 |
|
|
Just prior to planting, water the plants in their containers. Plants in peat pots should be soaked in a bucket for 10-15 minutes to ensure thorough wetting. Ideally, the garden bed should be moist, too. If the soil is dry, be certain to water the plants thoroughly, immediately after planting. When planting time has come, mark the beds based on specified planting distance. Transplants in 2-3 inch containers are generally placed on 4-8 inch centers. Jumbo packs and 4-inch transplants are most frequently planted on 12-14 inch centers. The spacing selected will be determined by species, plant size, time of year and cost. Lift plants from cell packs or pots carefully, keeping the root ball intact. If the container is pliable, gently squeeze or push up the bottom of the container; otherwise turn it upside down to let the plant fall into your hand. |
If the plant does not slide out easily, tap the bottom of the container with a trowel. Moist plants are easier to remove from a container without disturbing the root ball. Occasionally you will find plants in a tray without individual cells. If this is the case, separate the plants gently by hand or with a knife. Do this just prior to planting so the roots don't dry out. For plants in individual peat pots, be sure the top of the pot is below soil level after planting. The edge of the peat pot can be torn off but DO NOT remove the entire peat pot or roots can be damaged. All roots penetrate and grow through the peat pot. Even though the compressed peat pot may still be attached and intact when the plant is eventually removed, the plant could have never reached it's mature size had the root system been confined to the size of the peat pot.
|
| Flowers for All Seasons Index | |