Careful Planting of Nursery Plants

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Posted by @clintbrown on
When you purchase plants at Lowe's or other big box stores, they often are potted in potting mix that consists of mostly bark. If you don't remove some of this before planting out, the plants often will die a slow, painful death.

This potting mix is designed so the growers don't over water their plants. It is used mainly for Echinaceas, Gaillardias, and other plants that like great drainage. The only problem is you end up watering the plants every single day because they wilt. This ends up causing root rot at the bottom of the planting hole where the water stands on the other soil. Many Echinaceas have gone to 'Coneflower Heaven' because their owners didn't take this one extra step before planting.
Thumb of 2012-05-24/clintbrown/73189a

All you have to do is remove the plant from the pot and simply shake it before planting. Don't be afraid of shaking it! If those plants can travel across the country in a big truck, a little shake-rattle-and-rolling isn't going to finish them off! Remove as much of this bark as possible from the bottom and sides. Make sure there are roots in contact with your real garden soil when you are done. Your plants will thank you by blooming all summer without begging for water. What more could you ask?


 
Comments and Discussion
Thread Title Last Reply Replies
Completely Agree! by Wes Aug 13, 2015 10:52 AM 1
This works. by eclayne Nov 14, 2013 9:20 PM 11
Shake Shake Shake! by Dollybelle Sep 14, 2013 4:45 PM 0
Very good advice by chickadee Jun 4, 2012 5:36 PM 0

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