GENERAL PLANTING & MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES
Planting in soil:
Choose the right spot for your plant;
•Almost all fruiting/flowering plants need plenty of sunshine to produce good crops, so find an open sunny spot (there are a few exceptions such as Morello Cherry and Bilberry for shadier spots).
•Avoid frost pockets. Late spring frosts will do far more damage to flowers and embryo fruits if trapped in a hollow or against a solid fence. East-facing sites are also much more susceptible to frost damage – the rapid thaw caused by the rays of the early morning sun are far more damaging than a slow thaw out of direct sunlight.
•Allow enough space for each plant, specific information is available within the specific plant instructions. If space is very limited look to cordon pruning or pick a very narrow upright variety.
•Soil types: Most flowering plants will thrive in most normal garden soils, though some do have specific requirements. Apples and pears for instance are not suited to very acid (peat-rich) soils, while blueberries will not last long on alkaline (chalky) soils. Most plants need soils to be reasonably well drained, raspberries suffer particularly badly if their roots sit wet over winter, being shallow-rooting they also need their soil to remainor be kept moist in summer.
•If the “right spot” is along a wall or fence, pick a plant that can be espalier or fan trained, or a bush like a blackberry that needs the support of a fence or wall.
Ground preparation, staking and watering-in;
Plant as soon as possible after purchase. Improve soil structure by thorough digging before planting, ideally to a depth of about 45cm (18”) – two spades deep. If possible mix well rotted manure or compost into the top soil. Soak the root ball in a bucket of water overnight. Dig a hole comfortably large enough to take the root ball, remove the pot or bag and plant, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, or up to 2.5cm (1”) deeper. For Blueberries, Bilberries, Cranberries and Lingonberries only, apply rootgrowTM Ericoid directly to the roots before planting – this will help the plant to establish quickly. For all other plants, apply rootgrowTM mycorrhizal fungi for the same purpose. Tread firmly and water-in thoroughly. Stake the plantand secure with a tree tie to prevent it rocking before the root system is established.
Potted plants:
These are great for small gardens and patios. The roots of the plants are in a smaller more confined space than they would be if they were in soil. As a result, more care is needed.
Water frequently in dry weather and make sure that the plant always has sufficient water. The plant will use up all the nutrients in the pot as the supply is limited by the compost volume, so feed a liquid feed every 1-2 weeks during the main growing season: May – August.
As the plant grows, repot your plant into fresh compost and prune the roots to stimulate fresh vigour every 1 or 2 years. Aim to replace at least a third of the compost.
Weeding & Mulching;
Keep the area around the plant free of weeds, particularly during the first year. An annual mulch of well rotted compost will greatly improve moisture retention and soil structure, and help suppress unwanted weeds.
Watering;
Keep the soil around the plant moist throughout the first growing season. In later years only water during prolonged dry spells, drenching thoroughly no more than once a week. One exception to this are figs, which are amongst the most drought-tolerant of plants. Container grown plants will need more regular watering and should never be allowed to dry out. Aim to keep the
compost moist at all times, but do not leave standing in water or you risk drowning the roots. Figs are amongst the most drought-tolerant of plants when planted in the ground so should rarely be watered. If grown in a pot however they will still need regular watering.
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