How To Dig a Planting Hole

dig a planting hole

Dig a planting hole the right way to give your transplants a great start.

Here is how to dig a proper planting hole:

  • Remove mulch and debris from the area in which you want to plant.
  • Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the transplant root ball.
  • Place fertilizer and amendments in the bottom of the hole. I recommend a tsp of worm castings.
  • If you climate is dry, add a TBSP of vermiculite to the hole.  If your climate is dry or you are planting varieties that require good draining, add a TBSP of pumice to the hole.
  • Set the transplant in the hole, being sure that the root ball makes good contact with the soil.
  • The top of the root ball should be even with the surrounding soil.  If it is too high or too low, adjust.
  • Back fill the hole with soil and gently firm in the plant.
  • Water thoroughly and return the mulch to the top of the soil.