T H E D IR T O N S O IL
bed and adjust the spacing,
accounting for mature plant
sizes (see plant tags).
in the center of the hole and
fill soil back in around the root
ball, firming it by hand.
SET OUT PLANTS
n y
PLANT Dig the
5
Before planting
Derennials and
j hole as deep as the
.
mot hall, and about
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-7
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shrubs, set them all out in the
twice as wide. Place the plant
Many residential
soils are poor
quality. A little
effort before
planting will pay
big dividends,
with healthier
plants for years
to come.
Loosen soil 6 to 8
inches deep with
a spading fork or
powered tiller.
SOIL
While you till,
thoroughly mix in
several inches of
compost or topsoil
(“black dirt”) to
enrich the soil.
Most plants aren’t
too fussy about
pH. However, if you
plant acid-loving
plants such as
hydrangeas, check
soil pH with an
inexpensive tester.
If pH is higher than
6.0, add sulfur to
soil when you till.
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS MARCH
2009
6 3
