Planting
If you have all of your plants on hand, keep them in their pots and set them out on the planting bed. This will
give you a preview of how the bed will look, and allow you to make adjustments before digging any holes.
When you are satisfied with the placement, plant your garden from largest to smallest container (usually
trees first, then shrubs, perennials, and finally annuals).
• Tree-Planting Tips: Dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the pot or root ball but no deeper. If
the tree is potted, loosen the soil slightly around the roots, then place the tree into the planting
hole. For balled-and-burlapped trees, loosen the burlap after the tree is in the hole. Cut away as
much of the burlap as possible. When the tree is in place and straight, fill the hole one-third with
soil, tap firmly to make good contact between roots and soil, then water. Repeat twice more until
the hole is filled. Water the tree thoroughly by letting a hose run slowly for 30 minutes.
• Shrub-Planting Tips. Plant shrubs in a hole that’s about twice the diameter of the root ball.
The top of the root ball should be slightly above the surrounding soil level. Backfill with garden
soil, taping firmly to ensure a contact between soil and roots. Water immediately by slowly running
a hose at the shrub’s base for about 20 minutes.
• Perennial- and Annual-Planting Tips. Set these plants in soil at the same level they
were growing in the pot. Firm the soil around each plant with your hands, then water thoroughly