https://www.abloomgardencenter.com https://www.abloomgardencenter.com/sale-september-2025 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Wed-Sat September 10-13th 8:00am-4:30pm </span> </h3> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/7fb35e74/dms3rep/multi/sale+image+with+details+end+of+summer+2025.jpg"/> </div> Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:37:04 GMT https://www.abloomgardencenter.com/sale-september-2025 thumbnail main image https://www.abloomgardencenter.com/planting-101-for-trees-and-shrubs <h3> <span> So, you just picked out the perfect tree or shrub for your Gulf Coast landscape-congrats!  Before you grab that shovel and start digging like a pirate after buried treasure, let's talk about how NOT to kill your new plant before it even has a chance to thrive. </span> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> Follow these simple foolproof steps, and your trees and shrubs will reward you with years of shade, fruit, flowers, or whatever luscious landscape you are after. </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> </h3> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/7fb35e74/dms3rep/multi/028-c90ded83-06d93a9a.JPG"/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <b> Step 1: Dig a hole (But Not Too Deep!) </b> <div> <span> <b> Rule#1 of planting: </b> We're not burying treasure here, so <b> don't dig a grave for your tree! </b> </span> </div> <div> Make the hole <b> twice as wide </b> as the root ball but only as deep <b> as the root ball itself </b> -no deeper. </div> <div> <ul> <li> Gulf Coast soil can hold moisture like a sponge if it is full of clay, so planting too deep is a surefire way to drown your new green buddy. </li> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Step 2: Free The Roots! </b> </div> <div> <span> Your plant has been trapped in a pot its whole life-set it free! </span> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Gently remove it from the container.  If the roots look like they're trying to strangle each other, tease them apart with your fingers. </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li> If they're extra stubborn, take a knife and make a few shallow (1/4" deep) cuts.  It's tough love, but it'll help them spread out and establish faster. </li> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Step 3: Plant High or Prepare to Cry </b> </div> <div> This is the <b> #1 mistake </b> people make: DO NOT bury the entire root ball! </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Position the plant so the <b> top inch of the root ball is above ground level </b> . </li> <li> Trust us-planting high now helps prevent root rot and allows the roots to get oxygen.  The root ball will likely settle some also.  Planting high will make for much happier plants in the long-run. </li> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Step 4:  Backfill Like a Pro </b> </div> <div> <ul> <li> <span> Mix the soil you dug out with compost (because plants like snacks, too). </span> </li> <li> <span> Gently fill in around the root ball, but don't pack it down too hard-roots need air to breathe. </span> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Step 5: Walter like Goldilocks (Not Too Much, Not Too Little) </b> </div> <div> <span> After planting, <b> water thoroughly </b> to help settle the soil. </span> </div> <div> <ul> <li> <span> For the first <b> two to three days </b> , give it a good soak daily. </span> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li> <span> Then, switch to every other day for a week or so. </span> </li> <li> <span> Gradually taper off to <b> once or twice a week </b> -just enough to keep the soil <b> moist, not swampy </b> . </span> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <span> (Pro Tip: <b> Stick your finger in the soil </b> .  If it feels dray a couple of inches down, it's time to water.) </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> <b> Step 6: Mulch=Magic </b> </span> </div> <div> <span> Mulch is like a security blanket for your plants-keeps moisture in, weeds out, and soil temperatures just right. </span> </div> <div> <span> <b> <br/> </b> </span> </div> <div> <ul> <li> <span> Spread a <b> 2-3" layer </b> of mulch or pine straw mulch around the base, but <b> don't pile it against the trunk </b> or base of the plant/tree (no volcanoes, please). </span> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li> <span> Think donut, not mountain.  The goal is to protect the roots, not to suffocate them. </span> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> <b> Final Thoughts:  Keep 'Em Alive and Thriving </b> </span> </div> <div> <span> Follow these steps, and your trees and shrubs will settle in like happy new neighbors.  Remember: <b> plant high, water wisely, and mulch smartly </b> -it's that simple. </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> Need help picking out the best trees and shrubs for your Gulf Coast garden? Stop by A Bloom Garden Center-we've got expert advice, quality plants, and a friendly staff ready to help.  Happy Planting! </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> </div> Mon, 24 Mar 2025 13:55:06 GMT https://www.abloomgardencenter.com/planting-101-for-trees-and-shrubs Trees,shrubs,Planting