Inland Northwest, High Desert  February, 2004 Regional Report
Keep Soil Damp, Not Wet  Good potting soil should come out of
the bag evenly moist. If it isn't, add water and stir until it
holds the shape of your hand when you squeeze it. Once peat moss
-- the main component in most soils -- dries out, it is
difficult to re-wet. Better to start out damp.  Water Before
Transplanting  Water every plant you bring home thoroughly
before you transplant it. If it is a large pot, it's better to
pour water through until it drains out the bottom two or three
times. Research shows that prewatered transplants are five times
more likely to survive than those that were planted dry.  Don't
Cover Drainage Holes  You don't need to put rocks or pot shards
over the drainage holes in pots. They will probably just block
the holes so excess water can't escape and air can't reach the
roots. Soil will stop falling out the holes in the next watering
or so.  Let Your Pots Come Up For Air  Roots need air. Even if a
pot has drainage hol