Selecting The Right Plant For The Right Place

Know your garden’s sunlight and soil conditions, as well as plant needs before making your selections.

Light Conditions

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of sun anytime during the day/south and west sides of buildings.
• Part shade: Lightly filtered sun or 3-5 hours of morning sun, sometimes found on the east side of buildings and under the light shade of trees.
• Full Shade: 1-3 hours of sun anytime during the day, usually on the north side of homes, between buildings or under trees.

Soil and Moisture Conditions

• Average Soil: We consider a variety of soils to be average, ranging from predominantly clay to loam soil that has a nice mix of clay, silt, sand, and organic materials. Plants labeled ‘Average soil’ will tolerate a large range of soil types.
• Well-drained Soil: This soil type will have a balanced content of sand, silt and/or organic material, allowing it to drain easily. Plants that need well-drained soil will not survive if planted in poorly drained sites.
• Moist, Well-drained Soils: This soil type can be found near water sources, depressions and shady woodland areas. High organic, silt and possibly sand content allows water to soak in, and be available through most of the growing season while draining slowly.
• Wet Soil: Usually found in low-lying areas and often comprised of predominantly clay. Water is retained for a period of time, especially during seasons of higher moisture.
• Dry Soil: Dry soils can be found at the top of slopes, under trees, near pavement and under eaves. These soils absorb water but drain quickly and excessively. Wet soil can become dry

Planting Instructions

Tree & Shrub Planting Tips

Perennial & Annual Planting Tips

• When planting potted perennials and annuals, allow the container soil to dry slightly then remove the plant.
• Add Biotone and amendments, then mix into the planting area or bed. Dig a planting hole no deeper than the pot.
• Don’t forget to tease the roots! If the plant’s roots are tightly circling, gently pry them apart and spread out in your planting hole. Cutting the roots vertically will also work.
• Break up any large clumps. Lightly firm the soil around the plant. Make sure that you keep the soil level the same as it was in the container.
• If your perennial is in bud or bloom when you plant it, consider cutting these and enjoying them in a vase. This allows the plant to focus energy on growing roots.
• Water thoroughly after planting. Read the Watering Instructions for more details.