Create a New Garden Border

Plant a bed of mixed perennials for a colorful, easy-care garden.

Excerpted from How to Grow Practically Everything
Filed under: Gardening

Check Planting Depths

For each perennial plant, dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and a little deeper. Place the pot into the hole to check that the plant will be at the same depth after planting as it is in its pot. Lay a garden stake across the hole to help judge the right depth.

Remove Plants From Pots

Fork the bottom of the hole to break up any compacted soil. Then squeeze the sides of the pot and turn it upside down. With your fingers threaded through the stems and holding the soil, give the bottom of the pot a tap. The plant should slide out easily, but if not, tap the pot until it does.

Tease Out Roots

Where roots have been restricted by the pot, you may see the roots growing around in a tight circle. This is known as "root-bound," and will limit the plant's development. Remedy the problem by gently teasing out the roots so that they will grow away from the ball into the surrounding soil.