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" Planting the right way can make a big difference in a plant&amp;#039;s performance. Here are some tips to gardening success:   DO   Wait until the soil warms up before planting. Cold, wet soil stops growth. Squeeze a handful of soil\u2014if it holds its shape, it&amp;#039;s too wet. If it feels cold, it&amp;#039;s too cold to plant. Loosen the soil in the entire planting area with a claw, border fork or hand trowel until it is smooth and light\u2014almost fluffy. Amend the soil, especially in a new bed, with compost, water-holding gel or a light organic material. Dig a planting hole for a containergrown plant that&amp;#039;s about twice as wide but no deeper than the rootball. This will encourage the roots of a plant to reach out for water and nutrients. Be choosy. Before you buy, examine six-packs of plants carefully. Avoid those that have tangled roots, are over-grown or dried out. Water potted plants thoroughly and let the excess water drain away. Handle with care. Gently rap the sides of the container to loosen the plant, then slip it out of the pot, taking care not to jar or break small roots. Tease out plant roots if they are a bit compacted. If you see tough, woody roots, cut them cleanly with a knife or pruners. Settle plants into the hole so the fine roots dangle and the top of the rootball is level with the soil. Moisture-lovers and tubers like deeper planting; iris like to sit near the top of the soil. Backfill the hole about half way with loosened soil and firm it gently with your fingertips to fill any air pockets. Then add more soil to form a waterholding rim or berm. Water the plant and soil well, and keep it moist while the plant is settling in. Top with two to four inches of protective organic mulch; this will help hold water and suppress weeds. Be cruel to be kind. Thin vegetable and flower seedlings boldly; they really will benefit. Try something different this year in your garden. Sow seeds of sweet alysum between pavers, create an herb garden in a container or plant a tree to mark an anniversary or birthday.  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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