Gardening for Beginners: How to Plant

There’s an old gardening adage: ‘A penny for the plant and a pound for the hole.’ The key to successful planting lies in proper preparation. The more effort you put into readying the soil, the better your plants will thrive. A strong start ensures you reap the rewards later—whether in vibrant flowers, delicious fruit, or a robust plant that requires minimal maintenance.

Follow these essential tips to get started with planting.

Check Your Soil Before Planting

Before selecting plants for your garden, assess your soil type. Different plants thrive in different conditions, and you may need to enhance your soil before planting.

• Test the texture: Is your soil sticky and muddy (clay) or loose and crumbly (sandy)? Ideally, soil should be somewhere in between—friable and well-aerated, allowing young roots to spread easily.
• Improve the structure: Heavy clay soil is difficult to dig and requires plenty of well-rotted compost or manure to enhance drainage. Sandy or chalky soil also benefits from organic matter to boost fertility.
• Check the pH: Most plants prefer a neutral to slightly acidic pH around 6. However, certain plants, like azaleas and rhododendrons, require more acidic conditions. While soil pH is difficult to alter significantly, adding acid compost or using raised beds can help create the right environment.
• Choose the right plants: It’s easier to select plants suited to your soil rather than attempting to change the soil itself.

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Create a Planting Plan

If you’re working with a new garden or freshly prepared bed, planning your layout is crucial.

• Cut out images from gardening catalogs or magazines to visualize the arrangement.
• Once your plants arrive, position them in their intended spots before planting.
• Read plant instructions carefully and allow sufficient space for growth.

Planting Potted Plants

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s pot—about 2 cm extra around the perimeter.
2. Ensure the hole depth matches that of the pot to prevent burying the plant too deeply.
3. If the plant’s roots are tightly packed, gently loosen them to encourage growth.
4. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, firming gently around the base.

Planting Bare-Root Shrubs and Trees

Bare-root plants, such as roses and trees, require special attention:

1. Dig a hole wide enough for the roots to spread comfortably.
2. Identify the ‘tide mark’ on the plant base, which indicates its previous planting depth.
3. Loosen the soil at the hole’s sides to ease root penetration.
4. Add organic matter or mycorrhizal fungi to promote root development.
5. If using a stake, position it diagonally and secure it firmly.
6. Place the plant in the hole, spread the roots, fill with soil, and gently firm it down.

Planting Bulbs

• For containers, add drainage material like broken pottery at the bottom.
• Use the ‘lasagna’ method for layering bulbs: plant later-blooming varieties (e.g., tulips) deeper and early bloomers (e.g., crocuses) closer to the surface.
• When planting in lawns, dig small patches and plant bulbs at three times their depth.
• To prevent rot, mix grit into the planting hole, especially in wet soil conditions.

Planting Plug Plants

Plug plants are small seedlings, often purchased by mail order, and require extra care:

1. Water the plugs before planting.
2. Handle plants by their top leaves to avoid root damage.
3. Fill small pots with compost, create a well in the center, and place the plug inside.
4. Lightly press the soil around the plant to secure it.
5. Some plugs may need an intermediate potting stage before planting outdoors.
6. Harden off young plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting.

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Understanding Planting Depth

Each plant species has specific depth requirements:

• Bearded irises should have their rhizomes slightly exposed above the soil in a sunny spot.
• Roses should be planted with the graft union (where the rootstock joins the cultivar) at soil level.
• Always refer to plant labels for guidance on optimal depth and positioning.

Planting in Containers

Container gardening offers versatility and seasonal variety:

1. Use broken pottery or stones at the bottom for proper drainage.
2. Mix compost with a bit of topsoil to retain moisture.
3. Since compost loses nutrients over time, add slow-release fertilizer or feed regularly with liquid plant food.
4. Plant generously—it’s easier to thin out overcrowded containers later.

Final Tips for Success

• Always water plants thoroughly after planting.
• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Keep an eye on plant growth and adjust care as needed.

With the right preparation, your garden will flourish, providing beauty and bounty for seasons to come. Happy planting!