"All you need are a shovel and a plant container that you have recycled from a previous trip to the nursery."

Well, that and "PLAN AHEAD" tattooed on my arm or something!! I am so much more likely to buy plants and then try to figure out where to put them...

I'm planning fruit trees I can't afford to buy yet, so this tip is timely for me!
I'll utilize the cool days for the holes.
Also when I give little tours to my friends, I'll be better able to help them visualize with me where the trees will go.

Not needing to mow, I think I'll leave the holes empty though.
I can "claw" in some better-than-clay material as I wait.

And bravo to you for this:
"A planting hole can make a great gift, too: a labor of love with a lot of value but no cost!"

I wonder why put the plant container in?

So it can be walked on/mowed over.

hazelnut said:I wonder why put the plant container in?

Or if you have a heavy rain, your hole can get filled up. But I would do it because I would step in it, no matter how careful I was. I just wish I had a neighbor like yours!

I guess Im so lucky to live on sandy loam alluvial soil. I I can dig a hole any time I want.

rocklady said:

Or if you have a heavy rain, your hole can get filled up. But I would do it because I would step in it, no matter how careful I was. I just wish I had a neighbor like yours!

That is the main reason. Plus you put the soil back in and it doesn't wash away.

And it keeps nearby roots out, and when you remove there can be a hole exactly the size of the container of the plant you intend to put there.

That's a wonderful idea! I have 10 new peonies on order (Oct. delivery) plus I plan to divide about that many peonies I already have. I have tried to have my peony holes dug in advance... dig a hole the size of a round trash can lid, fill the dirt back in, and then cover the area with the lid until the roots arrive. But the lids themselves are kinda unsightly, plus I don't have 20 lids! If I have a goal of one hole every other day, I should be ready by planting time (I know I will fail my goal more than meet it).

You have a lovely kitty to help you!

This is such a great idea and we hope to use it this winter in FL when it is cooler before the weather gets really almost too hot to work outside.

crittergarden said:You have a lovely kitty to help you!

Unfortunately, I have 6 kitties (incl. Marnie in the photo) that may think they're helping me by digging holes and adding fertilizer. I do not appreciate
their help! But on the plus side, I have no problem with voles or any other rodents...

give and take, give and take!