With the soil properly prepared – weed free, and with some fertilizer or well-rotted horse manure dug into the soil – it’s time to buy the plants…
What you are looking for is a plant that looks healthy and chipper. It’s usually pretty obvious in a group of plants which look the best – but don’t just go for the biggest or those in flower.
Once you have got your plants home and into the garden, unless the pots are already very wet (then they will be heavy), give all the plants a good drink to get them in peak condition before planting.
Then it’s time to plant…
I tend to plant by starting at one end of a bed and working along it, always being careful not to walk back onto plants I have stood out.
For each plant, dig a hole that is wide enough to take the roots without cramming them, and just so deep that, once a dose of manure has been added and the plant root ball placed in the hole, the top of the root ball will be at soil level once the hole is filled in again.
Also, if you have clay soil, always loosen the sides of the hole to help the roots penetrate as they grow. Smeared or panned soil will result in root constriction and poor growth.
With the perfect hole dug, add half a spade’s worth of well rotted organic manure – I find horse manure works a treat – and mix it with the soil at the bottom of the hole. I also tend to add a dusting of blood, fish and bone.The next thing to add is the plant. Knock it out of its pot – gently – and insert into the hole. If there is growth, give it a turn or two to make sure the ‘face’, the best side of the plant is showing to the front.
Make sure the plant is upright, and if it’s a tall or floppy one, then it’s a good idea to put the support, such as bamboo canes or specialist frames into the ground now as well. Then gently firm the soil around the plant, and give it a good water in. Once the whole border is planted, you can also add a 5-7 cm top dressing or mulch of well rotted manure, which will help to improve soil quality, prevent weed growth, retain moisture, and provide extra nutrients throughout the summer.