• 1. Prepare the container.
     Use a 5‑gallon plastic container. Fill it about one‑third full with soil, then mix in a heaping handful of mulch by hand or with a small shovel.
  2. Remove the seedling from the cone.
     Gently tap the top edge of the cone (not the pointed end) until the seedling slides out. Holding the cone pointed‑side up helps.
     ⚠️ Never pull the seedling by the stem. Lightly squeezing the cone is okay.
  3. Loosen roots gently.
     Once removed, lightly run your fingertips over the soil to loosen compacted roots.
  4. Position the seedling.
     Tilt the container so the soil is angled. Lay the seedling on the soil, add a little more soil, then stand the container upright while centering the seedling.
     Hold the root ball, not the stem.
  5. Set the correct depth.
     The top of the root ball should sit about 2 inches below the rim of the container.
  6. Finish filling and firm soil.
     Add soil around the root ball, level it, and press lightly so the seedling stands on its own. Extra mulch is not needed yet.
  7. Add final mulch.
     Apply mulch to bring it level with the rim of the container (about 2 inches), unless this will be done later by the watering crew.
  8. Water and move to the nursery.
     After a thorough watering, place potted seedlings in nursery cribs, where they will remain until adoption.

• • March 30, 2:00-4:00 pm
  • April 1, 9:00-11:00 am
  • April 4, 9:00-11:00 am
  • April 6, 9:00-11:00 am (backup day)

Please fill out the form to sign up for any of the potting days: Spring 2026 Nursery Schedule Sign Up – Fill out form