Tips and Tricks

As soon as your plants arrive – check them over. The roots of each type of plant are different. They may be wiry and thin, dense and fibrous or thick and fleshy. In all cases, the roots should not be completely dry, nor should they be soft and mushy. If some roots are broken or damaged, you can snip them off. If the roots seem dried out, mist them lightly and then put them back into the bag with the peat moss or wood shavings until you are ready to plant.

If you can’t plant immediately, keep them in a cool, dark place (above freezing).

For best results, get your plants into the ground as quickly as possible.

If the weather has settled and the soil in your garden is warming up, you can plant directly into the garden. Soak the roots in a little water (for up to an hour) while you prepare the planting area. Loosen the soil to help the roots grow more easily.

Plant not too deeply but making sure the roots are covered with compost/soil mixture. The crowns (the tops of the plants) should be 2/3cms below soil level.

To encourage root development, fan or spread out the roots when they are transplanted. When planting into the pots – choose a pot that is several times larger than the roots.

Do not fold or wad them up in a ball or force them in the pot. Only trim the roots if necessary to fit in the container.

After transplanting, water the plants thoroughly to reduce undesirable air pockets and ensure good contact between the roots and the growing mix.