Before planting your new plants take the time to reflect on the following;

1)      Plant in the late afternoon where possible.

         This will give your plant a chance to get settled before the sun of a new day. During summer its good to provide a little more shade for a few weeks until established: erect a temporary shadecloth or move a hardy pot plant in front.

2)      Find a place appropriate to your plant.

         Think about the most extreme weather your plant is going to have to contend with (frosts, wind, heat, sun, shade) and decide on the best for the plant. Southern customers may wait until spring to plant our subtropically grown plants.

3)      Dig a hole at least double the size of the root ball making sure the sides of the hole are not glazed.

         Sometimes, especially if holes are mechanically dug, the holes can become so glazed it is almost like planting your plant in a pot. Take the time to break the sides up so the plant can easily extend its roots.

4)      A good potting mix with great compost = happy plants.

-       Take a moment longer to get a good mix designed for your plant.

-     Make your own compost. There is nothing better for your plants than compost so play around with it, make some tea, have a party!

5)      Mulch and mulch and mulch.

        We’re organic so mulching is very important to us. Use it to insulate your plant from weeds, increase water retention and as your mulch breaks down it is the perfect slow-release organic fertiliser. Mulch on!

6)      Try a few water crystals.

-        This will help to insulate your plant from the extremes of water deficiencies.

-        Remember to soak them first, place them in the bottom of the hole and then a little potting mix over the crystals before planting.

7)      Water well.

         When watering always give a sprinkle – let it soak, then come back and really water well. This allows the water to soak deep down. Or use a wetting agent to allow water to penetrate past the soil surface. Or water directly in the root zone via buried irrigation pipe etc.