Now that I have bought my California natives, how do I plant them?

A:

1. Water your potted plant before transplanting it.
   
   
2. Irrigate the planting area – soil should be moist but not wet. 
   
   
3. Dig a hole slightly wider than the pot.  Roughen the edges of the hole.
   
   
4. Gently remove the plant from its pot by turning the pot on its side and easing the plant out.   Do not pull the plant by its stem.  Loosen the roots.  
   
   
5. Place the plant in the hole and cover it with soil.  The plant should be planted slightly higher than the surface.  Most California native plants do better without soil amendments or fertilizers. 
   
   
6. Press firmly on the soil surrounding the plant to ensure that there are no air pockets.  Do not over compact the soil to ensure good air and water circulation.
   
   
7. Create a small mounding ridge around the plant that will act as a water well, preventing water from running off the surface and away from the plant.  The circumference of the well should be larger than that of the pot.
   
   
8. Water the plant making sure the entire root area is moistened.
   
   
9. You can mulch the new plant, but make sure that the mulch is kept away from the stem.  Mulching too close to the stem encourages disease.
   
   
10. Now watch it grow!  Remember that the during the establishment period the roots are growing and developing.  Once that period passes your plant will grow more quickly. 

For more information, consult the California Native Plant Gardeners Care and Maintenance Guide available at the RSABG California Garden Shop.