Instructions for Care Upon Arrival of Your Plants

Last updated February 28, 2024

Congratulations on the arrival of your new plants from Plant by Number! We’re excited to help you get started on your gardening journey. Here are some steps to ensure your plants remain healthy and happy from the moment they arrive until you’re ready to install them in your garden.

Unboxing Your Plants:

Careful Unboxing: Gently open the box as soon as your plants arrive. Avoid using sharp objects that might damage the plants or their roots.

Remove Packaging: Carefully remove any additional packaging materials around the plants. This may include protective wrapping or ties meant to secure the plants during transit. Do so gently to avoid causing any damage.

Inspect Your Plants: Give your plants a quick inspection to ensure they are healthy and free from damage. You should find them in vigorous condition, ready for their new home.

Immediate Care After Unboxing:

Watering: Your plants might be a bit thirsty after their journey. Give them a good watering, ensuring the water penetrates the soil or potting mix they’ve arrived in. This will help alleviate any transit stress and rehydrate the plants.

Setting in a Safe Space: Place your plants in a safe, sheltered area. If your plants require plenty of sunlight, make sure this space is well-lit but not exposed to harsh direct sunlight that could stress them immediately after unboxing. A patio or a side garden with indirect light is ideal for this acclimation period.

Storing Before Installation:

We understand that you might not be ready to install your plants immediately upon their arrival. If you need to store your plants for a few days:

Choose an Appropriate Location: Keep your plants in an area that matches their sunlight requirements as closely as possible. If you’re unsure, a location with partial sun and shade throughout the day is generally a safe bet.

Monitor Watering Needs: Check the soil moisture daily. The first few days after arrival are critical, and your plants may require more frequent watering to recover from the stress of transit. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.

Protect from Extreme Weather: If unexpected weather conditions arise, such as a heatwave or frost, take steps to protect your plants. This may involve moving them indoors or to a more sheltered location temporarily.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your plants will remain healthy and vibrant until you’re ready to introduce them to their permanent spot in your garden. Happy gardening!

FAQs

What do I get with a digital blueprint?

A digital blueprint is the layout in a .PDF format. If you are comfortable reading a scaled schematic and think you can handle the installation without the extra help, this option may be for you.

When I order a Garden Map, what do I get?

Garden Map is the design layout printed on our custom-made landscape fabric. Along with the printed fabric, you will receive installation instructions.

  • If you order a design from our Limited Collection and choose the option “Garden Map + Plants”, you will receive plants with your order. If you choose the option “Garden Map only”, you will receive the design printed on landscaping fabric, but no plants.
  • If you order a design from our Ready Made or Modular collections, you will only receive the design printed on landscaping fabric. These two collections do not include plants; however, you will receive a plant shopping card to help you find everything you need in the closest plant nursery or garden center.
Is this just a digital download of a landscape design template?

If you checked the “Digital Blueprint Only” box, then yes. If not, you will receive our actual Garden map, printed on our custom-made landscape fabric.

Should I start with seeds or plants?

Whether you should start your garden with seeds or mature plants depends on several factors, including your gardening goals, experience level, budget, and patience. If you have the option, we recommend you start with mature plants for several reasons:

  • Instant garden: When you start with mature plants, your garden looks established and full right from the beginning. If you’re planting trees or shrubs for shade or privacy, starting with mature plants can provide instant results.
  • Faster results: Mature plants typically produce flowers, fruits, or vegetables sooner than plants grown from seeds.
  • Less effort: Adult plants need less maintenance than seedlings. Additionally, starting from seeds often requires setting up indoor growing spaces with appropriate lighting, temperature control, and ventilation.
Are plants included?
  • If you order a design from our Limited Collection and choose the option “Garden Map + Plants”, you will receive plants with your order. If you choose the option “Garden Map only”, you will receive the design printed on landscaping fabric, but no plants.
  • If you order a design from our Ready Made or Modular collections, you will only receive the design printed on landscaping fabric. These two collections do not include plants; however, you will receive a plant shopping card to help you find everything you need in the closest plant nursery or garden center.
Is it possible to order just one or several plants included in a design?

We bundle plants to provide the best pricing possible, as well as to streamline shipping. Shipping live plants is expensive! This is why, for our Spring collection, all of the plants can only be sold as a package and can not be broken up.

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