Planting + Watering Tip Sheet

Set Your New Plants Up for Success

A little extra care at planting time goes a long way toward healthier roots, stronger growth, and better-looking plants.

Before You Plant

Call 811 before you dig to have underground utility lines marked.

Easy Planting Tips for Better Results

Start with the right hole
Dig the hole 6–12 inches wider than the root ball, but no deeper. This gives roots room to spread and settle in.

Plant at the right height
Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the ground.

Give roots a better start.
Mix 20–30% compost or soil conditioner into the backfill soil. It’s a simple upgrade that can help plants establish more easily.

Loosen roots before planting.
If the plant came from a pot, gently loosen any circling roots so they can grow outward into the surrounding soil.

Finish with mulch
Add 1–3 inches of mulch to help hold moisture, regulate soil temperature, and give beds a clean, finished look.
Just keep mulch away from the trunk or stems.

Watering: The Secret to Strong, Healthy Plants

The biggest factor in plant success is simple: consistent watering, especially during the first season.

Right After Planting

Water deeply as soon as you plant, then water again the next day.

Weeks 1–4

Check plants daily and keep the soil evenly moist. Think damp sponge, not soaking wet.

After Week 4

Water deeply, let the soil get almost dry, then water again. Deep watering encourages deeper, stronger roots.

After the First Year

Once established, most plants do well with watering every 10 days to 2 weeks, depending on weather and soil conditions.

Rain Counts

Established plants usually need about 1 inch of water every 7–10 days, including rainfall.

Not Sure When to Water?

Here are a few easy ways to check:

Use the finger test
Push your finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the root zone.

• Dry? It’s time to water.

• Cool and moist? Check again tomorrow.

Watch for plant signals.
Some plants may droop in the afternoon heat, which can be normal.
But if they still look droopy in the evening or early morning, they likely need water.

Remember the dry zones.
Plants may dry out faster near large trees, foundations, slopes, or established plants.

Easy Ways to Water Well

For the best results, water slowly at the base of the plant so moisture reaches the roots where it matters most.

Good options include:

• a hose on a slow trickle

• a sprinkler set on low

• watering bags

• hand-watering with a watering wand

A Few Helpful Reminders

• Annuals, hanging baskets, containers, and groundcover can dry out fast and may need daily watering in hot weather.

• Even native and drought-tolerant plants need regular watering until they are fully established.

A Little Care Now = A Lot More Enjoyment Later.

Healthy plants start with good planting and smart watering. Give them a strong start now, and you’ll enjoy better growth, better color, and better performance all season long.

Have a question? Ask our plant experts.