It's better to plant a little high than too deep. Keep the root ball moist - don't let it dry out - for the first year or so, until new roots are established.
Hole and soil preparation: Dig the planting hole a minimum of twice the width of the root ball but no deeper. The depth of the hole should allow solid ground below the root mass resulting in the root flare at the top of the root mass to be slightly higher than the finish grade of the planting. The soil must have good drainage. Amend the soil that is removed from the hole with Kigi Mix #1, #2 or #3 at a ratio of 1 shovel full of Kigi Mix to 1 of native soil; blend well. This is especially important when it is clay soil. Before planting, carefully loosen the roots all around the root ball. If the plant is root bound use a knife or shears to loosen up the root mass on sides and bottom. Place plant in the prepared hole being sure the root flare is slightly above ground. Place mycorrhizal fungi Tea Bags and Holly-tone® or Plant-tone® tea bags evenly spaced around the outside of the root ball, begin filling in around the plant with the amended soil. Water well before the hole is filled to remove air pockets then water again when the planting is complete. Apply no more than 2" of mulch on top of the root ball being sure it does not touch the bark of the plant.
Potted Plants:
Potted plants can be a little trickier depending on your local climate. We have blended our Kigi Mix #1 to be free draining and works well on all acid loving plants here in the Northwest. If you are in a climate that is drier we recommend Kigi Mix #2 for most of your plants, and Kigi Mix #3 is best for Cactus, succulents and other situations requiring excellent drainage. Myco Paks and Fertilizer Tea Bags work in pots as well.
How to use mycorrhizal fungi, Holly-tone® and Plant-tone® Tea Bags?
Once your planting hole is dug place your new plant in the hole then simply place the biodegradable tea bags evenly around the outside roots or root ball, make sure the tea bags remain touching the roots as you fill with soil.
Watering: Do not allow your plant to dry out (Good Drainage is a must here). Adjust your watering to your specific climate. During summer/dry weather, water deeply once or twice a week, slowly soaking the area around the plant to a depth of 4". Do not over water. If the soil is wet, do not add water. It can be beneficial to contain water by creating a slight "well" around the plant so the water can't run off. Once the plant is established or prior to heavy rains return soil around plant to natural grade so the plant does not drown in a mini pond.
Fertilizing: We recommend Holly-tone® or Plant-tone® for all the plants we sell. These are high quality, organic and slow release fertilizers that we custom pack in easy-to-use biodegradable tea bags. These plant nutrients combined with our Kigi Mix #1, #2, or #3 and the Myco Paks will give your new plants the optimal start in your gardens or potted containers.
