happy to help.

2. You can't grow a good garden in bad soil... so remember to amend! Visit our website to calculate how much amendment you will need and discuss your garden with us up front for a more tailored recommendation.

3. Watering. It can be difficult, especially for 1st time gardeners to dial in the watering needs.

We adhere to a "3 Inch Rule". Which is: dig down 3 inches into your soil, if it's moist then go another day without watering.

The smaller the container or raised bed the more frequently you need to water.

Remember watering in the morning is best and when in doubt use the "3 Inch Rule".

4. Pest and diseases control is always a concern. However, don't fret, if you have a problem take pictures, or a sample in a ziploc bag, and come in to see us (or send us an email!) we are here to help.

We Recommend...

Trees, Shrubs, Perennials

Ferti-Lome Root Stimulator for all newly planted tress, shrubs or perennials.

Soil Pep for Tree and Shrub soil amendment

Compost for Perennial soil amendment

Annual Flowers & Vegetables

Tailoring products to meet your needs...

Ask us about Soils, Amendments & Fertilizers for flowers and vegetables

Warranty Information

When planting your trees and shrubs purchased from our nursery we do warranty them to the end of October in the year they were purchased - when planting according to this guide and with the exceptions listed below.

Warranty becomes VOID when:

Dieback due to seasonal conditions
Mechanical Injuries
Animal and Insect damage
Obvious neglect
Discounted / Sale items

What's Not Covered under Warranty?

Annuals & Vegetables
Perennials
Vines
Fruit Bearing Trees and Vines
All Discounted / Sale items

Having trouble?

Call or email us with questions, take good pictures and come in and talk with us. We'd rather help you save it than replace it!

Let's Get Growing...