Nursery stock is sold in many types of containers. It comes bare root, in plastic pots, in fibre pots, balled in burlap as well as others. When planting, the type of container is as important as the type of soil in which you plant.
The type of soil and how you plant in it are the key factors in the transplanting of nursery stock. With most soils (loam, sandy, peatmoss soils) peatmoss and manure are good additives. With clay soils peatmoss should be added.

Bare Root

When planting make sure all broken roots are pruned. Work in soil around roots to eliminate air p9ckets. Plant may have to be staked.

Plastic Pot

Water thoroughly and remove the pot. If the roots of container grown plants have occupied all of the soil in the container and appear in anyway 'rootbound', use your hands or a knife to loosen the roots on the side or the bottom.

Plants normally spread their roots beyond their own canopy, until your plant has done so, thorough watering right in the crown will be very important. Water with plant starter fertilizer added.

Fibre Pots

When planting leave the fibre pot on. The pots deteriorate in the soil. Make sure you break the lip off the pot and that none of the container is exposed in the air. Slitting the pot is also helpful. When watering make sure to put the water into the actual pot not just around it. See planting.

Balled in Burlap

When planting, dig the hole then set the plant in. Always untie the burlap away from the main trunk. Also slit the burlap to quicken the rotting process.

Planting Most Soils

Planting Clay Soils

1. Dig the hole one foot wider and about six inches deeper than the root ball. Remove some of the soil and add soil additives. In clay soil hole should be just slightly larger and the ground level raised 1-2 inches.
2. Place the plant at the centre of the hole. In clay soil hole should be filled slightly before plant is placed.
3. Fill in the hole with soil. Soil should be packed down firmly. At this point the plant should be watered in. This should be done with a transplant fertilizer. Most contain a high phosphorous formula and a rooting hormone. This fertilization will be the most important your plant will ever get, as it will stimulate the roots to grow into the surrounding soil and establish the plant in its new location.

Information provided courtesy of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association Garden Centre Commodity Group.