Preparation & Planting

Soil  Preparation

Irrespective of the plants to be planted thorough soil preparation is essential. For trees and shrubs which are going to occupy the same position for between twenty and two hundred years proper soil preparation is critical, for this is the last occasion when it is possible to get at the soil to improve it for a very long time.

All popular garden plants enjoy a crumbly well cultivated soil, the majority preferring one that is richly organic. A friable growing medium is best achieved by first digging and then breaking the soil down with a hoe. With trees, shrubs and perennials it is better to dig and add organic matter to the soil during the autumn, and then leave it for a month or two before breaking it down and planting.

Heeling in 

Autumn and winter are the main planting times for bare-rooted trees, shrubs and perennials. Often these arrive during inclement weather or prior to soil preparations being completed. Even if they are packed beautifully, they will keep much better if heeled-in outdoors. This involves the digging of a trench which will just accommodate the roots of the plants, the soil being thrown along one side of the trench to create a long low mound. With trees and shrubs this forms a support as they are laid at an angle in the trench, their root systems next to one another, and then covered with soil. They can remain safely stored like this until the planting positions are ready.

Planting - Bare-rooted

Open ground trees, shrubs and hardy perennials are planted between October and the end of February. Evergreens are best planted in September or March. When planting ensure that the hole is large enough to accommodate all the roots when they are spread out and that the soil in the bottom of the hole is broken up.

In order to encourage the rapid formation of life-giving hair roots, add tree planting compost and spread this amongst the roots. Modern tree planting composts are often made from spent mushroom compost or composted bark and perform a valuable role in rapid root development and establishment.

Planting  - Container Grown

Many plants of all kinds are grown in containers for planting outdoors at any season of the year. Composts in which container grown plants are grown are properly balanced to ensure their satisfactory development. Providing that feeding with a suitable fertilizer is continued during their life in the container they have an excellent opportunity of rapid establishment.

Treat container grown plants in exactly the same way as bare-rooted ones ensuring that there is adequate space around the rootball for a liberal addition of planting compost. If the rootball is congested, then disrupt it a little by teasing out some of the roots so that they can penetrate the surrounding soil quickly. Water regularly, especially when planting has taken place during spring and summer.

Staking

Most trees that are planted require a long term stake. One that will support them for several years until they become well established. Place this in the hole at planting time and fasten with proper belt and buckle tree ties. Each year check the tie and loosen it to allow for the expansion of the tree's girth.

Other plants which require staking include border perennials, dahlias etc. These should also receive supports at planting time or alternatively as they emerge through the soil. Such supports are temporary.

Evergreen Protection

When first planted, evergreen shrubs benefit from protection as drying or chill winds can cause rapid leaf transpiration which a disturbed root system will take time to cope with. Protect evergreens with a screen of fine garden netting attached to stakes or canes on the windward side. Alternatively use an anti-transpirant spray such as that used on Christmas trees to prevent needle-drop.

Shortening Back

With most woody plants it is desirable to shorten back the growths of the past season at planting time. Reduce by about one third and cut to a leaf joint. Any dead material or die back should also be removed, along with any damaged roots on bare-rooted subjects.

Bulbs and Bedding Plants

The principles of planting are the same for these as for all other subjects, especially with regard to soil preparation. With few exceptions bulbs should be planted so that they are covered with soil by between one and two times the depth of the bulb. Bedding plants must be planted firmly with minimum disturbance and watered regularly until well established.