Testing Your Soil
It is a good idea to test your soil before planting.  Soil can vary greatly in nutrient content.  Some plants prefer more alkaline environments and some can handle a more acidic environment.  To ensure you provide your plants with the most suited environment, soil testing is recommended. You can purchase a soil testing kit from Ashmore Garden World that will do the trick.  It only takes a few minuets and can save you a lot of time in the long run.  The soil testing kits test the pH (potential of Hydrogen) value of your soil, or the acidity/alkalinity of your soil. 3-6.5 = Acidity   7 = Neutral   7.5-8 = Alkaline It is best to test several areas of you garden to ensure the most accurate results.
Planting
1	Dig a hole twice the size of your plants  root ball.	Why ?	So you can fill the hole with better quality soil.  This will help establish the plant's roots within it's new environment.
2	Place the plant root first into the hole.  Ensure that the top of the root ball is inline with or slightly higher than the ground level.	Why?	This will promote good drainage for the plant, stopping any water pooling at the base of the stem.
3	Surround the plant with soil and then add mulch.  Ensure that the soil and mulch do not touch the stem of the plant.  Leave a small ring around the stem that's free from soil and mulch.	Why?	If soil and much are touching the stem of your plant, the plant is likely to suffer from 'colour rot'.  Mulch and soil with hold moisture.  Excessive moisture in immediate contact with the stem of a plant will cause such a disease.
Benefit of Mulching
1	Reduces temperature of roots	Why?	If the roots become too hot, then this will have adverse effects on the plants health.
2	Conserves water for the plant	Why?	So the plant doesn't dry out too much and risk the onset of any disease
3	Inhibits weed growth	Why?	If weeds are going strongly around your plant then the weeds will be taking all the water and nutrients.  Your plant will be in competition for survival.  Provide your plant the best environment possible.
Pruning
1	Prune after flowering	Why?	Promotes growth and density.
2	Prune behind flower	Why?	Plants direct more nutrients and water to the flowers.  Cutting of the old flowers will allow the plant to send more nutrients to more needed areas.

Tinea care
same fungus that affects plants