Full Product Manual

Once you have prepared your soil, lay out the plants in your intended design. Be sure to keep in mind
mature size of the plants, ensuring that they will barely touch at full size. This will make your garden
look full and allow for air to circulate between the plants. Dig your planting hole slightly larger than
the pot size, and place any fertilizer (see below), organic material or nutrients needed to improve your
soil mix in the hole before putting your plants in place. If the roots are tightly packed, loosen them
gently with your fingers before planting to encourage root growth and spread once in the ground.
For shrubs, make sure that the crown of the plant – where the base of the stems meets the soil – is
even with the ground level. If the plant is placed too high, it can easily dry out. If the crown is placed
too low when planting, it can cause the plant not to bloom and potentially rot. For trees, make sure
that the root flare – where the trunk flares out to the root system – is even with the soil level. Refill
the hole with soil and pack it firmly around the crown or root flare to create a water dam around the
newly planted shrubs or trees. Fill the dam with water, let it drain and then refill it.
FERTILIZING
Landscape plantings will do best with a spring application of a simple, well balanced, slow-release
fertilizer. We recommend a granular or spike-form fertilizer rather than water-soluble types, which
are best used in small doses and mainly for container gardens. When applying fertilizer, follow the
directions on the label, as over-fertilizing can damage the plants’ root systems. One exception is roses,
which do well with monthly applications through mid-summer. As a rule of thumb, it is best to stop
fertilizing trees and shrubs in late summer. If you are not sure what fertilizer to use as a professional
at your local garden center. Be prepared to tell them what types of plants you want to fertilize, and
they will be able to help select the proper product!
WATERING
Watering is important for long-term growth and health and is especially important with newly planted
shrubs and trees. Young root systems can easily dry out while they are getting established, so paying
close attention is important. To determine if a plant needs watering, stick your finger in the soil to see
how dry it is. Just because a plant is wilting does not mean that it needs water – it can sometimes be a
sign of overly wet soil as well! When you water plants, it is best to give them a deep, thorough
watering less often rather than watering lightly every day. A soaker hose is a great way to achieve
this.
As plants grow and mature, you will not need to water as often. As a guide, if your garden does not
get 1” of natural rainfall per week, you should check the soil and consider supplemental water with a
deep soaking. A natural way to keep soil cool and prevent evaporation is to use a wood chip, bark or
cocoa bean mulch.