Planting tips

Gardeners Corner top tips for planting

1. Dig a hole that is bigger than the pot. Ideally twice the width and the same depth. Level the bottom of the hole so that when the plant gets placed in there, the top of the root ball is level with the existing ground.
2. Dig through well decomposed organic compost or use our ‘Black Gold Compost’.
3. Water the pot plant thoroughly. A great method is to dunk it in a bucket of water until all the air bubbles have disappeared.
4. If your hole is dry, fill it with water and let it drain away before planting.
5. Remove the plant from the pot by placing your hand over the top of the root ball with the stem between your fingers. Tip the pot upside down and pull the pot gently away from the root ball. If the pot does not slide easily, gently squeeze the container and repeat.
6. For large heavier pots, lay the plant on its side and gently squeeze the diameter of the container. Then, (leaving the plant on its side) use your foot as leverage at the lip of the container to separate the root ball away from the container.
7. It is not necessary to tease the roots of most plants as the growing methods and containers have changed over the years to encourage the roots to grow down instead of around. If the plant is pot bound, it would be best to tease the bottom corners of the root ball.
8. Gently place the root ball in the hole so that the top is level with the existing soil.
9. Back fill the hole with your soil/compost to the top of the root ball. Compact the soil until its firm but not solid.
10. Water in well with Seasol to stimulate root growth and to assist with transplanting shock.