The Proper Way to Plant

A Step-by-Step Guide to Planting for Success

Planting isn’t just about putting a plant in the ground—it’s about giving it the best possible chance to thrive. Proper planting practices ensure your plants grow strong, resist stress, and live long, healthy lives. Whether it’s the vibrant blooms of a flower, the delicious fruit of a tree, or the shade of a healthy shrub, a well-planted plant is the foundation of every successful garden. Remember, plant roots need three essential things: food, water, and air.

Why Proper Planting Matters

Healthy plants start with proper planting practices. Here’s why:

Optimal Root Development: Correct planting depth and soil structure help roots spread effectively, accessing nutrients, water, and air.
Reduced Transplant Shock: Gentle handling during planting minimizes stress, ensuring faster recovery and growth.
Improved Aesthetics: Proper spacing and placement create visually pleasing landscapes.
Increased Lifespan: Plants placed in the right environment are more likely to thrive for years.
Environmental Benefits: Healthy plants improve air quality, enhance soil health, and support biodiversity.

The Proper Way to Plant a Plant

1. Dig the Right Hole

Width: Dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant’s root ball. This allows roots to spread outward freely.
Depth: Keep the hole’s depth equal to the root ball’s height to prevent sinking, which could cause crown rot.

Tip: Wider is better, but never dig deeper than the root ball’s height.

2. Prepare the Soil

Mix the native soil you removed with a good soil amendment, like compost. A 50/50 mix of native soil and a soil amendment works wonders to:
- Improve soil structure.
- Provide air pockets in clay soils.
- Enhance moisture retention in sandy soils.
- Introduce beneficial bacteria that help plants efficiently use fertilizers.

3. Add a Root Stimulator

If using a granular product, like Espoma’s Bio-Tone Starter Plus, sprinkle the recommended amount into the bottom of the hole where the root ball will sit. This ensures the plant has the nutrients it needs for strong root development right from the start.

4. Prepare the Root Ball

Gently remove the plant from its container.
Carefully tickle or loosen the roots with your fingers. This encourages the roots to grow outward into the surrounding soil rather than circling and becoming root-bound.

5. Place the Plant

Set the root ball into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground’s surface.

6. Backfill the Hole

Use your 50/50 soil mixture to fill in the space around the root ball.
Firm the soil gently but avoid compacting it too much, as roots need air pockets.

7. Water Thoroughly

After planting, water deeply to saturate the entire root ball and settle the soil around the roots. If using a liquid root stimulator, use the recommended solution for the initial watering, then once a week for the first month as part of the regular watering schedule.
For the first one to two weeks, water frequently to maintain consistent moisture and minimize transplant shock. A good rule of thumb is 1 gallon of water for each gallon of pot size. For example, if you are planting a 2 gallon perennial, give your new transplant 2 gallons of water each time you water it. Take your cues from the weather and the plant. Over time, you can reduce the frequency of watering, but keep up some extra for the first full year of the plant’s life. Winter watering is essential!

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