The soil provides the foundation for the plant s roots. While some flowers and shrubs thrive in anything, most need soil with enough nutrients and aeration to give the roots room and substance to grow heartily. Enhance dirt and clay with fertilizer, sand and vermiculite. Simply sticking a plant in the ground often will be disappointing later unless attention is paid to keeping the roots happy. After a plant is in the ground, there are multitudes of garden pests ready to call it dinner.
Numerous products are available for combating insects, slugs and snails.
If leaves begin to disappear or turn yellow or gray, take a sample to a nursery for a quick diagnosis. There are natural remedies also. For instance, crushed eggshells will deter slugs and snails and won t harm plants. Diseases which affect plants are often difficult to treat. Do what you can with the products available.