How to Plant Flowers
& other Landscaping Plants

Information on how to plant flowers and other landscaping plants includes how to prepare the soil properly to minimize transplant shock, and encourage the roots to accept their new environment.

I was quite excited for my Pixie Crunch Tree and Ka-Blueberry Bush to arrive from Gurneys Seed & Nursery (opens new window)! I’m even more excited to start eating the fruit, so I want to make sure that I have a good foundation for these plants to start.

When learning how to plant flowers and other plants, it's important to note that establishing that plant in the ground is always one of the most critical steps in plant care. Once a plant has been established, has spread its roots into the soil and has adapted to the surrounding environment, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about losing it as long as a little ongoing maintenance is provided.

The critical period is right after planting, and soil preparation is an important part of helping your plant get the best start in your yard.

These are the soil preparation steps that I’m taking (This information applies to how to plant flowers, landscaping bushes, landscaping trees, or any other plants you plan to establish in your landscape. Depending on the size of the plant, and the size of the area, you may not need a tiller (opens new window) to turn the soil, but you would still apply these fundamental steps to prepare the plant beds.):

Both of the plants that I’m planting will need to be planted in full sun. This is a challenge with all of the trees on my property, however I have identified a spot where they will receive at least 8 hours of sun per day.

2. Clear the area.

I will have to rake away a layer of garden mulch that was spread a couple of years earlier, and remove one planter. Fortunately I don’t have any unruly weeds to deal with, however this would be the time to do that. I have used a lawn mower to remove high growing weeds in the past.

3. Dampen the soil.

Tilling soil that is bone dry is not the easiest. We had some rain 2 days prior to this, so I did not need to take any extra steps to dampen the soil. I want the soil “damp” not “moist.” Ideally, I want it to have the moisture content of a new package of potting soil.

4. Rake away any debris on the soil such as mulch, stones and sticks.

5. Till the soil.

Part of how to plant flowers is ensuring that the soil is turned over and mixed together to allow air and added nutrients to reach several inches into the soil.

7. Till compost material into the soil.

I am adding composted manure purchased from the hardware store, and also the compost material from the most recent batch from the Compost Tumbler to increase the richness of the soil.

9. Dig holes to depths and widths as specified in planting instructions.

When ordering from a company such as Gurneys Seed & Nursery (opens new window), the plants are delivered with complete planting instructions. I would recommend that you follow these instructions to the letter as the company is familiar with the plant they have shipped to you. Don’t be discouraged when your plant arrives and it looks “dead.” These plants are dormant and their roots are well-established. They only need to be placed in the ground and tended to in order to come alive!

10. Follow any remaining planting instructions from the company where you purchased the plants.

One additional tip I would add if it doesn’t specify on your directions, make sure you add water to the hole before placing the plant in it. The water will be absorbed into the ground below and give the root system a better start.

11. Mulch the area.

Place garden mulch around the plant. Be careful to prevent the mulch from coming in contact with the trunk of the tree or base of the shrub or plant. This could lead to mold and do damage to your young plant. Lay down landscaping fabric, I recommend newspaper, and shredded wood mulch on top of that to discourage any weed growth. Leave a couple of inches between the plant and the mulch to ensure that the new root system has enough air to grow.

12. Provide ongoing water and fertilizer as indicated in the instructions. This is one of the most important steps in learning how to plant flowers. New plants must receive water on a regular basis.

I am VERY careful with newly developed plants for the first month, and cautious with them through the remainder of their first season. Once they’ve made it through one year, I can feel more secure in the fact that they are not quite as fragile as they were initially.

The same steps identified above can also be utilized for how to plant flowers such as perennials and annuals.

I hope these tips are helpful for you!

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