Planting Guide

Planting Guide

A little care and a few simple steps when planting new plants will get you well on your way to a successful garden.

When to plant

Today, most hardy nursery stock is grown directly in the container you purchase the plant in or has been dug and potted at the proper time of year. Since this minimizes transplant shock, it’s now completely safe to plant from April through to November.

You’re not limited to spring and fall planting only. When planting in the summer, water to a depth of at least 10 cm (4”), and never allow new plants to dry out. Be aware of natural precipitation and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Autumn can be dry and warm as well so continue to pay attention to soil moistness. As long as the soil is dark in colour and cool to the touch you don’t need to water that day. Transplant established plants in early spring before they leaf out. Consult an expert from Art Knapp Plantland for more information.

Care Upon Arrival

How to Plant... evergreens, shrubs, and trees.

Step 1

Dig a hole twice as wide as the container and 20 cm (8”) deeper. If the soil is compacted, gently loosen it at the bottom and on the sides with your shovel.

Step 2

Fill the bottom 20 cm (8”) with Planting Mix and pack it down so the rootball doesn’t sink below ground level when watered.

Step 3

Measure the height of the rootball before lowering it into the hole especially in the case of large plants that are very heavy. You want your plant to be 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) above grade to allow for some initial sinking.

Step 4

Lower the rootball into the planting hole following directions listed for different containers. Make sure all plants are watered well in their containers before planting.

Step 5

Adjust the position of the plant in the hole so that the sides are facing in the desired direction.

Step 6

Start filling the sides of the hole with Planting Mix and pack firmly as you go to avoid air pockets. Once you have filled the hole halfway, water to remove air pockets and continue to fill the hole with a mix of Planting Mix and existing soil.

Step 7

For larger plants, make a circular ridge of soil that forms a trench so that water won’t run off.

Step 8

To strengthen and stimulate root growth add Transplanter with water as per directions and water area thoroughly with this mixture.

Step 9

Trees will need to be staked so that they will grow straight and if not staked they end up leaning away from the wind. Secure the trunk to the stakes using tree ties (as pictured above). Check these ties regularly to ensure they don’t tighten around the bark. Remove stakes and ties after one or two years when the plant feels firmly rooted and doesn’t move when lightly shaken. Left longer, these ties can severely damage bark and impede the flow of nutrients and water to the upper branches.