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Growing Tips

Tube Stock Growers Guide

Follow these simple steps to give your tube stock the best start. With proper planting and care, tube stock plants establish quickly and grow into healthy, robust specimens.

What is Tube Stock?

Tube stock are young plants grown in small forestry tubes (typically 50mm x 50mm x 120mm). They are an economical and effective way to establish plants, especially for large-scale projects like revegetation, hedging, and landscaping.

Cost Effective

Lower cost than larger pot sizes

Fast Establishment

Young plants adapt quickly

Easy to Handle

Lightweight and easy to transport

Planting Steps

01

Preparation

Before planting, water your tube stock thoroughly. If plants have been in transit, allow them to rest in a shaded area for 24-48 hours while keeping the soil moist.

Pro Tips:

  • Soak the tube in water for 10-15 minutes if roots are dry
  • Remove any dead or yellowing leaves
  • Check for root binding and gently tease roots if needed
02

Site Selection

Choose a planting location that matches your plant's requirements for sunlight, drainage, and soil type. Most native plants prefer well-drained soil.

Pro Tips:

  • Check the plant label for sun/shade requirements
  • Avoid areas that pool water unless planting water-loving species
  • Consider mature plant size when spacing
03

Hole Preparation

Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the tube. This gives roots room to establish. Mix some compost with the removed soil if your soil is poor.

Pro Tips:

  • Break up compacted soil at the bottom and sides
  • Add water to the hole and let it drain before planting
  • Don't add fertilizer directly in the planting hole
04

Planting

Remove the plant from the tube by gently squeezing and tapping. Place in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill and firm gently.

Pro Tips:

  • Don't plant too deep - crown should be at soil level
  • Create a slight basin around the plant for water collection
  • Firm soil to remove air pockets but avoid compacting
05

Watering

Water deeply immediately after planting. Continue regular watering for the first few months until established. Frequency depends on weather and soil type.

Pro Tips:

  • Water every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks
  • Reduce to twice weekly for the next month
  • Once established, most natives need minimal watering
06

Mulching

Apply 50-75mm of mulch around the plant, keeping it away from the stem. Mulch retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.

Pro Tips:

  • Leave a 50mm gap between mulch and stem to prevent rot
  • Use organic mulch like wood chips or bark
  • Replenish mulch as it breaks down

Best Planting Times in NSW

Autumn (Mar - May)

Excellent time. Cooler weather and autumn rain help plants establish before winter. Roots develop over winter for strong spring growth.

Spring (Sep - Nov)

Good time for most plants. Warming soil encourages root growth. Ensure consistent watering as weather warms.

Avoid planting during the heat of summer (December - February) unless you can provide consistent irrigation.

Need Expert Advice?

Our team has over 35 years of experience growing and planting native plants. We're happy to help with your project.

Get in Touch
Evergreen Growers

Native plants that already know our weather. Tube stock specialists serving Australian gardeners for over 35 years.

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