Planting Information

Many times we get questions and emails regarding problems that customers are having with their plants and frequently it can be traced back to incorrect planting or lack of water early in the planting.  Often customers would like to plant their own plants and to that end, see some information below that will assist with that.

Firstly, dig a hole that is one and a half times wider than your root ball but very importantly, shallower than the root ball. Most people plant too deep and this will prevent plants from thriving.  The point where the stem of a plant meets the root ball is called the “flare”.  The flare of plants, trees, palms should be above the surface of the soil. 

 Once you have the correct depth, position the plant in the center of your hole and double check. If the flare is below the surface, remove it and add more soil under the plant to raise it.  Carefully backfill around the plant being careful not to cover the root ball and flare with soil. Always add plenty of water to the root ball and the hole during planting.  Add soil, water it in, add more soil, water it in again. This will prevent air pockets and will also prevent the plant from sinking. 

You can add some mulch around the plant but not on top of the root ball. Make sure there is no mulch within 2-3 inches of the stem.  It will trap moisture and can often cause disease. 

Irrigation is not designed to get new plants established unless you have direct drip lines to your plants.  Hand watering is the best option.  Water the root ball and try not to soak the plant so that you don’t have water sitting on the plant for long periods of time.  This can cause fungus. It varies how long hand watering is needed- it depends on the size of the plants.  If you purchase plants at the Garden Center and plan to plant them yourself, please ask for both a planting guide and a watering guide to give you the best chance of success.

The best advice we can give all our new customers and all our existing customers- ask a lot of questions and plan at the outset of any new garden and you will be successful!  We at VerdeGo will be happy to answer your questions honestly and correctly.

A little Gardening Humor:

“A weed is a plant that has mastered every skill except for learning how to grow in rows.” — Doug Larson

                                     Happy Planting!