Last winter was brutal and this spring has been ugly, but the calendar says it’s planting time, so let’s review some shopping and planting basics.
When buying annual flowers, veggie packs, or containerized perennial flowers, shrubs or trees, first pick up the container. It should feel solid, not too light for its size. A too-light container or one with roots growing out the bottom means that the plant has been in the pot too long and is root bound. You’ll find very little soil inside the pot so the plant has had no way to get nutrition for quite a while.
Next, inspect the plant’s leaves and stem. They should be a strong and healthy green, not wilted or yellowed and should have no brown or yellow spots. Check under the leaves to be sure there are no insects or egg masses.
Don’t buy a plant looks too tall and leggy for its pot. No matter how nice they look at the moment, these plant are on their way out. Don’t be seduced by bedding plants already in full bloom. Same goes for tomatoes and peppers. Unless you need your flower beds to be at peak bloom for an event tomorrow, look for plants with plenty of unopened flower buds. These younger plants are better prepared to survive transplanting, and you won’t miss out on any bloom time.
Before you buy any plant, read its label. It will tell you if the plant does best in full sun, part sun or shade. It will also tell you how tall and wide the plant will grow, so you can calculate the distance it should be planted from other plants. Believe what the label tells you or your plant will struggle throughout its shortened life.
When you get plants home, give them a good watering. If you can’t plant immediately, set them in the shade until planting time.
Dig planting holes before removing the plants from their containers so the roots aren’t out in the air any longer than necessary.
To remove plants from plastic containers, spread your fingers on each side of the stem, turn it upside down and let it fall into your hand. If it doesn’t fall right out, for small plant packs gently squeeze the plastic to push the plant out. For stronger containers, tap the edge of the upended pot on something to nudge it out.
Use your fingers to gently loosen the roots. Place the plant into its hole so the soil is at the same level it was in the pot. Fill in around the plant with soil and press the soil gently but firmly around the plant. Water well.
A note of caution about the weather. Just because the plants are available in stores doesn’t mean it is safe to plant. Watch the extended weather forecast. If forecasted lows are anywhere near the mid-thirties, wait to plant or be prepared to cover the plants at night.
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