"JW-Tools" wrote in message
...

Dig a wide shallow hole for each plant and make a mound in the middle
over which you drape the roots, taking care not to bend them. Cover the
roots with soil making sure that the crown of the plant remains at
ground level and firm it down before giving a good soaking watering.
When you have finished planting mulch the area with straw or wood chip
to help conserve moisture. N.B. crowns set too low will result in root
rot, set too high the roots may dry out.


Well, yes that/s what all the brochures tell you to do, but it involves more
effort than is necessary.

I use a garden-variety trowl to open a slit wide enough to accomodate the
roots, drop them in, and firm up the soil against the roots, taking care not
to set the crown below ground level, altho leaving a small depression helps
when watering. Wood chips are OK, but they are slow to decompose. Pine
straw is best b/c it/s easy to get at little or no cost. Straw brings wheat
and weed seed to the bed, something I/d rather avoid.