Gardening and Horticulture - New Garden Questions

Last weekend, my wife and I pulled all possible stumps and weeds from an island bed in front of our house. We plan to plant the new shrubs next weekend. I want to spray a weed and grass killer in this island before planting next week. If I do this, how many days are you suppose to wait before planting the new shrubs and perennials?

In addition, when planting the new shrubs and perennials, how often are you suppose to drop plant food and fertilizer to the new shrubs? Are you allowed to drop fertilizer and plant food at the same time?

Since I have an island, do I just drop fertilizer around the shrubs or do I spread it all over the complete island?

It's probably too late for this, but the best way to improve your soil and offer nutrients to your shrubs and plants is to add organic matter to the entire bed if it's a new or reworked bed. Just put down a 3" to 4" layer of compost and mix it into the soil, plant and mulch. It is not recommended to fertilize newly planted shrubs and trees unless your soil is very depleted, and even then, your plant material will be happier with organics such as compost.

Newt

In addition to Newt's comments, I wouldn't spray anything. Lay down Typar and mulch on top of that. Cut your holes in the Typar where you want your new shrubs. The Typar will keep weeds at a minimum but allow water and nutrients from your mulch to seep down. Of course, as stated a wad load of mulch to begin with would be your best bet. Think organic, not chemicals. It's easier on your pocketbook and on the environment. Easier to use, too. You just about can't over do it.