I have just built a new garden bed or recently filled in or graded a section of my yard. Do I have to follow any additional planting instructions?
A. Yes. Thanks for asking as this will save the lives of your plants! Recently graded areas (this can be anytime in the last five years although in most cases it only takes two or three years for the ground to settle) have less dense soil than normal and will settle over time. Any plant that you plant in this fluffy ground will sink because it is heavier than the surrounding soil. In the not-to-distant future your plant will be deeper than is safe for it. If this is a new garden bed then you can have the same problem. Its not just sinking plants you need to worry about its also new soil being washed onto your plants by rain or sprinklers. Although some plants can adapt very easily to these changes and some plants can adjust given enough time, they may still be at greater risk of contracting diseases down the road. If soil touches areas which dont have the full benefit of the plants natural underground protection it can convey or encourage pathogens (primarily diseases which can more ea
