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YOUR GUIDE
TO PLANTING
Anyone can plant, and we hope you do! Whether you’re planting yourself or you want us to handle everything for you, we’re here for you with friendly advice and answers.
The basics
>> WHEN. Spring and fall for moderate temps and ample moisture.
>> DIG IN. Create a hole twice the width of the root ball and deep enough to cover all but the top 2-3 inches of the root ball.
>> SUPPORT. Sprinkle in Organic Plant Magic (like a power shake for roots), then mix equal parts Altum’s Soil Amendment/soil.
>> PLANT. Remove plants from plastic containers (bring them back and we’ll recycle!) and gently loosen roots. For balled and burlapped trees, cut cords, but leave the burlap and wire for extra protection. Backfill and cover the root ball with your amended soil and gently tamp.
>> MULCH. Add 2-3 inches of Altum’s hardwood mulch (without packing tightly).
Sound like too much work? Ask us to deliver and plant for you:
>> NO-WORRIES 3-YEAR WARRANTY. An unprecedented three-year warranty with one-time replacement on every tree, shrub and perennial we plant for you.
>> AT-HOME YARD & GARDEN CONSULT. Get ideas, instructions and a quick sketch to do it yourself, or have us design, manage and install everything for you. Ask us for details or find out more.
And remember, you can always call us at 317-733-GROW (4769), email us or use online chat if you have questions or need encouragement.
YOUR GUIDE
TO WATERING
Regular watering is one of the most important things you can do to give your plants a healthy start.
The basics
>> TREES AND SHRUBS. Thoroughly soak for 10-15 minutes at least once per week from spring until the ground freezes for the first one to two years.
>> SMALLER PERENNIALS AND ANNUALS. Smaller root systems don’t take up as much water, so thoroughly soak your small plants every 3-4 days (sometimes more in the heat of summer) from spring until the ground freezes. See Moisture Levels.
>> SLOWLY AND GENEROUSLY. It’s better to water thoroughly, than more frequently, soaking the soil to the root ball. This helps roots reach deeper and grow stronger.
>> FOCUS ON THE SOIL AND ROOTS. Instead of watering from above, direct water evenly to soil all around the plant. Watering leaves can lead to disease.
>> WATER IN THE MORNING. This helps keep water from evaporating in the heat of the day, and guards against disease.
>> MOISTURE LEVELS. Let the surface dry out a bit between waterings, but don’t let plants completely dry out (i.e. under the surface). This can stress roots and take valuable energy from your plants.
>> KEEP A SCHEDULE. Set a reminder on your phone or leave your hose/watering can where you can see it. Then water on the same day(s) each week so it becomes a habit. If weather is very dry and/or hot, check plants more often.
And remember, you can always call us at 317-733-GROW (4769), email us or use online chat if you have questions or need encouragement.
YOUR GUIDE
TO FERTILIZING
We’re quick to give our plants the water they need. But so many of us forget we need to feed them, too. Keep your plants looking like the day you brought them home (or better) with a little well-timed nutrition.
The basics
>> ACID-LOVING PLANTS (boxwood, holly, Japanese maple, magnolias, dogwoods and spruces). Fertilome Iron Plus once in spring and once in fall
>> DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS. Organic Elements or 12-12-12 in early spring, again later in spring and fall
>> PERENNIALS. Organic Elements or 12-12-12 in early spring and again 6 weeks later
>> ANNUALS. Jack’s Classicote slow-release fertilizer when planting. Then Jack’s Petunia FeEd or Bloom Booster water-soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Always follow package instructions. And remember, you can always call us at 317-733-GROW (4769), email us or use online chat if you have questions or need encouragement.
YOUR GUIDE
TO PRUNING
We’re here to take the guesswork out of pruning. While we always lean toward the natural shape of trees and plants, many can benefit from some rejuvenation and maintenance.
The basics
>> SPRUCES AND PINES. Thicken branches by cutting or pinching the ‘candle’ (new) growth in half each June or July. Only prune back dead or diseased branches to keep a natural shape.
>> BROADLEAF OR NEEDLE EVERGREENS. Shape sparingly April through July and mid-September through October as needed.
>> DECIDUOUS TREES. Late winter is the best time to find and remove dead or diseased branches and shape without stimulating late-season growth. Exception: prune birches and maples after leaf drop to avoid excessive sap flow.
>> FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS. Bloom before June? Prune after flowering to avoid cutting off buds. Bloom after June? Prune in March before leaf out.
>> HYDRANGEAS. White-flowering, prune early spring. Pink and blue, wait until leaves emerge to prune out dead branches.
>> PERENNIALS AND ORNAMENTAL GRASSES. We like to keep ours for winter interest and wildlife shelter, so recommend pruning within a few inches of the ground in March/April.
>> ALL PLANTS Trim out dead, diseased or broken branches anytime.
>> INSIDER’S TIP: Save yourself pruning time when you plant by leaving enough space for your plant when it’s full-grown.
And remember, you can always call us at 317-733-GROW (4769), email us or use online chat if you have questions or need encouragement.
