The Gardeners Almanac

The place to find out what to do in the garden this week
My Back Garden

Planting Out


Overview:

Before setting about the task of planting out of any type or size of plant there are a number of basic rules one should follow to have any hope of achieving success.

Firstly you have to consider where the plants have been reared / stored prior to the planting out process, for example:


In many instances this will have been in a heated / warm environment such as a greenhouse or shop.

In the case of the latter, in some shops the employee who has been designated to look after these plants may have had limited or no horticultural experience.

This could mean that on receipt of your plants, you may find a number of things wrong with your plant/s, here are a few to look out for;

If you have raised the plants yourself then these should not be an issue!


If your plants have encountered any of the above there are some simple procedures you should apply before planting the out, for example:

Hardening off: (see here)


Tender plants require special care when planting out, as the climate outdoors can be a shock after the warm growing conditions found under cover.

Before planting out, harden off for at least a fortnight by keeping plants in a cold frame with good ventilation by day and closed at night or in cold weather.

A make shift arrangement consisting of a double layer of fleece laid over the plants for a week, followed by a week under a single sheet can achieve a similar effect if you do not own a cold frame.


Preparing the soil: (see here)


For best results the soil should be fertile, moist and well cultivated.

If the ground has not been dug before/during winter, fork it over as soon as the soil is dry enough.

Prepare the planting sites for bedding plants by raking in a general fertilizer at a rate of 2-3oz (50-90gm) per sq metre. (see manufacturers instruction)


Planting out:

Delay any planting until all risk of frost has passed. (circa Weeks 21-23)

Have some agri-fleece sheets at the ready for protection should there be a late cold snap.


Before planting out:

Spacing:


Allow space between plants relative to their subsequent spread.


Watering:(see here)


If plants have become too dry prior to planting out, soak them in a tray of water until the surface of the compost in the container darkens.


At this stage remove the container from the tray and allow any excess water to drain off.

Similarly,in dry spells, thoroughly water the soil in the planting area to ensure that it percolates to a depth of 150mm (6”) allow any surplus water to drain away before planting!

Once planted out thoroughly soak the area around the planting hole/s.


This should wash the fines in the soil into any air pockets that have been inadvertently formed when returning the soil into the planting hole.

After planting out do not let he area dry out until the plant has established itself, a sign of which is, the plant is likely to be standing erect and there is signs of fresh new growth.


When planting out under trees (see here)