The Dos and Don'ts of Planting: Digging the Perfect Hole

When it comes to landscaping, digging a hole for your plants may seem like a straightforward task. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it! Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the nuances of hole digging can make all the difference in the health and longevity of your plants. Let’s explore the essential dos and don’ts to ensure your planting efforts are successful.

Understanding Soil Conditions

Do: Assess Soil Quality
Before you even pick up a shovel, take a moment to evaluate the soil condition at your planting site. Healthy soil is crucial for the long-term survival of your plants. The soil at the bottom of the hole should be loose to allow roots to thrive.

Don’t: Ignore Compacted Soil
Compacted soil can be detrimental to plant growth. It often results from foot traffic or heavy equipment, leading to smaller soil pores that restrict root expansion. If you encounter compacted soil, use a trowel to gently break up the sides and bottom of the hole. This will create cracks that improve water and air movement, promoting better root development.

Tip: Avoid stepping on the loosened soil after this process; doing so can undo your hard work by re-compacting it.

Determining Hole Size

Do: Consider Plant Packaging
The size and depth of your planting hole should depend on what type of plant you’re putting in the ground—whether it’s container-grown, bare-root, or balled and burlapped. Bare-root plants require wider holes that allow roots to spread naturally. Ensure they are planted before their buds break in spring, and keep them moist throughout the process.
Container-grown plants need holes that are 2-3 times wider than their container but only as deep as the distance from the top of the root ball to the bottom of the container. This allows for horizontal root expansion while keeping the crown above soil level.
Balled and burlapped plants also require wide holes—2-3 times wider than the root ball—to provide loose soil for root expansion near the surface.
Don’t: Dig Too Deep
Be mindful of hole depth! If a hole is too deep, the root ball may settle over time, leading to excess soil around the trunk. This can create ideal conditions for diseases to enter your plant.

Best Practices for Planting

When it comes time to plant, follow these best practices:For bare-root plants, spread roots in their natural position and ensure they are kept moist.
For container-grown plants, ensure you dig only as deep as necessary and allow roots room to expand horizontally.
For balled and burlapped plants, make sure the top of the root ball sits slightly above the surrounding grade.

Conclusion

By adhering to these dos and don’ts when digging holes for planting, you’ll set your plants up for success from day one. Proper preparation not only protects your investment but also creates a thriving environment for your greenery. Happy planting!