TOPIC: PLANTING ORNAMENTALS

COMPETENCIES/ OBJECTIVES:

a) Identify the different forms of plants for transplanting;

b) Differentiate container-grown plants from balled-and-burlapped plants;
c) Elaborate the planting procedures; and
d) Value the importance of proper way of planting for the healthy growth of ornamental plants.

Proper way of planting is very important for the healthy growth of ornamental plants in a landscape. It
guarantees quick plant establishment for the developing root system.

Planting involves digging a hole and sticking a plant in it, then weeding and watering the plant. When
you give extra consideration to the preparation of the planting site, the time of year for best plant establishment and
the handling requirements of different nursery seedling will help you avoid problems later on.

SELECTING A PLANT

 When planning to buy ornamental plants, choose only fresh and high-quality plants. You will not gain
anything if you choose a poor-quality plant. Some ornamental trees and shrubs that are being
marketed nowadays are grown and sold through the following:

CONTAINER GROWN BALLED-AND-BURLAPPED PACKAGE BARE-ROOT

Container-grown plants are more advisable in terms of planting and selling because the roots are still
intact. Container-grown plants generally transplant well throughout most of the year.

In balled-and-burlapped, the large portion of the root system is destroyed during digging. Cold months
are best transplanting season for this kind.

Packaged bare-root plants, such as roses, should have plump, healthy stems and good root systems
that are kept moist in a packing substance, like wood shavings. The best planting time for these plants
is from December to mid-March.

PREPARATION OF GARDEN SOIL

 Before planting, there are few preparations that you need to do such as:
 1. Digging the soil

Digging the soil will automatically improve the structure of the soil
because it reduces soil compaction and improves soil aeration. There
will be more oxygen available to the plant roots and the water
drainage will be good.

2. Filling the soil with organic matter

Add organic matter such as compost, animal manure, and shredded leaves to the
native soil. You have to replenish the organic matter at the start of every growing
season.

PLANTING PROCEDURES

1. Planting in Individual Holes

When planting individual trees, hole must be at least twice as

wide as the root ball. This encourages rapid growth of roots and
plant establishment. Dig the planting hole as deep as the root ball
only. Make sure that the top of the root ball is level with the soil
surface. It is best to backfill the hole with the same soil removed
from it. Water a newly transplanted tree or shrub. Using your
hand, gently firm the soil around the roots. Water thoroughly
when finished and water again few hours later.
2. Planting in Beds

In raised- bed gardening, the planting surface is raised to a

predetermined height. A raised bed is above the surface of the
ground. Raised bed is sometimes framed by barriers such as timber,
stones, and woods. This is done by deep tilling to a depth of 12 to 15
inches. After this, it follows the planting procedure recommended for
individual hole planting.

LET’S REMEMBER!

Plants for transplanting can be bought in different forms like container-grown plants, balledand-
burlapped, and packaged bare-root plants.
Container-grown plants are advisable to buy and sell because the roots are still intact in a container and
are very easy to transplant to the soil.
Balled-and-burlapped plants refer to a tree, shrub or other plant prepared for transplanting in which
roots remain covered by a ball of soil around which canvas or burlap is tied.
Bare-root plants are plants ready for transplanting which can be bought with roots exposed rather than
in soil.
Preparation of the soil before planting consists of digging the soil and adding organic matter to the soil.
Planting can be done through individual holes and in beds.
Planting in individual holes require digging the soil twice as wide as the root ball.
Raised-bed is a soil for planting which has been raised above the surface of the ground.

PREPARED BY: PETA A. BONGO

HELE 5 TEACHER