HOW TO PLANT?

Step 1

After researching and selecting which native plants will perform best at your site, it's time to plant! Start by digging a hole as deep as the pot and twice its width.

Remove as much of the potting medium from the roots as possible. This mixture is intended for potted plants-- not for plants in the ground. It provides no nutrients, and, if it dries, will become hydrophobic and prevent the roots from accessing water. Removing it helps ensure the plant's roots will establish with the native soil faster. It's okay if you don't remove all of it!

Step 2

Step 3

Place the roots in the hole and backfill with the native soil, making sure you are planting it at the correct depth (i.e. not burying the crown or leaving roots exposed). After backfilling 2/3 the depth, water to promote contact between the roots and soil and to prevent air pockets; fill the remaining 1/3 and water again. It is typically not recommended that you amend the soil, because you want the plant to adjust to the soil you are planting it in. Remember, these plants are adapted to our soils! Mulch around the new plant to help regulate soil temperature and moisture.

Step 4

While most native plants show drought resistance, that is only once they are established. Keep your new transplant well watered for the first season, watering every 2-3 days during the first two weeks, and then once a week after (unless you get rain). You can stick your finger into the soil to see if the soil is still moist and needs watering.

We recommend caging all new plants during the first season if you have deer-- even those listed as deer resistant-- to ensure your plants get well-established. Deer are curious and will commonly nip new plantings or just pull them out of the ground. Try removing the cage the following season to see if the deer eat it; if they do, your plant will at least have healthy roots and will likely rebound.