Mid City Nursery Garden Care Guides - General Planting Instructions

GENERAL PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Below are some simple steps to ensure your plants get off to a good start. Step 1 Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the container and approximately 1 1/2 to 2 times the depth of the container.

Step 2 Now backfill the hole half way with a mix of compost and the original soil from the hole. For heavy clay soils, we recommend a 50 percent compost and 50 percent original soil mix. For better soils, we recommend 33 percent compost to 66 percent original soil mix. For most plants, we recommend the Master Nursery Gold Rush. This consists of high quality Fir mulch and 15 percent Chicken Manure. If this compost is not available, use other high quality mulches. For acid loving plants, like Azaleas, Camellias, Rhododendrons, and Gardenias, we recommend the EB Stone Azalea, Camellia, and Rhododendron Mix. This mix is specially formulated for acid loving plants.

Step 3 If you use a starting fertilizer, now is the time to apply it. Work it in to the top few inches of the freshly mixed ammended soil. We recommend using the Master Start. It's NPK ratio is 5-20-10 with minors(iron, calcium, zinc, and manganese). It helps develop the root system of the plant. When applying starting fertilizers, be sure to follow the instructions on the bag. For example, when using Master Start, you only need to mix 2 tablespoons of it into the soil when planting a one gallon size plant.
Step 4 Carefully remove the plant from the container. If necessary, cut the can. Place the plant in the center of the hole. the top of the root ball should be about level with the ground or slightly higher. For trees or plants that are grafted, be sure to leave the graft above the ground.
Step 5 Now fill in the hole with the compost and original soil mix in the same ratio as discussed in step 2. Lightly tamp the soil down to help get rid of large air pockets. Step 6 Water well immediately after planting and again the following day.
Step 7 Continue to water on a regular basis. For many plants watering a couple of times a week is sufficient. Some plants require watering more often. Also, when planting during warm or hot weather, plants will need to be watered several times during the first couple of weeks to keep from drying out. Groundcovers will usually require daily watering when first planted, if the temperature is hot. Keep an eye on the newly planted plants. They will tell you if they are not getting enough water. Step 8 Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you have any questions regarding how to plant something or your plant is not performing like you think it should, talk to your local nursery professional or e-mail us.

Mid City Nursery, Inc
3635 Broadway
American Canyon, CA 94503