How should I properly plant my plants?

Adding plants to your landscaping doesn’t just make your yard look better, it also makes your home feel more upscale and inviting. Here are some tips for planting and caring for your plants.

Adding plants to your landscaping doesn’t just make your yard look better, it also makes your home feel more upscale and inviting. But if you don’t take the time and care to make sure your plants stay healthy after you plant them, it can cost a lot of money and effort.

To make sure your plants thrive after the transition from the store to your home, you’ll need to have a few things before, during and after the planting. First, you’ll need a soil pH kit to determine the acidity of your soil. Depending on the type of plant you’re planting, you may need to adjust the pH of that area in your yard. If the soil needs to be less acidic, you’ll need to add lime. If it needs to be more acidic, you’ll need sulfur.

When digging holes for your plants, follow the direction on the plant tag. For trees and shrubs, you’ll typically want to dig the hole three times the width of the root ball, and you’ll want to dig it deep enough that the top of the root flare is barely above ground with the roots below ground level. For perennials and annuals, dig a hole that is just deep enough to accommodate the roots, then place the plant in the hole so that it’s at the same level with the ground as it was in its pot.

Mix in some compost with the dirt from the hole and use a shovel or trowel to chop up dirt clods. For larger plants, you may need to use a wheelbarrow. For smaller plants, a bucket will probably do the trick.

After you’ve got all your plants in the ground, put some mulch around the them to help retain moisture and control weeks. Then use a transplant starting solution like this to simulate root growth for faster blooms.

For plants that you’re transferring to planters instead of your yard, make sure your planter allows for good drainage. Most planters come with holes in the bottom to allow water to drain. If there is no hole, you’ll need to layer the bottom with rock to ensure good drainage. Then use a good potting mix to fill the planter around your new plant. For faster blooms, use a transplant starting solution.

Whether your new plant is in the ground or a container, use a watering wand or watering can to give it the moisture it needs.

To get more helpful tips on planting plants around your home, visit your local Westlake Hardware. We’re always here to help.