Set Up new gardens for success in the critical first year after planting with expert tips from landscape
The care you give a new garden in its first year, particularly in the first few weeks after planting, can be critical for setting up your young plants for long-term success. We asked three landscape experts on Market Value — Donald Pell, Mariane Wheatley-Miller and June Scott — to share some of their best practices for caring for new lawns, trees, hedges and more in the first year after planting.
Seeds and seedlings are the most vulnerable to drying out quickly, but all young plants should be watched carefully in the first weeks after planting. “Plants need to be nursed to acclimate,” says Donald Pell, principal designer at Donald Pell Gardens in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. “Gardens need to be monitored routinely early on to help catch stress that can occur in the acclimation period. Often I see overwatering and equally underwatering.”
Water consistently. All plants will need to be watered well just after planting and then consistently for the first few weeks of growth. Afterward, water needs vary by plant; some prefer moister or drier soil. Ask your landscape professional for a care schedule for the first few weeks.
Seeds and seedlings are the most vulnerable to drying out quickly, but all young plants should be watched carefully in the first weeks after planting. “Plants need to be nursed to acclimate,” says Donald Pell, principal designer at Donald Pell Gardens in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. “Gardens need to be monitored routinely early on to help catch stress that can occur in the acclimation period. Often I see overwatering and equally underwatering.”
Water consistently. All plants will need to be watered well just after planting and then consistently for the first few weeks of growth. Afterward, water needs vary by plant; some prefer moister or drier soil. Ask your landscape professional for a care schedule for the first few weeks.