Good Planting Guide

A PRACTICAL PLANTING RESOURCE  | How To Plant

Step 1: Select the Right Plant

1. Match Plant to Environment
• Assess sunlight, shade, wind exposure, and soil type.
• Choose plants that thrive in your specific conditions.
2. Design with Purpose
• Create a cohesive garden theme.
• Use plants with similar growing needs.
• Refer to resources like Warners Plant What Where for inspiration.
3. Buy from Accredited Growers
• Ensures plants are disease-free and grown in sterile conditions.
• This will avoid introducing pests or weeds to your garden.
4. Inspect Plant Health
• Look for vibrant, undamaged leaves.
• Avoid plants with yellowing, black spots, or signs of disease.
• Check for healthy stems and avoid pot-bound roots.

Step 2: Prepare the Site

1. Check Drainage
• Ensure water drains well through the soil.
• Use raised beds or install drainage system if needed.
• Improve clay soil with gypsum and organic matter.
• Avoid adding gravel or crocking to beds/pots.
2. Improve Soil Quality
• Ensure soil is friable (crumbly).
• Mix in compost or organic matter to enhance soil quality.
• Use quality soil mix for new beds (not potting mix).

Step 3: Planting Techniques

1. Assess and Prepare Roots
• White, fibrous roots are ideal.
• Shave sides and bottom of tight root balls to encourage new root growth.
2. Saturate the Root Ball
• Water thoroughly before planting.
• Use wetting agents to saturate large pots.
• Submerge small pots in water until air bubbles stop.
3. Plant at Correct Depth
• Dig a hole twice the pot’s width and slightly deeper than the heigh of the pot.
• Ensure the top of the root ball is flush or slightly below soil level.
• Keep graft points above soil to prevent disease.
4. Create a Water Catchment Zone
• Backfill soil and form a ring around the base of the plant
• This helps direct water to the root zone.
5. Mulch Properly
• Apply thick mulch to retain soil moisture.
• Keep mulch away from stems.
• Maintain the catchment zone’s effectiveness.
6. Water Deeply After Planting
• Hand-water into the catchment zone.
• Helps settle soil and hydrate roots.

 Step 4: Long-Term Maintenance

1. Watering
• Hand-water during the first growing season.
• Use drip irrigation for ongoing care.
• Deep weekly watering is better than daily light watering.
• Supplement watering during dry spells.
2. Pruning
• Regular shaping encourages healthy, attractive growth.
• Typically done after flowering, or in late spring.
3. Fertilising
• Use appropriate fertiliser for each plant type.
• Apply slow-release fertiliser in spring.
• Use soluble fertilisers for quick boosts.
• Avoid fertilising during hot weather to prevent burn.

For more information:

Download the Good Planting Guide

Watch Diacos Nursery Planting video featuring Andrew from Warners.