CottageFarms Lilyturf Instruction Manual

CottageFarms Lilyturf

QUICK REFERENCE PLANTING GUIDE

MATURE

HEIGHT / SPREAD

| 12 to 18 inches tall with a 15 to 18 inch spread.
BLOOM TIME| Midsummer.
TIME TO REACH MATURITY| 12 months.
FACTS OF NOTE| Low-growing foliage. Perfect for edging.

Makes a great groundcover.

SOIL PREPARATION

SOIL PREPARATION

We recommend having your soil tested periodically by your local County Extension Office (www.nifa.usda.gov/extension or by calling 1-800-333-4636). A soil test can determine if your soil needs any amendments to enhance the growth and performance of your plants.
Ideal garden soil is easy to dig in and drains well while still holding the nutrients and water vital to plant growth. To prepare a bed for in-ground planting, spade or till the soil to a depth of roughly 12-18 inches. Next, spread a 2-4 inch layer of organic matter such as compost, shredded leaves or peat moss over the soil and mix well.

OUT OF THE BOX

LILYTURF
Your plant has been shipped to you in a pot. Please remove the plant from the packaging right away and plant it as soon as possible following the planting instructions below. If it is not possible to plant right away, follow these important steps:

1. Roll the plastic down around the plant and place it in a sunny location.
2. Keep the plant well watered.

Note: Some leaves may appear wilted or yellow upon arrival. This is due to the stress of shipping and is nothing to worry about. Water the plant and let it recover in a shady location for a few days, then gently remove any foliage that does not recover to allow for new growth.

SHIPPED IN A 6-INCH POT.
PLANT SIZE MAY VARY BASED ON GROWING CONDITIONS.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Important: Thoroughly hydrate the plant by submersing the root zone in a container of water for 10 minutes while you prepare for planting.

1. Remove and discard the clear plastic bag from around the pot.
2. After watering, remove the pot by holding the plant upside down in one hand and squeezing the sides of the pot with the other.
3. Prepare the root ball for planting by gently disturbing the surface roots with your fingers, fork or gardening tool and pruning any damaged roots. This will encourage the roots to begin growing outward into the new soil.
4. Dig a hole twice as deep and twice as wide as the plant’s root ball. Partially backfill the hole with soil and place the plant into the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground surrounding the hole. Refill the hole with soil, firming the soil around the plant with your fingers. Check to be sure the plant is not planted too deeply. If it is, raise the plant carefully and re-firm the soil.
5. Water thoroughly.

CONTINUING CARE

WATERING
Adequate and consistent watering is essential during your plant’s first year in the garden. Infrequent, long soakings of water that thoroughly saturate the soil are more effective than frequent, light applications of water.
Due to variable geographical and environmental conditions, a specific watering schedule is difficult to define. However, as a rule of thumb, you should not allow the soil or the original root ball to completely dry out. During the first summer, you may need to water as often as every few days in periods of drought and extreme summer heat. To determine if your plant needs water, dig a few inches into the soil next to the plant. If the soil is dry 2-3 inches below the surface, it is time to water.
Over-watering can be as damaging as under-watering. Be sure that the area surrounding your plant has adequate drainage to move water away from the plant. If you choose to plant in a container, always select one with drainage holes to prevent your plant’s roots from sitting in water.

PRUNING
Remove any dead, damaged or unsightly growth as needed to maintain an attractive appearance. In early spring, cut each plant back to a height of 3 inches to allow new growth to emerge.

WEEDING
Keep the area around your plants free of weeds. Weeds compete with surrounding plants for food, water and light. Walk around the garden periodically and pull weeds, including the roots, as soon as you see them.

MULCHING
Apply a 2-4 inch layer of shredded bark, compost, leaves, straw or other organic matter around your plants to promote moisture retention, maintain even soil temperatures and discourage weed growth. Replenish the mulch as needed.

FEEDING
Feed your plants once every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer such as Cottage Farms’ Carefree Bud-N-Flower Booster (SKU #M7582). Discontinue feeding after September 1st so your plants can harden off for winter dormancy. Resume fertilizing when new growth appears in spring.

WINTERIZING

Watering thoroughly in late fall will greatly enhance your plant’s cold tolerance once the ground has frozen.
Lilyturf should be winterized in late fall. When winterizing your plants, keep in mind that the root system is the most vulnerable to cold damage. Mulch heavily by mounding a 6-8 inch layer of shredded bark, compost, leaves, straw or other organic material around the base of each plant.
In cold areas, containerized plants can be brought into an unheated, protected area such as a garage or cellar before temperatures drop below freezing. Check soil moisture every 2-3 weeks and water as needed during winter.
In spring, remove mulch from in-ground plantings. Containerized plants should be moved back out into the garden sunlight where they will begin to repeat their yearly garden performance.

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