PLANTS SUPPLIED AS BAREROOT PLANTS

These plants are field grown in a nursery and lifted during the plant’s dormant period.  During autumn and early spring, bareroot plants show little or no top growth.  You can be assured, however, that your plants will have a strong root system.  Bare rooted plants must be protected so that the root does not dry out at any time.

Provided the soil is not waterlogged or frozen, you can plant your bareroots straight into the garden.

Alternatively, plant individually into 9cm pots or a pot large enough to hold the root using moist, soil-free compost.  Place in a frost-free cold frame, conservatory or on a cool well-lit windowsill.  This is to produce hardy, compact and sturdy well-rooted plants that will cope well with all conditions, so they need to be grown as coolly as possible (but frost-free) and not forced.  When the plants are well rooted into the compost, they can be planted into the garden.

CARE OF YOUR PLUG PLANTS WHEN THEY ARRIVE

Immediately on receipt open up the pack and stand your plants upright.

If the plants are dry, stand in tepid water for a few minutes until the root ball is moist.

POTTING ON

If necessary potting on should be done as soon as possible after receipt into 9cm pots.  Use a light, well-drained compost and water gently.

Make a hole in the compost slightly larger than the plug

and gently firm the compost around the roots after planting.  

Water in gently to settle the compost.  Place in a greenhouse, conservatory or on a cool, well-lit windowsill.  

Protect from strong sun and grow on at a warm temperature until they become established.  Then gradually lower the temperature, being careful not to over water the compost, especially in the early stages of growth.

Feed every 14 days with a weak liquid fertiliser.  In branded compost, no feeding will be required until after the first flowers have formed.

PLANTING INTO THE GARDEN

Before planting out, any pot grown plants will benefit from being hardened off.  Place your plants outdoors 7-10 days prior to planting out.  If a frost is forecast, bring back indoors for protection.  Place outside the following day and repeat as necessary.  Always water prior to planting.

When planting it is important to prepare the soil well as your plant will grow for many years in the same site.  Adding a generous handful of a well-balanced fertiliser, and if necessary organic matter, to give the soil a fine ‘crumbly’ texture.  Rake the soil to a fine tilth and plant your well-watered plants making sure you do not plant too deeply, but it is essential that the plants are well firmed in.  

Bareroot plants should usually be planted about an inch below the surface.  Gently water in and then water as necessary until the next good rain or during dry periods.

GENERAL AFTERCARE

Removing faded flowers will generally encourage a second flush of colour in many plants.  Each autumn cut your herbaceous perennial plants back to ground level after flowering.  Watch for pests and diseases, which are normally rare in perennial plants, but can be kept under control by routine spraying.  

Slugs can be the biggest problem so rigorous control  using your favoured method in early spring should keep them at bay.

You should also note that some perennials such as peonies and hellebores will not flower until well established.

HANGING BASKET AND PATIO TUB PLANTING

When planting up hanging baskets and patio tubs there is no hard and fast rule as to how many plants to use.

We generally use one centre piece plant and seven plants around the edge of a 12 inch basket to give you a guide.  Five plants around the edge would eventually fill the basket but obviously take longer to do so than seven.