Guide to Planting Techniques

Planting Techniques for Gardeners

Starting a garden can be an exciting journey. Knowing the right planting techniques can make all the difference in your gardening success. This guide will walk you through the basics of planting.

Choosing the Right Location

Before you start, assess your garden space. Pay attention to the desired planting areas, and make a note of how many hours of direct sun strike the spot.

Consider, too, the mature height and width of the plant you've chosen. Will it outgrow the location you're considering? How much do you plan on shaping and pruning? 

Think about how the plants will be watered, and the potential access. View our Watering Essentials Guide to choose the best watering method.

Sun Exposure Explained

‍Full sun = 6+ hours of direct sun
Full Sun - Part Sun = 4-6 hours of direct sun
Part Shade = 2-4 hours of direct sun and/or dappled sun for most of the day
Full Shade = No direct sun or dappled sun for part of the day

Plant Choice

Each plant has unique conditional requirements needed to thrive. Every plant at Durango Nursery has a tag that will express the plant's desired conditions. Pay attention to the 'Sun' category on the tag to match its desired exposure with your site. Keep an eye, too, on its expected mature height and width.

Planting Steps

1. Dig: Place your plant container on the ground and dig a hole 2-3x as wide as the pot, in a saucer shape. Dig only as deep as the soil level in the pot. This allows ample space for stabilizer roots to become established. Place removed soil on cleared ground, tarp, or in large bucket.
2. Amend: Add compost and granular fertilizer to removed soil. Add only up to 1/3 compost in volume. We typically recommend Nutri-Mulch or another organic medium. Follow directions with fertilizer. Mix well to combine.
3. Place: Remove the plant from the plastic container and place in the hole. Be gentle with the roots. If roots are overgrown, gently rearrange them to prevent girdling.
4. Backfill: Gently fill in amended soil into the hole. Gently press to make sure soil will stay in place and not sink when watered. Do not firmly press soil into ground, as small air pockets are essential for drainage and root growth.
5. Saucer: take the extra soil and shape it in a saucer shape around the plant. The idea is to create a miniature retention pond above the root ball and avoid runoff when watered.
6. Water: Water deeply so the entire root ball can access moisture. Create a watering schedule but pay attention to what the plant needs throughout the season.
7. Monitor: Check the plant every couple of days to ensure health. Feel around the root ball a couple inches into the soil to monitor drainage levels. New transplants often go into shock after planting. Give it time to perk back up. This may take a couple weeks to a full season.

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