Planting Tips & Tricks
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
We'll Get You Growing
Buying your plants is the easy part! Your site preparation and maintenance post-planting is just as important to achieving the best results.
Not sure whether a plant is right for the site? Need some help with your preparations? Take advantage of our expertise and take away any uncertainty.
Have a read through our general tips below, or get in touch if you have specific questions about your project.
WEED CONTROL & PREPARATION
Before Planting
Weed control
Effective weed control is essential for new plantings. The goal is to eliminate unwanted species that may compete for moisture and nutrition in the soil. Mark out your proposed planting area and clear weeds from the site prior to planting. You can spray with a non-residual herbicide. Glyphosate herbicide is a popular option, eg. Roundup or Grosafe Knockdown®. Multiple applications may be necessary, let the weeds re-grow then repeat your spraying.
Add organic matter
When creating a new bed or changing an existing one, adding organic matter is a great idea. Compost is an excellent way to do this, mix with your existing topsoil when planting. You may need to alter the pH of your soil too. Check with the Southern Woods team, as various species will prefer acid or alkaline soils.
Poor drainage?
There are a number of ways to improve drainage on your site. In many cases, the easiest step is to dig over or rotary hoe your garden bed. Gypsum can be mixed with existing soil to help break up the clay. For particularly damp or heavy sites, you can raise your gardens up slightly, using mounds, rocks or sleepers for example. It’s important to allow excess water to flow away from the base of the plant.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLANT
Plant Selection
It is important to take into consideration the area’s conditions, such as temperature, frost, wind, soil type, drainage, irrigation, sunlight, shade and space for your mature plant.
Observing successful plant species in your surrounding area will give you a good idea of what will grow well in your region. Check out what looks great in your neighbour’s yard!
If you’re in Christchurch, check out this interactive map to learn about your local eco-system and corresponding plant species.
We hope you find this website useful as a reference guide for planning your projects. It has up to date availability, growth information and the ability to order directly online.
GROUND READY TO PLANT?
Planting Trees & Shrubs
Check your plants are moist
It’s important the roots of all your plants are moist prior to planting.
Tip – When planting new plants, soak the root ball in a bucket of water & double strength seaweed concentrate. To ensure the water has soaked through, wait until all air bubbles have stopped. The liquid seaweed stimulates root growth and helps with transplant shock.
Fertiliser gives your plant the best possible start
Plant with a slow-release 10g fertiliser tablet (eg Grotabs) Use one tablet per 30 cm of tree height, ensuring it’s not directly touching the roots. Compost & Liquid Fertilisers are great additions at this stage too.
Digging your hole & planting
Dig the hole twice the width of the root ball, loosening the soil at bottom. As a general rule, trees should be transplanted no deeper than the soil in which they were originally grown.
Some plants can be planted deeper – like eucalyptus, pines, poplars & willows, burying part of the stem.
Field-grown plants are planted in winter, these need to be planted as soon as possible after collection. If you are held up planting, unpack them and water if necessary, dig into the vegetable garden until you’re ready to plant.
MAINTENANCE
Staking, Irrigation, Mulch & Shelters
Staking
Larger specimen trees need to be staked. Place 2-4 Timber Stakes 30-40cm out from the trunk of the tree. The webbing needs to be attached to each stake and around the trunk of the tree to keep the root ball firm in the ground. Stakes should face the prevailing wind, and be removed after 12-24 months.
Irrigation
As a general rule, plants require a deep watering twice a week, a good long soak is more beneficial than a light watering. Consider setting up a dripline irrigation system for hedge lines.
Adapt your plant’s irrigation requirements to your site & climate – take into account seasonal rainfall and drainage.
Mulch
Mulch is fantastic for moisture retention and weed suppression, adding a finished look to your garden. Apply mulch approx 10cm deep, if you are using straw as mulch, soak before using. Avoid contact between mulching material and the stem of the plant. Organic mulches need to be reapplied occasionally as they decompose.
We don’t recommend plastic weed mat, it’s detrimental to your soil health.
Tree Protection
Use Tree Shelters and Plant Guards to protect plants from hares & rabbits, spray drift & the elements.
MAINTENANCE
Spraying
Here are a few tips to help ensure effective and efficient weed control during plant establishment.
Release spraying post-planting is critical to effective weed control, especially against pasture grasses, to ensure strong plant establishment. For most natives, you’ll need to do this for at least 24 months post planting, until you have canopy coverage.
- Work out your weeds: Before spraying, confirm the scope (ring around guard vs. blanket spray) and ensure the chemical mix is suitable for all targeted weeds. We typically recommend Glyphosate as your first spray, although it is a systemic herbicide, meaning it’s important it doesn’t touch any of your plants.
- Glyphosate Application: Use at a 1% rate, applied through a flat fan nozzle at low pressure for controlled delivery.
- Spray Marking Dye: Consider using a spray marking dye to avoid re-spraying the same area, saving both chemicals and time.
- Ideal Weather Conditions: Spray when there’s no wind and no rain expected for at least 4-5 hours.
- Inspect your plant guards: Check plant guards for slumping or folding and take extra care around exposed foliage. Be extra cautious around plants like flaxes, grasses, toetoe, and cabbage trees.
- Consider a Contractor: If unsure, hire a professional contractor with experience to manage your spraying needs effectively. They have the expertise and knowledge to safely apply chemicals at the correct rates. Ask us for recommendations.