|
|
|
Bringing gardeners and nurseries together |
 |
| Featured
articles |
Unpacking
Your Order
Copyright (C) 2001 by Connie Krochmal
A UPS truck pulls into the driveway. The porch door opens. This can only mean one thing. My package from the mail-order nursery is here. On the box, it says, "Live Plants-Don't Expose to Heat or Cold."
Do you know the approximate shipping date for your order? Some nurseries let you choose. Others go by your hardiness zone. Contact the nursery if you have questions.
Will you be home when your plants arrive? Don't let the box remain on the doorstep for very long. Could a neighbor move the package to a protected spot if you're gone? Plan ahead. Your plants will love you for it.
Unpacking is fun. I use the kitchen table. Who cares if it gets a little dirty?
Locate the packing slip. It is so useful. Read it to make sure nothing is missing. You may also need it for returns. Does one nursery send larger plants? Maybe another packs things more carefully. Make notes on the slip for future reference. Put it with your garden records. You'll never wonder, "What plant is that?"
Now for the unpacking. Remove the items from the carton. Check their condition. Seed packets should be intact. Are the plants robust and healthy? A few broken leaves or stems are nothing. Contact the nursery if any show serious damage.
Instructions may be included with your order. These tell you what to do after you unpack the box. If you received none, here are some ideas.
Seeds
Seeds are often stored on top of the refrigerator. Guess what? That's a bad spot. Choose a cool, dry place.
Container plants
Did you receive container plants? Unwrap each one. Are any of them dry? Water those right away. Set the pots in a shady, sheltered spot until planting time. Keep them watered.
Should your container plants be planted right away? Those shipped in the spring need hardening off. The others are ready for your garden.
Bare-root plants
Are any of your plants bare-root? These have no soil around the roots. They're shipped in a dormant stage with no leaves.
Bare-root plants are carefully packed to protect the roots. The roots may be dipped in a special gel or wrapped in plastic. Do you see damp sawdust or other material inside the plastic? If so, this keeps the roots moist.
Careful, leave all plastic in place until you're ready to plant.
Are your bare-root ones ready for planting? The sooner, the better. Soak the roots first.
Store bare-root plants for five to seven days. Set them in a cool, frost-free place. My refrigerator is too cluttered. If yours has room, put small plants there. They'll need no watering.
What if you must delay planting bare-root plants? Maybe your garden is too wet. Plant them in temporary pots. Set them in the shade. Do water them.
Enjoy!
Seeds, bare-root, or container - it makes no difference. Once they're planted, they'll put down new roots. They'll feel right at home.