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Planting Perennial and Annual Plants in the Garden

Annuals and perennials come to you from the protected environment of a greenhouse. They need a gradual introduction to direct sun before they are planted to prevent sunburning. Set your plants outdoors in a sheltered, lightly shaded spot, increasing the amount of sun they receive each day.

The plants were set around the planting area, while still in their pots. After a bit of pondering, each was placed in the approximate location where it would be planted. The mature height of the plant, as well as other growth habits, culture, and color were considerations in these decisions. A hole is then dug, three times the width of the pot, and twice as deep.

A generous amount of compost, peat moss and 1/2 cup of all-purpose (10-10-10) fertilizer was added to the original soil from the hole. The soil was blended thoroughly, then returned to the planting hole, leaving enough room in the center for the root ball.

The plant is first watered thoroughly, and then removed from it's pot by placing the hand over the root ball to support it, and inverting it. Then the pot is give a couple sharp raps with the trowel handle to loosen the roots. The container can now be lifted from the plant.
Because the roots had grown out and compacted against the pot, it was necessary to 'feather the roots' out. Using your fingers to gently pull the surface roots away from the root ball will induce the roots to once again grow outward. If the roots are seriously compacted, you may find it easier to make a few shallow cuts through the roots on the side and bottom of the root ball. Cut off any severely damaged roots prior to planting.
Avoid damaging the plants! Never remove them from the pot by pulling them out by their leaves or stems.

It is a good idea to do your planting on a cloudy day or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat of the midday sun and prevent undue shock to the plant.
Before you actually put your plant into the ground, turn it around and examine all sides to be sure that best side is "faced" in the direction it will be viewed from most often.

The plant is placed into the hole at the same depth at which they grew in the pot, and the remaining soil is added. Water the plant thoroughly to insure that the soil fills in completely around each root.
Mulch your new transplants with compost or some other organic matter to keep the roots cool and the soil moist.
Set a garden stake in the hole if this is a taller plants which will need support to reduce wind and rain damage. The stem should be tied to their support using strong, stretchy materials that won't cut into growing branches. Strips of old nylon hosiery will work very well for this.

After planting, monitor the condition of the plants for several days, making certain that the soil remains moist. Remove spent blooms to prolong the flowering season (unless you plan to save the seeds).
Take a little time each day to enjoy the beauty you have created.
For more information on conditioning the soil and preparing the planting site go to http://www.thegardenhelper.com/gardeningguides.html

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