Eckert’s Gardening Tips:
Planting Guidelines

Plants in Containers

Container plants can be planted in spring, summer and fall (when the ground is not frozen. Follow up watering is more critical in the hot summer months. Watering slowly and deeply is more preferable than frequent shallow watering.

1. Dig a hole two times as wide as the diameter of the plant’s pot and as deep as the soil is inside the pot. Loosen the soil in the bottom of the hole.

2. Remove the plant from its container. Removal is easiest if you lay the container on its side and tap the sides of the pot. Slide the container off of the plant while gently holding the stem or trunk of the plant.

3. If there is a significant amount of root growth evident, use a knife to cut the roots in a line from top to bottom of the pot, approximately 3/4" deep into the soil. This will prevent the roots from continuing to grow in a circular pattern. Instead they will spread out and collect more nutrients and water for the plant.

4. Place the plant in the hole while making sure the top of the soil from the container is flush with the top of the ground. Fill the hole in with the original soil. (If the soil is very heavy clay, mix some peat moss or compost with the backfill and plant 1-2" higher. Pat the backfilled soil in firmly.)

5. Water plants well with a solution containing a Fertilome Root Stimulator.

6. Cover the soil with 2-4" of mulch if desired. (To prevent stem rot, be careful to keep mulch from directly touching the stems and trunks.)

7. Check the plant every 2-4 days by feeling for moisture 2" deep past the mulch, into the soil. If dry, water well.

Ball & Burlap

B&B plants can be planted anytime but spring and fall are preferred. Water carefully if planting in summer. Plant can die from overwatering!

1. Dig a hole 1 times the size of the ball.

2. Place plant in hole and pull the burlap away from the trunk and cut ropes. Remove all wire around the ball (with a bolt cutters). Pull burlap down at least way down the sides of the ball.

3. Set plant slightly higher than the top of the soil on the ball. The original soil should stick out of the ground 1-3".

4. Fill the hole, packing the soil as you fill. (If the soil is very heavy clay, mix some peat moss or compost with the backfill. Pat the backfilled soil in firmly.)

5. Water the plant well with a solution containing Fertilome Root Stimulator. If the plant sinks, raise the it with a shovel slightly above soil level again.

6. Cover soil with 2-4" of mulch. Do not mulch up against the trunk.

7. Use a tree staking kit to hold the trunk in position during winds and heavy rains. Staking is especially important with larger material.

Bare Root

Bare root plantings are most successful in early spring.

1. Soak roots 6-12 hours before planting. Plant as soon as possible or store in a cool place out of wind and sun.

2. Dig a generous hole leaving a mound in the center bottom of the hole.

3. Rest the center of the tree on the mound and spread the roots out around the mound. Maintain the soil line that you see on the tree trunk (usually it is evident).

4. Fill with soil. Pack gently as you fill.

5. Water the plant with a root stimulator. Allow soil and roots to settle. Pull the plant up if it has settled.