How to properly plant a plant in your garden

If you want your plants to thrive there are several important aspects to consider in perfecting the art of transplanting.

Reading planting instructions   

The information provided on every pot or label at the nursery contains essential information that helps you make an informed decision on what to choose and where to plant. Each container and seed packet indicates:

• Sowing/ growing season (when to plant it).
• Position (amount of sun/ shade needed).
• Spacing (how far apart they need to be from the next plant).
• Watering guide (how often to water).
• Germination and flowering (how long seeds take to germinate and when the plant flowers).

Planting in pots If you have chosen to grow in a container, here are some simple ways to give your new plant the best head start in life.

1. Wash your homing pot before transplanting with a gentle disinfecting soap.
2. Ensure there are sufficient drainage holes.
3. Line your planter to keep it clean and help protect plants against mineral deposits and disease. Remember to also make drainage holes in the lining.
4. Add planter filler to the bottom of your pot. You can use mulch, gravel, pebbles, or terracotta shards. This assists with drainage and makes root pruning easier later.
5. Add your potting soil. Avoid using garden soil as it is often very heavy and can include weed seeds, bugs, bacteria, and other unwanted materials.
6. When inserting your new plant, remember to push it out from the bottom and not pull it by the stem. This can damage the plant and potentially break the steam.
7. Water your new plant well and allow excess water to drip out. Remember to place the saucer underneath to avoid spillages.
8. Read the instructions on your fertiliser packaging carefully and give your plant a little feed to help them settle in.
9. Add a layer of mulch around your plant. You can use, straw, grass clippings, leaves, wood chips or bark shards. This helps in retaining moisture, which is an essential part of successful container growing.

*Top tip: Avoid using filler materials such as cardboard or newspaper that will decompose and rot. This can damage your plant’s roots and add yuckies to the soil.

Planting in beds You can successfully transplant new arrivals by following these steps. Remember to check the planting instructions to ensure your location is well-suited to the plant’s needs.

1. Dig a hole that’s slightly larger than the container.
2. Add compost to the hole and make sure the soil is nice and loose.
3. Remove the plant from its container (remember to push up not pull).
4. Inspect the roots: if they completely cover the soil, gently tease them apart. If they are concentrated too heavily at the bottom of the pot, loosen them thoroughly.
5. Place your plant inside the prepared hole and add some more compost around it.
6. Gently firm the soil around the plant with your hands.
7. Water well after planting and add a little fertiliser (remember to read the instructions carefully to avoid burning the roots).
8. Add a layer of your chosen mulch to help with moisture retention, warmth, and weed growth.

*Remember: Although it may be summer now, frost will be back in winter. Keep this in mind when choosing your location and plant. Is it best to pot your plants and move them at night.

Top pre-planting tips

Before heading off to your nursery, take some time to assess your space and consider:

• Where you would ideally like to plant.
• What you would like to plant in (beds, baskets, or containers).
• How does the sun move over your space?
• How big is the area you have available?
• Are you growing to eat or decorate?
• How much time do you have to spend on garden maintenance?

The answers to these questions will help you choose the best plants for the job and make your mission to the garden centre more focused.

There are so many gorgeous greens and trees to choose from, which is why narrowing down your criteria is very helpful.  

Remember to check what feeding and watering regime is needed, and to keep an eye out for pests. Refresh mulch when necessary and top up your containers with new potting soil every season.

When planting in beds, take note of surrounding trees that may cast shade or have large root systems that could interfere with your plant’s growth.

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