Use and Care Manual

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
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To maximize the growth and performance of your
plants, feed them with a water soluble fertilizer for
fruits and vegetables once every 7 to 10 days during
the growing season.
Tomatoes are ready to pick when they have
changed from green to red or yellow. Store freshly
picked tomatoes at room temperature and out of
direct sunlight. To preserve flavor and texture,
avoid refrigerating fresh tomatoes. Do not consume
any other part of the plant.
Harvest peppers once they have changed from green
to yellow or orange. Use a knife or pruning shears to
make a clean cut rather than pulling the peppers off
the plant. Fresh peppers can be stored in the
refrigerator for up to 10 days after harvesting. Do not
consume any other part of the plant.
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These plants are tender annuals that cannot tolerate
any frost or freezing temperatures. In the event of a
late spring frost, protect young plants by covering
them overnight with a sheet, frost blanket or an
inverted bucket or box. Remove any material used
to cover the plants the following morning. Plants in
containers should be moved into a protected area
on exceptionally cold nights. The plants should be
discarded when they have finished producing at the
end of the season.
4. Dig a hole twice as deep and twice as wide as the plant's
root ball. Partially backfill the hole with soil and place the
plant into the hole. The top of the root ball should be level
with the ground surrounding the hole. Refill the hole with
soil, firming the soil around the plant with your fingers.
Check to be sure the plant is not planted too deeply. If it is,
raise the plant carefully and re-firm the soil.
5. Water thoroughly.
Please nnote:
Tomatoes are a rare exception where planting
deeply is actually beneficial. Plant the tomato where only
3-5 inches of the stem is above the soil line. Tall tomato
plants can be planted on their side in a trench with the
tops bent upward. Refill the hole or trench with soil, firming
the soil around the plant with your fingers.
Important:
Thoroughly hydrate the plant by submersing
the root zone in a container of water for 10 minutes while
you prepare for planting.
1. Remove and discard the clear plastic bag from around
the pot.
2. After watering, remove the pot by holding the plant
upside down in one hand and squeezing the sides of the
pot with the other.
3. Prepare the root ball for planting by gently disturbing
the surface roots with your fingers, fork, or gardening tool
and pruning any damaged roots. This will encourage the
roots to begin growing outward into the new soil.
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Keep the area around your plants free of weeds.
Weeds compete with surrounding plants for food,
water and light. Walk around the garden periodically
and pull weeds, including the roots, as soon as you
see them.
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Apply a 2-4 inch layer of shredded bark, compost,
leaves, straw or other organic matter around your
plants to promote moisture retention, maintain even
soil temperatures and discourage weed growth.
Replenish the mulch as needed.
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CONTINUING CARE (Continued)
CONTINUING CARE
Adequate and consistent watering is essential for
your plants. Infrequent, long soakings of water that
thoroughly saturate the soil are more effective than
frequent, light applications of water.
Due to variable geographical and environmental
conditions, a specific watering schedule is difficult to
define. However, as a rule of thumb, you should not
allow the soil or the original root ball to completely
dry out. During periods of drought or extreme
summer heat, you may need to water as often as
every few days. To determine if your plant needs
water, dig a few inches into the soil next to the
plant. If the soil is dry 2-3 inches below the surface,
it is time to water.
Overwatering can be as damaging as under watering.
Be sure that the area surrounding your plant has
adequate drainage to move water away from the
plant. If you choose to plant in a container, always
select one with drainage holes to prevent your
plant's roots from sitting in water.
Your plants have been shipped to you in pots. We urge
you to remove them from the shipping box and plant
them as soon as possible. Should planting be delayed due
to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, roll the
plastic bag down around each plant and place them near
a bright window or other sunny location. Keep them well-
watered in their pots until permanently planted. Once
planted, they begin setting roots and, as the weather
warms, begin showing new growth. Please plant as soon
as possible, provide reasonable care and be patient.
VEGETABLE GGARDEN
The foliage on potted plants may appear slightly wilted or
yellow upon arrival. This is due to the stress of shipping
and is usually nothing to worry about. Water the plant
thoroughly, place it in a shady location and remove any
foliage that does not recover.
SHIPPED AAS SSHOWN
OUT OF THE BOX