You bought a plant. Now what?
The Kelowna Garden Club is holding its annual plant sale on Saturday, April 29, at 9 a.m. Guisachan garden on Cameron Avenue is the place to purchase a great prices wonderful plants carefully nurtured by club members.
So, once you have been to the plant sale and bought a load of potentially beautiful plants for your garden. now what? Check plant requirements Check the label or look up your particular potted plant online to see what temperature range, sunlight and soil/water conditions it prefers. It is helpful to set it outside in its pot for a few days prior to transplanting to acclimatize. Soil preparation You may have a bed prepared, but if not, it is a good idea to mix in compost or a bag of garden soil. Make sure the ground is dry as moist soil is great, but digging in mud will result in rock hard clumps. Dig the hole Make sure the hole is deep enough and wide enough to hold the plant’s root system. You can do this by setting the pot in the hole. If the pot and the plant will fit the hole then it will hold the plant itself. Remove plant from the pot. Place one hand around the base of the plant. With your other hand, tip over the pot so that the plant and soil slide out together. You may need to tap the pot to loosen the soil from the edges. Don’t pull the plant out, as it may rip out part of the root system. You may find that the root ball has started to wrap around the container. You will want those roots to grow outward into the surrounding soil. “Tickle” the tips of the roots gently to spread them out. Place the roots in the ground Place the plant in the hole, making sure not to bury it too deep. Fill in loose dirt around the roots until the hole is filled and pat the soil down carefully. Don’t pack it too tightly, just enough to give the plant the support it requires. Water and care for your plant Water thoroughly and regularly to help the plant get established.
Enjoy! Happy gardening and enjoy the results of your efforts.