General Growing Tips

When repotting your plant, choose a container that is only one size larger. If repotted into too large of a container, the plant will be surrounded by excess soil. When that soil becomes wet, there won’t be enough roots to absorb the moisture—creating a recipe for root rot.
Do not request shipping in winter if you are in Zones 3–7. Plants can easily be damaged by winter or late frosts. Late frost, in particular, is very dangerous and can harm plants that have already broken dormancy. Cover plants well to protect them. To protect roots, you can use high-quality straw. Roots will not develop properly if the soil is cold, so it is better to receive plants when both the air and soil are warm. This helps prevent possible plant damage.
Do not disturb the root ball when replanting.
Do not over-fertilize, and do not experiment with different fertilizers on unestablished plants. A long-lasting, slow-release fertilizer or a standard Miracle-Gro plant food is best. Follow the instructions carefully.
Keep raspberries, strawberries, or any younger plants in containers until you see new growth.
Do not use drip irrigation systems on new plants; water them by hand until they are well established.
Do not plant in standing water or areas with a high water table.
Do not use solid plastic underneath your planters or raised beds, even if filled with improved soil. This will cause root rot. Instead, use tarp or landscaping fabric to prevent weeds while keeping the soil aerated and moist at the same time.
Do not let the soil dry out too much. Water your plants as needed to avoid unexpected losses.
Weed everything around your plants (at least in a 5-foot radius) to prevent fungal diseases that weeds may carry, which can damage or kill your plants.
Do not use acidic or dyed mulch. Refer to the mulch requirements on our website. Do not place mulch directly around the plant base—keep at least 2–3 feet mulch-free—until the plant is well established and growing vigorously. Then add mulch carefully, starting with no more than one inch, and observe how the plant reacts.
Mulch should be pine only. No cedar or cypress, as they are too acidic. Hardwood mulch that is still composting will draw nitrogen from the soil; if you use it, apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer to compensate.
You may use high-quality straw for mulching during hot summers (to prevent weeds), but it should not be packed tightly. Keep the straw fluffy to maintain aeration. Never mulch unestablished plants in smaller pots. Only mulch well-established plants in containers of 3 gallons or larger, using pine dust or rice hulls.
Do not keep outdoor plants indoors—this damages their root systems very quickly.
Do not place newly received plants directly on wooden, concrete, or tile floors, porches, or patios. Also avoid wooden, metal, or wire mesh tables and benches. Plants need to be in contact with the ground to stay healthy. If you have grass or weeds where plants will rest, put down a tarp or landscaping fabric to protect them from fungal growth that weeds can cause.
Do not plant along or too close to stone, brick, or concrete walls or borders, as these can decrease soil aeration and retain excess moisture after rain or irrigation. They can also cause too much heat or shade. Do not plant closer than 3 feet to any wooden walls, fences, floors, or borders. Make sure your plants receive enough sunlight and are not overwatered after rainfall or irrigation.
Protect your plants from wild and domestic animals using metal netting, fencing, or similar barriers.
Keeping outdoor-growing plants indoors will harm and may kill them. Please keep your plants outdoors on a tarp until you are ready to plant them to make sure they are safe.
If you grow plants in planters in cold climates, protect them from winter damage by mulching around the planters and covering the plants with white frost-protection fabric.
Information about plant spacing, soil requirements, pruning, pollination, watering, and protection can be found on our website in dedicated sections and below the individual plant descriptions.
Please note that shipping is always stressful for plants. Be sure to water your plant upon receiving it. The best way to safeguard your plants is to keep them in a shaded, warm, protected area. Do not plant them immediately, please! Typically, it can take 3–7 days for a plant to perk up after arriving at its new home.