Six Steps for Success

Make it twice the width of the pot and equal to the depth of the pot.

We recommend incorporating Petitti Planting Mix™ into the lifted soil to achieve a 50/50 blend of ground soil and fresh planting mix. Here in Northeast Ohio, we have clay soil, and so amending with fresh organic matter will go a long way to support the plant’s establishment. If the area is particularly heavy with clay, also incorporate Soil Perfector™ during this second step in the process.

We recommend adding Bio-tone® Starter Plus to the hole and then positioning the plant in the hole so that its crown is slightly above the existing soil level. Bio-tone® is an organic starter fertilizer and root stimulator.

As you backfill with the amended soil, we recommend incorporating a slow-release maintenance fertilizer that will feed the plant over time. For example, incorporate Plant-tone® for perennials, trees, and shrubs. For annual flowers, use Osmocote®. For edible vegetable & herb plants, choose Garden-tone®.

Always water your plants deeply & thoroughly, after planting. For long-term plants like perennials, trees, and shrubs, maintain 1″ of water per week for a full year, whether by rainfall or by watering, to ensure establishment. Lack of water is a common failure point for plants, sometimes not noticeable in the plant’s appearance until months later, and so it’s great to be in the habit of watering.

Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch to give a finished look and prevent weeds. We recommend sprinkling Preen® over top of the mulch to prevent weeds from sprouting.