Assuming that the new native plant enthusiast has research their choices and based upon the findings, have selected their first plants for their native garden then the next step is to get them into the ground. Keep in mind, that you do not amend the soil and don’t add any fertilizer either. Native plants don’t need anything but dirt, so don’t feel that that is necessary to add fertilizer because it’s not. Plus you save money! No more fertilizing!
Per Barbara Eisenstein’s presentation at Theodore Payne Foundation, here is what she had to say to “How to Keep “um Going”. And of course the following is from my attempts at note taking.
1. Make sure that you know how large your plant will grow out to. When you are planting, keep most of them 3-4 feet apart. Give ‘um room.
2. Dig your hole a little bit deeper than the root ball and about 2X as wide. Fill with water and let’r drain. This may take some time depending upon your soil type.
3. Gently remove the plant from the nursery container and lower into the hole, keep the top of the root ball “JUST” above the hole. Do not shake or mess around with the roots. Leave them alone…no “touchy”.
4. Water throughly and spread some mulch around the plant but keep it away from the crown of the plant. Otherwise you could invite in some pathogens and end up killing it.
5. Be aware of weather conditions. Windy? Hot? Pouring rain or maybe not enough rain? Don’t ignore your plants. Check with a plant/water probe and see if they need watering. And don’t be stepping near them after a heavy rain, as you could be crushing the roots. Be careful.
It’s my understanding that it’s all about getting your plants to survive their first year and winter allows them the opportunity to become established and be prepared for the following summer when things are a bit more challenging for them due to the heat.
Then the next obvious question is about “watering”. More on that in the next post.
