You've planned your project. You've bought your plants. Now it's time to get your plants in the ground, following these recommended steps.
First, place your plants (while still in their pots) in the place you'd like to plant them. Adjust as needed.
Planting your native garden
How to plant
Get digging
Once you find a good spot for your plant, dig a square hole that is twice as wide as the pot and deep enough so that the plant is about half to one inch higher than the finished grade. (Square holes prevent the roots from wrapping around themselves after planting.) If planting on a dry bank or slope, also create a flat area around the hole, at least twice the diameter of the hole, to better hold water.
Rough up the sides and bottom of the hole, so the roots will be able to dig in as they grow.
Check your soil
If the soil where you dug your hole is very dry, fill the hole with water and let it soak into the soil before continuing. (In clay soil, allow time for water to drain completely.)
Begin planting
Put back enough loose dirt in the bottom of the holes, so that when you put the plant in the hole, the root ball is about 1/2" higher than the surrounding grade.Gently remove your plant from the pot and plant it.
Once planted, apply mulch and water the area surrounding the plant deeply.
Important to know: Native plants are adapted to California’s rainfall patterns, but you'll need to water them until they reach establishment (usually 1-2 years after planting, when doubled in size).
Mulching new plants
Mulch is any material you use to cover the soil surrounding your plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, reduce weeds, and build soil health. If possible, choose organic mulch in the form of wood chips, tree bark, or decomposed granite. If using mulch like shredded bark, put down a ~2-3" layer.
Be careful not to pile mulch against the trunks or stems of plants, as it will retain too much moisture, which will rot them. Over time, the plant will create its own organic mulch by dropping leaves. If your plants are dropping leaves, you can re-apply mulch in the spring and fall.
