Planting instructions for potted plants

Early spring orders of deciduous plants will typically be in a dormant state. Mid-spring orders may have some dormant plants along with actively growing, green plants. Plants survive transplanting better during their dormant periods of early spring and late fall in the Mid-Atlantic region. Do not be alarmed by the woody appearance of deciduous plants. Buds are already formed and ready to spring into growth as weather warms.

Care before planting:

We recommend you establish your plants in the ground as soon as possible after acquiring them. Dormant plants are especially resilient, as they have no tender foliage that can be damaged by a late spring frost. Most native plants can tolerate a low range of 24-32 degrees Fahrenheit even after they have leafed out.

1.  If you are not planting your potted plants immediately, place them in a shaded area. Thoroughly water plants so that water drains out the bottom of the pot.

2.  Potted plants can dry out very quickly when exposed to heat and wind. If you are unable to transplant within the first few days after purchase, place them in a protected area out of direct sunlight and wind. Check them once or twice a day for watering needs.

3.  Check to be sure your soil and site conditions suit your plant. If you have questions about the best conditions for your plant check our website, a plant book, or look online. You may contact us for specifics as well. Slightly raising your site by adding soil will improve drainage. You may need to add garden soil, (compost, peat moss or other appropriate soils) to assist plant growth. Some perennials, especially, benefit from soil amendment. However most trees and shrubs will do very well without amending the soil. In fact, making the planting hole too large and adding soil amendments can cause the plant to become root bound, as it will want to grow where it's easy and not send roots out into harder, undisturbed soil.

4.  When ready to plant dig a hole about the same depth and 2 to 3 times wider than the pot. Remove the plant from the pot and place it in the hole, situating it so the soil will be at or near the original level or slightly lower. Refill the hole with loosened soil, firming as you go.

5.  Mulch plants with bark, grass clippings or other suitable materials to help retain moisture and keep weeds away from plants. Mulching fall plantings also helps to keep plants from heaving out of the ground in winter and early spring as thaws cause fluctuations in soil conditions.

6.  Water when needed. Plants generally need 1" of rain per week in the growing season. If rain is not adequate, supplemental watering will be needed. You may fertilize plants as needed also.

Planting instructions for bare root plants

1.  Prevent plants from drying out. Purchased bare root plants will have the roots wrapped in wet newsprint or peat surrounded by plastic. You may keep plants for a day or so by making sure the paper or peat does not dry out. After removing plants from the plastic, soak them in a bucket of water for 30 minutes to rehydrate. Do not leave plants in water for more than a day, as plants need oxygen to survive. If you are unable to plant immediately, plants can be ‘heeled in’ by burying them in a mound of dirt. Make sure all the root is covered and water the soil well so the roots do not become dry. Plants can be left in the mound for several days—just check on soil moisture daily.

2.  When ready to plant, dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots and 2-3 times as wide. Place the plant so the roots spread out throughout the hole. Make sure you do not plant it deeper than it was originally planted. Refill the hole firming soil as you go.

3.  Mulch plant with wood chips, grass clippings or other suitable materials. Water well. Most plants require 1" of water per week in the growing season. If rain is not sufficient, supplemental watering is required. Fertilize when needed.