| I have purchased several bare-root plants but have never planted them before (false spirea, goats beard, and false forget-me not). Can you help with planting instructions and care of these plants. |
| Examine the plants carefully and notice where the original soil line was, then soak the roots in water for several hours just prior to planting. Prepare a hole large enough to accommodate all of the roots without crowding. Form a mound or cone of soil in the center of the hole and drape the roots over it, spreading them out as evenly as you can. Fill over and around them with soil and firm it well with your hands. Bring the soil level with the sourrounding area and up to the original soil level on the plant. Now water it well to settle the soil and then mulch around it lightly. Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet until the plants become established. All three of these plants do well in partial shade (morning sun or dappled light all day) with a rich and evenly moist soil, so select the planting area accordingly. Prepare the area by adding copious amounts of organic matter such as compost, rotted leaves, or aged stable manure and bedding and digging it in at least a foot down. After planting, maintain a layer of organic mulch several inches deep to help maintain soil moisture and feed the soil as it breaks down. |
