Plant care guide

 

Below is a brief planting guide for our wildflowers, grasses, and other herbaceous plants. Visit this page instead for our tree and shrub planting guide.

Before you plant

Set pots in a shady spot and plant as soon as possible. Before planting, water the plants once a day. You can check the soil moisture by feeling the soil half an inch below the surface. Remove the biodegradable pot before planting. If the roots have grown through it, remove the pot by tearing or cutting.

Yard planting

You can use mulch to reduce watering and weeding. Water every day for the first week and every other day for the second week. Afterwards, water only if wilting. If deer are a problem, consider caging plants their first year.

Container planting

Use a large pot with drainage. Fill the pot with a soil-less potting mix. Watering needs will vary. Check the soil before watering. These native plants can survive the winter outside. Do not water in winter except in a long dry period. Fertilize your plants next spring. Follow the directions on your fertilizer package.

Hot, windy weather is hard on new plantings, which are still establishing their roots. Pay special attention to watering in these conditions. But as long as you are diligent about watering, it's still a good time to plant - plants can grow quickly in the warm soil and sunshine. Below are some tips.

(Please note: these tips do not apply to trees and shrubs, which need more consistent watering.)

Watering newly bought perennials:

  • Until you can plant them, set your new plants in a shady spot that is easy for you to check on, with convenient water access.
  • Plants in pots are sensitive to drying out. Don't skip a day of watering! In hot or windy weather, they may need water twice a day. Feel the surface of the pots for dryness. Try to avoid drooping leaves and stems.
  • Plant as soon as possible - the ground holds more water! Prepare a convenient setup to water your garden.

Watering new perennial plantings:

  • Water daily for the first week or two. Water deeply, soaking the soil.
  • After the first week, keep a close eye on the plants, watching for drooping leaves or stems. Depending on your soil and the weather, you may be able to water every other day in the second week.
  • Your plants may need additional water during droughty periods in their first summer. If planted in the right area, they will not need to be watered after that, except in extreme conditions.

Troubleshooting:

  • If a newly-planted perennial will not stop wilting despite continuous deep watering, try replanting it. There may be air pockets in the soil around the roots, preventing them from getting the suction they need. Replant and firmly press the soil so it has good contact with the roots.