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How to Plant Trees and Shrubs with Black Kow®

Reviewed by the Black Kow Garden Team · Updated September 2026
QUICK ANSWER

Dig a hole twice as wide and 6 inches deeper than the plant's container or root ball. Mix even parts Black Kow® Organic Cow Manure Blend and native soil. Fill the hole with 6 inches of the mix, set the plant, fill the rest of the hole, and water thoroughly.

Evergreen shrubs and ornamental grass in a mulched bed edged with stone
WHENAt planting
MIX1 part Black Kow : 1 part native soil
HOLE2× root ball width, 6 in. deeper
THENWater thoroughly

Step by step

  1. 1

    Dig the hole

    Make it twice as wide and 6 inches deeper than the plant's container or root ball.

  2. 2

    Mix the backfill

    Mix even parts Black Kow and native soil together.

  3. 3

    Add a base layer

    Fill the bottom of the hole with 6 inches of the mix.

  4. 4

    Set the plant and fill

    Place the plant in the hole and fill the remainder of the hole with the mix.

  5. 5

    Water thoroughly

    Water well right after planting.

After planting

  • Wait one month before adding chemical fertilizer.
  • Keep the soil moist, but do not overwater.
  • Once established, top-dress with ½ inch of Black Kow in spring and fall, before fertilizer and mulch.

Products in this guide

Black Kow® Organic Cow Manure Blend
Black Kow® Organic Cow Manure BlendIn stores · Find a Store

Trees & Shrubs FAQ

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