Planting Guide

1. Dig a hole three times the width of the container and twice the depth; this will ensure that excess water will be below the root system of the plant.

2. Amend the soil removed from the hole with an equal part of soil conditioner such as Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser.  Pine based products are designed to loosen heavy clay soil to improve soil drainage in times of excess rain or irrigation.  It is formulated with the essential nutrients necessary for a good start for your plant.  Make sure to mix the native soil and soil conditioner together thoroughly.  Sandy soils may also be amended with peat, mushroom compost, or composted cow manure. 

3.    Fill the bottom of the hole with the prepared soil so that the plant rests slightly above the natural level of the soil.  Some conifers and rhododendron relatives may need to be raised additionally.  This will enhance the drainage for the root ball.  Finally, fill and mound the prepared soil around the root ball of the plant being careful not to cover the root flare of the plant.

4.    Covering the prepared soil with 1-2 inches of mulch or pine straw  will prevent some weeds and retain moisture in the soil.

5.    Watering is one of the most important steps.  Newly planted plants cannot acquire moisture from the surrounding soil because there are no roots in that soil to acquire water.  Roots also require oxygen to survive.  Over saturation can cause several root rot problems.  Careful inspection of the plant on a daily basis will help in determining how much to water.  Please refer to our Watering Guideline for additional information.

6.    Our staff at Head-Lee Nursery, Inc. is here to help you, so feel free to call us when you have any questions.