You will need mixed soil, water, and sunlight to plant seedlings or young trees. Plants need different temperatures, water, and sunlight. In addition to following the guidelines described in this article, also carefully read the information listed on the plant so that you can meet the plant's requirements correctly. You can become a growing expert by following some of the easy instructions below.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Planting in Soil
Step 1. Determine the planting location
The planting location is very important. Make sure the selected site gets adequate amounts of sunlight, has sufficient space, fertile soil for growth, and good drainage.
- Face the plants to the east because the morning sun is the best and cool source of light for plants to thrive.
- The soil should be loose and dark in color, not red and contain a lot of clay or sand. Loose soil has good aeration so roots can grow easily, while a dark color indicates that the soil is very fertile.
Step 2. Arrange the plants before you plant them
Do not dig or remove the plant from the pot until you have determined where to plant it. Apart from saving energy and time, this will also avoid stress on the plants.
Since plants don't like being uprooted or moved, all plants are subject to stress when planted elsewhere. The roots may not grow properly, which prevents the plant from developing. However, if the root ball (the mass of soil surrounding the plant's roots) is not significantly disturbed, the plant will most likely grow well in the new environment
Step 3. Make a hole
The hole should be the same depth as the root ball, although it can be twice as wide. The additional width of this hole is to make room for the roots to grow properly.
- Insert the plant into the hole to see if the depth of the hole is the same as the height of the soil in the original pot.
- Remove any rocks in the hole to break up any lumps of soil so that the plant has a clean and loose space.
- Remember, certain plants may have to be planted in deeper or shallower holes. If the seed you purchased doesn't provide planting instructions, look online to find out what hole size you need for your plant.
Step 4. Sprinkle compost into the hole
Compost will provide nutrients for the roots so that plants can grow healthily.
- Add about 3-8 cm of compost if you are growing vegetables and flowers.
- Next, make a 5-8 cm soil barrier between the compost and the roots. This layer is useful for keeping the compost from picking up nitrogen from the roots, but is close enough to filter nutrients into the soil.
Step 5. Loosen the roots
This is to prepare the roots to blend into the soil better. Hold the seed upside down. Hit the underside of the seedling with your palm and lightly press the root ball, then gently press and pull the tree. This will form a small pocket for the roots to spread out and grow. However, be careful not to damage the roots or remove too much soil from the clump.
If the plant can't escape, it means the roots are tied. Slice the edges of the pot with a blunt material and loosen the soil with your fingers. Spread out the tied roots when you plant them in the soil
Step 6. Put the soil around the plant
Use the soil from the excavation you made to fill the hole to the brim.
Make sure the height of the soil to bury the plant is the same as the height in the original pot. Seeds that are planted too low will get waterlogged, whereas if you plant them too high, the roots of the plant will not develop properly
Step 7. Cover the area around the plant using mulch from straw or leaves
Do not cover plant stems with mulch to allow air to circulate. Water and fertilize plants according to the directions given.
Mulching is very important to promote healthy plant growth, reduce evaporation at the soil surface, reduce plant temperatures, and protect roots from weeds and other disturbances
Method 2 of 3: Planting in a Pot
Step 1. Find a pot that is the right size for the plant
The pot should be deeper and 2 cm wider than the original pot because the plant needs space to grow.
Step 2. Find a suitable potting material
The key to plant growth is porosity, which is the ease with which air and moisture can escape from the potting material. Plastic, metal, and polished clay pots retain moisture, while unglazed clay, wood, and pulp pots allow the plant to breathe. Familiarize yourself with your plant's needs for watering so you can determine the best potting material.
The potting material also affects the overall beauty of the garden. Choose materials that match your personal style and location
Step 3. Consider the weight of the pot
Accessibility factors should also be considered. For example, if you want a pot that is easy to move, choose a lightweight metal or composite pot instead of heavy ceramic.
Step 4. Use a pot that has drainage holes
If there are no holes in the bottom of the pot, water will pool at the bottom, which will soak the roots and cause them to rot.
If you don't have a pot with holes, make your own holes, as long as the pot is strong when drilled
Step 5. Spread gravel or wire mesh at the bottom of the pot
This barrier will reduce the leakage of soil flowing from the drainage holes. Buy a pot mat (saucer) with a suitable color to prevent pot water from contaminating furniture or decks (wood-floored terraces).
You can also buy pot legs or supports to let the water flow straight out of the room
Step 6. Purchase the desired plant
If it's your first time planting in pots, choose seedlings or small plants. Ask a florist about the most suitable plants for the area where you live.
- Ask if the plant you want is invasive (easy to spread). Some plants like mint should be planted with their original small pots so they don't grow to spread and kill other plants.
- Plants that are not invasive can be planted 5 trees or more in one pot.
- Invasive plants should be planted in separate pots, or in smaller pots.
- Choose plants with loose root balls. Plants with tight root balls dry out easily and are more likely to die.
- Choose plants that require the same type of soil and sun exposure.
Step 7. Prepare the necessary equipment before you plant
All you need is a plant, a pot, potting soil, and a mould.
If you have to bend over to do the planting, try placing the pot in a high place, such as a table or bench, so you don't hurt your back
Step 8. Add a few centimeters of potting soil
Next, try placing the plant in a pot. Place the plant in the pot and estimate its best position so that the soil in the pot is the same height as the original pot.
- Use potting soil, not soil taken from the garden. Choose potting soil that is added with a slow release fertilizer so the plants will have a long supply of nutrients. You can also buy fertilizer separately and mix it yourself with potting soil.
- If you want to make your own potting soil, mix 5 parts compost, 2 parts vermiculite, 1 part sand, and parts dry organic fertilizer.
Step 9. Do the planting
Plant in the center first before you move on to the surrounding plants. Add more soil each time you add another plant. All plants should be planted at the same height as they were in their original pots.
Step 10. Water the plant with a soft water splash or spray
Follow the watering instructions listed on the seedling package (if any).
Immediately after being moved to a new environment, the plant requires the special care it needs in order to survive in the new home. Water the plant when the top 5-8 centimeters of soil is dry
Step 11. Take care of the plant so that it can grow well
Add new soil if the existing soil looks solid a few months later, and care for the plant according to the directions on the seedling package.
Method 3 of 3: Planting a Tree
Step 1. Choose the best place to plant the tree
Every plant needs an environment that can promote healthy growth. Check the environment around the place where you want to plant the tree to make sure it meets all the requirements needed for the tree to grow and thrive.
- Consider the height of the plant and the shape of the canopy at a later date. Don't let anything get in the way of the tree from fully growing.
- Consider the characteristics of the plant. If the type of plant is dropping leaves, choose a location that can accommodate a pile of leaves. If the tree is producing fruit, make sure it doesn't create an obstacle for you or your neighbors.
- Consider the appropriate amount of soil, sunlight and moisture. Check with a florist or nursery center to make sure you've chosen the right tree for your neighborhood.
Step 2. Gently loosen the soil with a hoe or shovel
The planting area should be loose enough so that tree roots can penetrate it easily.
Step 3. Make a hole in the area twice the width of the plant's root ball
The hole should be slightly lower than the height of the root ball because you will need to create a mound of soil.
Step 4. Loosen the tree roots before you plant them
Lay out seedlings or small trees. Press the bottom and sides of the container with your palm. Do this in gentle, but steady motions until the roots are loose.
Step 5. Pull the plant container away from the root ball until the seedlings are completely released from the container
Be careful not to damage the seeds or roots.
Step 6. Find the circular root
This indicates that the growth of the seedlings has exceeded the capacity of the container. Loosen and untwist the coiled roots so they are wide and away from the plant stem.
If the coiled roots are difficult to untangle, you may need to trim them. However, you should only do this if the coiled roots are few and the root ball of the plant is large
Step 7. Insert the root ball of the plant in the hole
The root ball should be about 1-3 cm higher above the soil level to prevent rot. If it's not high enough, lift the root ball and add additional soil.
- Position the tree in the hole by lifting the bottom of the root ball. Never use plant stems to lift them.
- Ask someone else to check if the tree is standing upright and occupying the hole properly.
Step 8. Mix 1 part compost with 3 parts soil before filling the hole around the seedling
This will increase soil fertility and provide a healthy environment for plant growth.
Step 9. Put the compost and soil mixture in the area around the root ball
Make a mound that is above ground level, but don't cover the trunk. Use the heels of your hands to compact the soil toward the root ball.
The roots at the top of the plant are most susceptible to waterloggedness. So, make sure you have made a mound about 15-30 cm above the ground, depending on the size of the tree
Step 10. Make a circular embankment, or small mound
In addition to adding to the beauty of the garden, dikes will also help create the drainage needed for tree growth.
- Fill the hole you made with more soil, which will form a mound. Make a solid mound around the circle of the hole.
- The width of the embankment is usually 4 or 5 times the height.
Step 11. Cover the area with a layer of mulch
Leave a distance of about 5 cm between the mulch and the base of the tree trunk.
Step 12. Install stakes (buffers) to support the tree
This is not mandatory, but usually young plants bend easily and require support, especially when the weather is bad. Be sure to place stakes around the perimeter so as not to damage the root ball.
Step 13. Water the planting area
Newly planted trees should be watered with about 60 liters of water every week in the first month.
Step 14. Enjoy your newly planted tree
Follow specific instructions for caring for the tree and watch as the tree grows and develops.
