How to Grow a Black Corinth

Prepare the soil for spring planting after the winter thaw. Break up large chunks of earth with a pitchfork, generating a fine planting medium.

Perform a soil test to determine the pH of the soil. Soil testing kits are available in garden centers and online.

Amend the soil if necessary. Add lime to the soil if the pH is below 5.5 or work peat moss into soil with a pH above 7.0. Check the packaging label on the lime or peat moss for the manufacturer's application recommendations.

Dig a planting hole with your shovel that is twice as wide as the root ball of the Black Corinth seedling, but at a depth that matches the root ball's height.

Slip the Black Corinth seedling out of its nursery container. Center the root ball in the hole.

Backfill the hole and pat the soil around the seedling. Deeply water the soil surrounding the Black Corinth with a garden hose. Maintain moist soil to a depth of 1 inch at all times during the first growing season.

Perform a vigorous pruning on the Black Corinth immediately after planting using a pair of sharp pruning shears. Prune all of the branches of the seedling 4 to 6 inches from the main stem to invigorate new growth. Perform a yearly pruning during winter dormancy.

Spread 2 to 3 inches of bark chip mulch, pine needles or straw around the seedling to prevent weed growth. Applying mulch will also promote good drainage.