California Native Plant Society Bristlecone Chapter Native Plant Sale Planting Guide FALL PLANTING Fall is a great time to plant natives in the Eastern Sierra. With the summer heat diminishing, new plantings are not as stressed and are able to establish more quickly. They will grow large root systems that help them withstand the drying winds of our climate and many will flower the next spring and summer. Most of the plants we offer require a well-draining, lean soil. Most have evolved in nutrient-poor, granite based soils and may not thrive in amended garden soil. Adding coarse sand to the soil will improve drainage. For good flowering and an attractive, natural shape, most of our plants require full sun. Columbine, Fireweed, Coffeeberry and Monkey flower grow best in bright shade or with protection from afternoon sun, and need more frequent watering than the other plants offered. Once established, most of our plants need very little supplemental watering, but all new plantings need a little extra care in the beginning. Since growing situations and weather conditions vary, it is difficult to give specific watering instructions. Observe your plants! In general, water new plantings once or twice a week until freezing temperatures occur. If winter moisture is sparse, give plants a good soaking twice a month. When plants are established, a deep watering twice a month will usually be sufficient. Always water deeply rather than just sprinkling. An important element to plant health is mulch. Cover the soil around a new planting with 1-2" of organic material or gravel. This thick protective layer will inhibit weeds, help the soil retain moisture, promote beneficial soil organisms, and make your gardens look good. Mulch can consist of compost, pine needles, straw, old bark chips, shredded autumn leaves, or gravel. Remember to leave a little air space around the stem of the plant. PLANTING
HINTS If you can not plant immediately, be sure to check your new native plants daily and keep them in the shade. Potted plants can dry out quickly. Please try to plant within a week. Dig planting hole a little wider than plant container and loosen soil well. Fill hole partially with water and let drain. Cut open the cardboard plant container and loosen root ball if roots are crowded. Place plant in hole with top of root ball even with surrounding ground. Fill hole. Make a shallow moat around plant to contain water. Apply thick layer of mulch and water thoroughly. If possible, try to create a little temporary shading to protect your new plantings from the hot sun. Use propped up wood or plastic, shadecloth, cedar shakes stuck in the ground, or row cover fabric. Remove in a week or so. GOOD
LUCK AND ENJOY YOUR NEW NATIVE PLANTS!! Please let us know how your garden grows. Call Anne Halford at (760) 873-6714 or Diana Pietrasanta at (760) 873-6262 with questions or suggestions or if you would like to return pots for re-use. Thank you for your interest!
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