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Tips for planting ornamental plants !
by Jeremy M . Kichler County Extension Coordinator Colquitt County • Moultrie , Georgia email : jkichler @ uga . edu
Proper planting techniques are essential for great-looking ornamental plants in the landscape . Planting involves more than digging a hole and sticking a plant in it . Let ’ s discuss a few things to set your landscape plants up for success .
The first thing is to survey the planting site . Sometimes the site might have to be modified , if necessary , to ensure a good growing environment . Select plants adapted to the site conditions .
When you look for plants , please purchase items that are healthy and pestfree . Please look at the root system for diseases and look at the root ball to see if it is rootbound . If you cannot plant immediately , keep the plants in the shade and water them regularly . Water plants thoroughly before planting to saturate the root ball with water .
Homeowners need to take soil samples of the planting site . Thorough soil preparation is essential for healthy plant growth . When planting a group of plants , rototill the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches . When planting a single tree or shrub , dig the planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball . Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface . Remove any wire or cord from around the stem of balled-andburlapped plants . Pull back or remove the burlap from the root ball if possible .
Once you are through planting , water thoroughly immediately to settle the soil and to eliminate air pockets . This would help the plant roots from drying out . Consider using stakes or guy wires to support trees or large shrubs on exposed , windy sites . Supporting devices are only temporary and should be removed a few weeks after transplanting . A good tip is to apply 3 to 5 inches of mulch to
the soil surface to conserve moisture and to prevent weeds . Water as necessary during the establishment period . Keep the soil uniformly moist-not too wet or too dry . A common question is about when to fertilize newly installed landscape plants ; it is recommended to allow trees and shrubs time to become established before applying fertilizer .
If you have questions about planting ornamentals , please contact your local county Extension agent . n
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42 MoultrieScene MARCH 2025