When Your Plants Arrive
Open the package and make sure your order is complete and correct.
Open anything wrapped in plastic to allow air circulation. Don't
be alarmed if you see dried foliage on dormant plants. Because
they are dormant, dried foliage from the prior year is natural
and will soon be replaced by new growth.
Look for instructions on temporary handling.
These are usually included as part of the planting instructions.
Handling will vary from plant to plant, but you'll find a few
general rules for different types of planting stock below
Plant as soon as possible.
Until you do, give the planting stock proper care to maintain its
viability Follow the instructions provided with your shipment.
General Rules for Temporary Handling Seeds: If your seed order
arrives early, simply store them in a cool, dry place until it
is time to plant.
Bulbs, Corms, Rhizomes, and Tubers
Keep bulbs such as tulips and daffodils in a cool, dry spot with
good air circulation until they can be planted. Remove them from
the packaging and spread them in a single layer. Keep them dry
and avoid temperature extremes. The ideal time to plant such
bulbs is in the fall, after temperatures have permanently cooled,
and before the onset of winter freezes that harden the ground.
You don't want to plant them too early nor wait until the ground
is unworkable. And remember, always plant bulbs pointy end up.
In contrast, dahlias, lilies, and other bulbs that are not winter
hardy, should be stored in the dark (in a closed box) and lightly
sprayed with water occasionally to keep them moist until planted.
Rhizomes, such as irises, can be kept in their packing material,
as long as the shipping carton is opened. Store them where they
receive some light, but are not exposed to direct sun or wind.
Green Plants
Green plants (in nursery pots) are in their growth cycle and require
the most careful handling Remove them from their packaging, water
them, and place them where they receive the proper amount of
light according to specific instructions, and the proper range
of temperatures, especially if they are tender plants. Stock
in small pots can dry out quickly so keep close tabs on them
and plant as soon as possible. For container stock planted at
mid-summer, cut back tops by one-third to prevent die-back Bareroot
Stock Many perennials, shrubs, and trees are shipped bareroot
(without soil) in a dormant state. Until planting, keep the roots
in their protective wrapping (plastic, newspaper, burlap and
wood shavings). Moisten them frequently and keep them from exposure
to direct sun. The greatest danger is excessive drying. Before
planting roses, shrubs, and trees, soak their roots in water
for a few hours. Carry them to the garden in their water bucket
and plant them directly from the water to avoid any drying prior
to planting. If you are unable to plant for a longer period (a
week or more), it is advisable to "heel in" bareroot
plants. Heeling-in is a form of temporary planting. Dig a V-shaped
trench deep enough to hold the roots. Place the plants in the
trench so they are sitting at about a 45° angle, and cover
the roots with an equal mix of builder's sand and peat moss.
If the soil is workable, you can use it instead of the sand/peat
moss mix. Keep the plants well watered, especially if temperatures
are warm, until you are able to uncover and plant them.
