Seedling Care
All of our seedlings are hand sown using seeds purchased from reputable sources, cared for, and loved by us at our small family-owned and operated farm. Our hope is that our little trees will bring you as much joy watching them grow and prosper year after year as they have brought us. We grow and sell our evergreen seedlings as plugs, meaning that each seedling’s root system is contained in a soil plug. The roots stay protected in the soil keeping them moist and minimizing shock and disturbance when being moved or transplanted. Because the seedlings come with their own soil plug, they are more versatile with a wider planting window than bare-root seedlings. Once your guests receive their seedling, they will need to plant it either in a container or in the ground as soon as possible. They may be planted outside any time of the year as long as the ground is not frozen. If you receive your seedling outside of this planting window it should be transplanted into a container unit you can plant in the ground. You may choose to grow your seedling in a container but keep in mind that you will need to continue to transplant it into larger pots as it grows.
Container Planting
Plant the evergreen seedling plug in a large container with drainage holes and plenty of space to expand. Fill the container with a planting mix that provides good drainage and plenty of organic material. In the center of the container, create a hole large enough for the soil plug. Firmly but gently press soil around the base of the seedling and water thoroughly. Do not pack the soil around the roots. Place the container in a sunny location. Water when the soil becomes dry. Be sure not to overwater. Evergreens need to go through a period of dormancy every year so you may want to consider keeping your tree in a cooler area or outside for the winter. As your tree grows, you will need to transplant it into a larger container or plant it outdoors. If you plan on keeping your tree in a container for an extended period of time you may want to add fertilizer.
Outdoor Planting
You may plant your seedling plug outside in the spring, summer, or fall as long as the ground is not frozen. In a sunny, well-drained area, dig a hole 6 inches in diameter and slightly deeper than the soil plug. Place the seedling in the center of the hole and backfill it with the original soil. Gently but firmly pack the soil around the plug. The top of the root plug should be about 1/2 inch below the ground surface. Water thoroughly. During the first year be sure to water the tree during dry spells but be careful not to overwater.