April 27, 2023

Six Steps for Success

how to plant

angelo's planting guide

Gardening Guide Icon

We want your plants to look as amazing at home as they do in our garden centers. And we know the level of care taken when planting can make all the difference. That’s why we encourage you to follow Angelo Petitti’s 6 Steps for Success: A Guide to Proper Planting when installing your annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs.

dig a hole

step one

Make it twice the width of the pot and equal to the depth of the pot.

amend the lifted soil

step two

We recommend incorporating Petitti Planting Mix™ into the lifted soil to achieve a 50/50 blend of ground soil and fresh planting mix. Here in Northeast Ohio, we have clay soil, and so amending with fresh organic matter will go a long way to support the plant’s establishment. If the area is particularly heavy with clay, also incorporate Soil Perfector™ during this second step in the process.

set the plant

step three

We recommend adding Bio-tone® Starter Plus to the hole and then positioning the plant in the hole so that its crown is slightly above the existing soil level. Bio-tone® is an organic starter fertilizer and root stimulator.

backfill the hole

step four

As you backfill with the amended soil, we recommend incorporating a slow-release maintenance fertilizer that will feed the plant over time. For example, incorporate Plant-tone® for perennials, trees, and shrubs. For annual flowers, use Osmocote®. For edible vegetable & herb plants, choose Garden-tone®.

water it in

step five

Always water your plants deeply & thoroughly, after planting. For long-term plants like perennials, trees, and shrubs, maintain 1″ of water per week for a full year, whether by rainfall or by watering, to ensure establishment. Lack of water is a common failure point for plants, sometimes not noticeable in the plant’s appearance until months later, and so it’s great to be in the habit of watering.

mulch it

step six

Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch to give a finished look and prevent weeds. We recommend sprinkling Preen® over top of the mulch to prevent weeds from sprouting.

like a boss

plant like a professional with these extra expert techniques

  • Score the roots | After removing the plant from the grower pot, use a sharp knife or spade to score the root system all around the root ball. This facilitates the movement of fresh root growth in the soil.
  • Remove any bindings | In the case of trees/shrubs, remove any strings or bindings from around the trunk so it does not become girdled, cut, or otherwise damaged as it grows.
  • Peel back burlap | When it comes to balled and burlapped (B&B) plants, remove or peel back at least the top one-third of burlap when planting, and keep this area of the root ball above soil level.
  • Boost with Iron | During Step 4, add a dose of Iron-tone® for an extra boost of iron that will promote deep green foliage.
  • Focus the fertilizer | If planting evergreens or acid-loving trees & shrubs, use Holly-tone® in place of more all-purpose Plant-tone® during Step 4.
  • Maintain watering routine | Water deeply and thoroughly at a rate of one inch of water, once per week, until established.
  • Let us do the work | For larger tree and shrub plantings, consider enlisting Petitti Planting Service for professional installation!
Digging the Hole
Checking Soil Level
Adding Starter Fertilizer
Adding Soil Perfector
Breaking up Roots
Placing Plant
Backfilling with Soil
Applying Slow-Release Fertilizer
Watering it In
Mulching

planting video

See the process come to life in this “6 Steps” video we created using a fresh new Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) as our object of planting. The steps are also carefully outlined below for your convenience and reference, complete with links to any products we suggest be part of your planting process.

What to use & why

Recommended Products

  • Espoma® Organic® Bio-tone® Starter Plus

    This organic microbe-enhanced, all-natural starter plant food helps plants establish fast by working to grow a larger root mass. The formula includes both endo- and ectomycorrhizae that reduces transplant loss while promoting bigger blooms. Available in 4lb and 20lb sizes.

  • Espoma® Organic® Holly-tone®

    The original natural and organic fertilizer for all acid-loving plants, Holly-tone is a slow-release food for evergreens, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Use at planting time by adding to the soil in the hole, and add twice yearly to keep plants vigorous and healthy. Contains active soil microbes for long-term health and superior growth. Available in 4lb, 8lb, 20lb and 40lb sizes.

  • Espoma® Organic® Iron-tone®

    This organic fertilizer and iron supplement works fast to turn yellow foliage to green naturally. It’s the ideal companion to Holly-tone or Plant-tone and benefits flowers, vegetables, evergreens, ornamental shrubs, berries, and shade, ornamental, and fruit trees. Available in 5lb and 20lb sizes.

  • Espoma® Organic® Plant-tone®

    The original organic all-purpose plant food for all flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs, Plant-tone is 100% made from natural ingredients and contains no fillers or sludges. It breaks down gradually to provide a safe, long-lasting food reservoir that is activated throughout the growing season. Contains active soil microbes for long-term health and superior growth. Plants will grow larger with more blooms and more vibrant color. Available in 4lb, 8lb, 20lb and 40lb sizes.

  • Espoma® Soil Perfector®

    An all-natural soil conditioner, this product can be added to an area just one time to permanently improve heavy clay and dry sandy soils, prevent compaction, aerate and retain moisture, and promote deep root growth. It does not break down or deteriorate over time. Soil Perfector is derived from a ceramic mineral that is kiln-fired at temperatures in excess of 2000º F, which results in a durable, lightweight granule. Each granule contains thousands of tiny storage spaces that allow for the perfect balance of water, air, and nutrients to improve your soil structure.

  • Osmocote® Flower and Vegetable Smart-Release Plant Food

    With a high total nutrient content of 14-14-14, this balanced formula promotes consistent top-growth and strong root development at the same time, which makes it ideal for use with perennial and vegetable gardens. Each granule is coated with a unique resin that controls nutritional release so that plants get what they need when they need it. Available in 1.25lb, 3lb, 4.5lb and 10lb sizes.

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