1. Dig the planting hole at least 3 times larger than the root ball and about 1 1/2 times as deep.  Remove and discard excavated soil if it is hard and compacted clay.

  2. Mix pre-moistened sphagnum peat moss and ordinary good topsoil at a 1:1 ratio.  NOTE:  If you purchase topsoil, do not use discount store topsoil as it is not topsoil.  You may purchase real topsoil from Dayton Nursery in bags.  Also, if you use the dry bales of Canadian Peat, be sure to pre-moisten the peat before mixing with the soil.  Some compost mixed in the planting mix is beneficial as long as it does not exceed 25%of the planting mix.  Sweet Peet is excellent to use in place of compost but do not use in place of peat moss.

  3. If the soil or the bottom of the hole is hard compacted clay, fill in the hole with the planting mix and tamp lightly to prevent settling so that it is 2/3 full. If the soil is loose, loamy or sandy, fill in the hole about half way with the lightly tamped planting mix.  This is the time to check for the proper planting depth to accomodate the root ball and to tamp the soil mix before planting to guard against the plant settling too deep.

  4. Prior to planting balled and burlapped plants, pre-soak them in a tub of water for about an hour and then let drain for an additional hour.  It is usually not necessary, but you may soak container plants the same way if the root ball is on the dry side.

  5. Remove the burlap or pot from the plant, preferably in a shady area, and with a sharp knife, vertically slice the root ball a dozen times about an inch deep along the sides and of the ball from top to bottom. DO NOT cut the top of the root ball.

  6. Expose about one inch of the root ends of the root ball by spraying the ball with a forceful stream of water.  DO NOT spray the top of the root ball. First picture shows example of root wash, second picture shows how plant should look after root wash. Click on images to view a larger size.

  7. Place the plant quickly in the planting hole after its root wash and immediately cover with the previously prepared topsoil-peat mixture and lightly tamp the loose soil with your foot being careful not to damage the root ball.  IMPORTANT: In heavy clay subsoils, the root ball must be elevated at least one half above the original soil level with the planting mix mounded around it or it will not drain properly.  See diagram below.

  8. Apply about a 2 inch layer of mulch or pine needles and water thoroughly until the soil is thoroughly soaked.  NOTE: DO NOT use water run through a water softener.

  9. Apply Holly-tone at the rate of 1/2 cup per foot of branch spread for new plantings.  For larger plants, 3 feet or more, use 1 cup per foot of branch spread.  On established plants, double the rates given above and apply in April, June and October.  Iron Plus is a good supplement for extra iron as acid-loving plants are heavy iron feeders.

  10. Water plants thoroughly until the soil is well-soaked every 3 days for the first 30 days.  After 30 days, water only when necessary as over-watering in hot weather will bring on root disease.  NOTE:  Do not depend on rainfall to water your plants unless one inch of rain or more falls within a 24 hour period or an extended cool cloudy period when lighter rain occurs

    Note: If weather is warm and sunny (75 degrees or more) water the plants thoroughly every other day.

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