Planting

Getting plants off to a good start begins with planting. While its a simple enough concept dig a hole, cover the plants roots with soil, water, and watch it grow theres actually a bit more to it. The process varies slightly if youre planting bulbs, succulents, or trees and shrubs.

Planting in containers opens up a whole new range of possibilities whether growing plants indoors or out, ornamental, or edible, from tiny succulents or large shrubs.

You can get a jump start on new plants by growing them from seeds indoors. This is a good way to grow edible plants, because there are many more varieties available from seed. Learn more about growing edibles from seed.

Bulbs are great to plant then forget about. Often planted in fall (some in spring), theyre not visible during winter. Come spring or summer, depending on the bulb, voila! A beautiful plant! Theres a wide variety of types of things called bulbs, including rhizomes, tubers, corms, and true bulbs.

Texas A&M University During the winter months, bare root (aka no soil) ornamental trees, shrubs and roses, vines, and many edibles are available at nurseries. Bare root plants are dug from the field when dormant and separated from the soil.

Planting and harvesting are enjoyable edible garden tasks. Courtesy UC Regents Take care to plan out your edible garden before diving in.

When transplanting natives, dig hole the same depth and twice as wide as the pot. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California When planting natives, it is important to fully soak the soil before planting. The hole should be the same depth as the pot and twice as wide.

Visit Falkirk Demonstration Garden in San Rafael to see a wonderful display of succulents that thrive in Marin. Succulents, those gorgeous plants with thick, fleshy stems and leaves that collect and store water, can be grown in the ground or in containers.

Look for our friendly UC Master Gardeners of Merced County and their info booth at the Merced Farmers' Market on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Info booth located at the 16th Street parking lot between M & K Streets Please stop by with your questions, Take home a vegetable seedling and garden…