Prepare the garden by breaking up the existing soil (use a hoe, spade, or power tiller). Add organic matter such as manure, peat moss or garden compost until the soil is loose and easy to work. Organic ingredients improve drainage, add nutrients and encourage earthworms and other organisms that help keep soil healthy. Give plants an extra boost by adding a granulated starter fertilizer or a balanced all-purpose feed (for example fertilizers labeled 12-12-12).
Check the plant label for suggested spacing. Crowding plants can result in fewer blooms and weak growth as the plants compete for light. Exceptions to this might be regions with a short growing season, shade plantings which tend to grow slower and fill in less quickly, or a need to fill an area with color quickly such as for a special event or if planning to entertain guests outdoors.
Remove the plant from the container. If plants are in a pack, gently squeeze the outside of the individual plant cell while tipping container to the side. If plant doesn’t loosen, continue pressing on the outside of the container while gently grasping the base of the plant and tugging carefully so as not to crush or break the stem until the plant is released. If the plant is in a pot, brace the base of the plant, tip it sideways and tap the outside of the pot to loosen. Rotate the container and continue to tap, loosening the soil until the plant pulls smoothly from the pot.
Dig the hole up to two times larger than the root ball and deep enough that the plant will be at the same level in the ground as the soil level in the container. Grasping the plant at the top of the root ball, use your finger to lightly rake the roots apart. This is especially important if the roots are dense and have filled up the container. Set the plant in the hole.
Push the soil gently around the roots filling in empty space around the root ball. Firm the soil down around the plant by hand, tamping with the flat side of a small trowel, or even by pressing down on the soil by foot. The soil covering the planting hole should be even with the surrounding soil, or up to one inch higher than the top of the root ball. New plantings should be watered daily for a couple of weeks to get them well established.
Vining annuals require vertical space to grow, so provide a trellis, fence, wall or other structure that allows the plant to grow freely and spread.
Herbs are ideal for containers. Pots can be brought indoors for the winter and placed near a sunny window for a continuous harvest year-round.
Prepare the garden by breaking up the existing soil (use a hoe, spade, or power tiller) to a depth of 12-16” (30-40cm). Add organic matter such as manure, peat moss or garden compost until the soil is loose and easy to work. Organic ingredients improve drainage, add nutrients, and encourage earthworms and other organisms that help keep soil healthy.
Check the plant label for suggested spacing and the mature height of the plant. Position plants so that taller plants are in the center or background of the landscape design and shorter plants in the foreground. To remove the plant from the container, gently brace the base of the plant, tip it sideways and tap the outside of the pot to loosen. Rotate the container and continue to tap, loosening the soil until the plant pulls smoothly from the pot.
Dig the hole up to two times larger than the root ball and deep enough that the plant will be at the same level in the ground as the soil level in the container. Grasping the plant at the top of the root ball, use your finger to lightly rake apart the lower roots apart. This is especially important if the roots are dense and have filled up the container. Set the plant in the hole.
Push the soil gently around the roots filling in empty space around the root ball. Firm the soil down around the plant by hand, tamping with the flat side of a small trowel, or even by pressing down on the soil by foot. The soil covering the planting hole should be even with the surrounding soil, or up to one inch higher than the top of the root ball. New plantings should be watered daily for a couple of weeks to get them well established.
Finish up with a 2” (5cm) layer of mulch such as shredded bark or compost to make the garden look tidy, reduce weeds, and retain soil moisture.
I live in North Georgia. Can I take this plant from pot to the ground in Our soil which is Georgia clay?
Thanks.
Hi Cathy,
While Mezoo can technically grow in clay soil, it’s not ideal since clay tends to retain too much moisture, which can lead to root rot. You could amend the clay soil with organic matter in the area where you want to plant your Mezoo to improve drainage immediately around the plant, or consider continuing to grow it in a pot using a well-draining potting mix instead.
How do I take slips of my Livingstone plant to start new pot. How to cut slips, root in watery,? Want to winter I doors.ice in southern MN.
Hi Mary,
To propagate your ‘Mezoo’ you’ll start by taking cuttings 3-5” long. Next remove the lowest leaves, leaving 2-3 leaves remaining on the cutting. This reduces the amount of foliage the cutting has to support while it develops roots. You can plant the cutting directly in a sterile potting mix designed for cacti and succulents. Dipping the cuttings in rooting hormone can be helpful, but it’s not required.
You can also start cuttings in water. Make sure at least two nodes are submerged for cuttings started in water and be sure to transfer them to soil soon after the roots start to emerge. This allows the roots to develop properly in soil conditions. Place cuttings in a location where they receive bright, indirect light for most of the day. For more tips on taking cuttings from different types of plants, see our article, How to Take a Cutting from a Plant.
Live in MN. Can Livingston Daisy be replanted to another pot for indoor during winter.
Hi Mary,
You can pot and grow your Mezoo plant indoors. Place it near your brightest window, away from cold drafts, and take care not to overwater it. Use your finger to check that the top inch or two of soil is dry to the touch before giving it a thorough watering. You can return it to the outdoors once all danger of frost has passed.