Step 2:
Choose the plant
Buy plants with green and healthy foliage, and avoid any with discoloured, dead or damaged leaves. When buying a shrub, squeeze the pot to test whether the plant is easily removed from it's container. The compost should be moist and stay together when you remove the root ball. The roots shouldn't grow out of the base of the container.
Step 3:
Prepare the container
Cover the base of the container with a layer of crocks. You can also add a layer of compost and a layer of gravel for extra drainage. Add more compost until the container is about half full. Steve recommends mixing in a small handful of slow release fertiliser and water retaining crystals to nourish your shrub and help it survive.
Step 4:
Plant
To remove your plant from it's original container, put it on it's side and gently squeezing the pot. Tease the roots around the base of the root ball to help the plant grow in it's new pot. Place the shrub in the centre of the container. Add more compost around the shrub and firm it down with your fingers. The level of the compost around the shrub should be about 2 centimetres below the rim of the container.
Step 5:
Water
Although you can water your plants a few hours before planting, Steve prefers to water container plants after they've been planted to help the compost settle around the roots. Most shrubs have large root systems that need a lot of water. The compost should be kept slightly moist so check the container regularly and water when necessary. |
