Hints for Planting and Growing Your
California Natives and Perennials |
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Select plants suited for your site, soil type, size at maturity, amount of sun, and water required.
Refer to local nurseries and books such as the Sunset Western Garden Book for
details, or send us an email and we'll be happy to help you select your plants. |
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Dig a hole a little wider but no deeper than the existing root
ball. Toss in a handful each of blood meal and bone meal, or a little of
your favorite fertilizer, and mix it around a bit. |
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Remove plant from pot and gently loosen superficial roots. Place plant
in hole and backfill with the soil you dug out. Plant no deeper than it was
planted in its nursery pot. Water in. |
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Water new plants, even low water plants, frequently for the first two weeks (especially during hot summer months). Keep soil moist but not wet until plant is established (1-3 months).
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After plants are established, water deeply but infrequently (about every 7-10 days, depending on weather). Plants need water
when the top 3" of soil feels dry.
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Spread compost, manure or commercial fertilizer over root area each spring.
Lightly mix into first inch or two of soil and water in. |
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Perennials benefit from pruning
once or twice a year. Winter and summer are the best times. While some plants
may need heavy pruning, most should be cut back one third to one half.
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