Garden Monthly

We would like to welcome you to our new look web site, and this has been a direct response listening to your comments and views. As you can see that the pages are much brighter and we hope that you find them easier to navigate for what you are looking for. As always we look forward to any recommendations that we can do to make your visit to our site more enjoyable, so feel free to contact us and voice your opinions as they really do make a difference...

To coincide with the launch of our new look web site we have introduced

Let us show you how…

This is a simple way of showing you that gardening can be fun, enjoyable and we will show you what… how…where…where…. and we’ll make it easy for you.

Now that the weather is starting to warm up. We are all thinking of getting out into the garden and what better time start planting in the garden. So we thought this month we would show you “how” to plant a tree with success.

How to Plant a Tree with Success

What you will need
Sharp digging spade, sledge hammer (to hammer in stake), Quality tree stake, Soft flexible tree tie, Arboretum multipurpose compost, Westland slow release feed, Watering can or Garden hose. Most important a clean bill of health.

Before digging the tree hole
Identify the location of any underground utilities and if in doubt call your local utilities, think safe-be safe.

Digging the Hole
Dig your hole at least twice as big as the root ball of the tree.
Place several inches of good quality soil and compost mixed at the bottom of the hole before planting.If the soil is very hard to dig, such as clay areas, make the hole wider than deep and raising the entire bed is recommended.

Planting Instructions
Plant at the same soil level that it was grown in the nursery.Always fill the hole with good quality soil and compost, then firm in well with feet.
Soil been retuned to hole should be mixed with compost to aid new root growth and retain extra moisture during dry weather. 50:50 ratios are ideal on normal soil types.

Plastic Pots
Remove from the container-but DO NOT disturb the root system.
Fill the hole with good quality soil and compost mixture.

Rootball/Wire Baskets
Place the rootball at the bottom of the hole and fill with soil mixture.
Untie the top of the hessian and spread it out without removing it.
If there is a wire basket, bend it away from the stem.
Fill the hole with Soil mixture.
Incorporate more compost on heavy wet soils

Anchoring
Using a quality tree stake, anchor the tree on the prevailing wind side.
Ensure that you stake the tree on the same day as you plant it, to prevent wind damage.
Larger trees may require more than one stake; seek professional advice if in doubt.

Watering
Water thoroughly using a slow trickle, so plant roots are saturated.
Keep plants moist but not soaked.
Water deep every 3-4 days. (No daily shallow watering!)

Mulch
Cover smoothed soil with 3 inches of Westland Bark chippings or Westland Mini Bark chips. The purpose of this is to prevent weeds and the most important benefit of mulching is to prevent moisture loss evaporating through the bare soil. Replace as needed.

Aftercare
Ensure that you check trees on a regular basis for water, especially important during dry hot weather and windy conditions.
Tree ties should be checked that they are secure, and that they are not too tight which could restrict tree growth.
Trees should be fed from March to September during the main growing season. A simple to use feed is, Westland slow release feed, that’s applied once at the beginning of the growing season and is sufficient for one the whole growing season. (see package for further details)