How to Plant Lilacs & Buttercups

Lilac

• 1

  Select an area for planting in full sun with well-draining soil.

• 2

  Remove the top soil completely from the planting area. Dig a hole that is twice as deep as the lilac root system is long.

• 3

  Mix a few handfulls of gravel and compost in with garden soil at the bottom of the hole.

• 4

  Hold the planting upright in the center of the hole. Push garden soil into the hole around the roots and gently tamp it into place.

• 5

  Fill in the hole entirely and tamp the top with a shovel or your feet. Pack the soil well.

• 6

  Water the planting. Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the lilacs.

Buttercups

• 7

  Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil in early spring. Till or work the soil and clear any rocks.

• 8

  Dig a 4 to 6 inch deep furrow in the tilled soil with a hoe.

• 9

  Back fill the furrow, leaving a 3 inch deep row.

• 10

  Lay tubers, roots down, in the row--6 to 8 inches apart. Cover with 2 inches of soil.