Planting Tips for Container Grown Plants

Plants grown in containers at the local garden center or nursery need special handling when transplanted. Following these simple tips will give the plant the best conditions for future growth.

When plants grow in containers, the roots can become matted as they grow next to the sides of the container. Over time this mat of roots may become impervious to water.

This seldom causes problems while the plant is in the container but can when transplanted into the ground. If the matted roots are not loosened before being planted, water can run down the outside of the root mat and out into the surrounding prepared soil preventing water from reaching the roots located deeper within the soil ball.

One way to loosen matted roots is to cut the soil ball from top to bottom one-eighth to three-eighths inches deep all the way around the root mass at 3 to 4" intervals. This depth separates the mat without harming the inner area of the root ball.

Another method is to take the plant out of the container and roll the root ball between the hands until the matted roots are loosened, then gently pull the roots out away from the root mass. For larger trees and shrubs, gently roll the root ball on the ground with the foot.

These procedures do not permanently harm the plant's roots. It may cause some temporary loss, but the roots quickly replace themselves once they are receive and retain water.

To properly plant a container grown plant, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and one to two inches less than its depth. These dimensions prevent the plant from settling and suffocating in heavy dense soil.

Prepare the soil with peat and/or other organics and fertilizer to provide necessary nutrients and organic matter for the roots. This gives the plant optimum growth conditions before encountering harder, unprepared soil.

Next, mound the soil out and away from the trunk or stems creating a shallow dish or berm of soil around and lightly over the root mass. This helps the soil retain water and distribute it down to the center of the roots.

Water a newly planted container grown plant twice the day it is planted, then once the following day to help the soil settle and compress any large air pockets in the root area. Continue watering at once a week for two weeks, and then once every two to three weeks as needed. Be sure to water thoroughly each time.,

Follow these simple procedures and you can ensure the beauty and investment of your container gown plants for many seasons ahead.