Gardening Tips

Tips for success in planting - Moisture

Another key to growing most plants is to keep the bed moist. If it hasn’t rained in more than 3 or 4 days use your hand to pull back the mulch and check the soil. Grab a handful and squeeze it, if it forms a clump in your hand it is moist enough, if not you need to water the bed.

Most plants will become established after two summers,  and you can start shifting your focus to new areas of your garden to newer plants.  After they are established, make sure they receive water if it has not rained at least once a week.  

 

Tips to success growing conifers - Drainage

Georgia clay is filled with nutrients and offers good water retention, and if it were at 10% of a planting mix, would be a great additive.  Though, at 90%, like the some of the red clay in Atlanta, it is a drainage nightmare.  Trying raised beds increased my success rate by 90% with some cultivars.  Luckily, some trees grow well no matter how bad the soil.   

 

Planting Depth

No matter what kind of soil you have, be careful not to install your plants too deep. They should never be planted any deeper than the top of the rootball.  Planting too deep is a common problem, and thousands of plants are killed each year by gardeners who just don't understand how critical planting depth is for new plants.  You may also leave a small part of the rootball exposed at the top to help facilitate drainage. 

 

Sunlight needs for Conifers and Japanese Maples

While some plants will have more specific needs,  most of the plants we sell can handle 5 to 7 hours of morning sun.  Yellow and white variegated plants will need enough sun to maintain their coloring, while needing some shade to prevent sun scorch.  When you read a book it says to plant in full sun, consider where the plant is native to... New York, Michigan, Washington state, or here in Georgia.