UPDATED TFB PLANTING GUIDE 2026

1. Site Selection & Preparation

  • Location: Choose a spot based on drainage, soil type, sun exposure, and wind protection.

  • Wet Areas: Use only plants appropriate for low, wet spots. If you must plant in a wet spot, mound the soil so roots do not stay wet.

  • The Hole: Dig your hole at leasttwice as wide as the roots.

  • Depth: Do not dig deeper than the root ball; if the plant settles too deep, excessive moisture may kill it.

  • Compacted Soil: In heavy or compacted soil, scuff the sides and bottom of the hole with a tool to help roots penetrate the native soil.

2. Amending the Soil

  • Backfill Mix: If your plant has not established a root ball yet, mix our mineral-fortified potting soil 50/50 with native soil. Do not use potting soil alone as backfill.

  • Biochar: Add 2 cups of charged biochar per gallon of root ball to the native soil. Use acidified char for blueberries, lingonberries, and low-bush cranberries.

  • Nutrients: Add 2 tablespoons of Eden Blue Gold 5 Way Blend per gallon of root ball to the bottom of the hole. Mix this into the scuffed soil to encourage deep rooting.

3. Planting & Watering

  • Placement: Set the root ball so the top is at ground level. If there is no root ball, ensure the uppermost root (root flare) is just below the soil grade.

  • Staking: Overly tall trees that do not have a root ball should be staked and loosely tied to the stake.

  • Sun Protection: Cover the root ball with a thin layer of soil or mulch to protect it from direct sun.

  • Initial Watering: Water immediately and thoroughly to settle the soil and remove air pockets.

  • Establishment: In dry or sandy conditions, water for at least one month until roots are established.

  • Mulching: Apply mulch around the root zone to retain moisture, but keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot.

4. Protection & Maintenance

  • Herbivores: Use fencing to protect new plants from deer, rabbits, and other rodents.

  • Tree Trunks: Wrap the base of trees 18” high with metal window screen or hardware cloth to stop rodents. Avoid plastic tubes in summer as they trap excessive humidity.

  • Soil pH: Blueberries, lingonberries, and low-bush cranberries require acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5).

  • Monitoring: The first year is the most critical. Observe your plants regularly to catch and correct issues early.

Transplant Shock: Stone fruits (especially peaches) are sensitive to shock. If your plant shows symptoms, contact us for recovery recommendations.

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