Question
Hello....

I planted a medium sized hydrangea from a nursery yesterday here in Georgia. I made a mistake and dug the hole deeper by about 4 inches  due to the thick clay.  I made a planting mix of clay, soil conditioner, miracle grow and watered it. The plant does now sit about an inch above the soil line noticed in a diagram later  that the root ball should be placed on solid ground. Will it hurt the plant to have that growing medium beneath it instead of on solid clay.  As I have recently planted it, would it be wise to dig up the plant for a moment, replace some of the growing medium beneath the root ball with clay so the root ball sits it and plant again?

I did water the soil a little, not to drenching. How should I keep it watered in its newly planted state?

Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Larry,
Thanx for your question.  I think I'd be more inclined to leave things be.  You learned your lesson.  I think the plant will forgive you and adjust to its new digs.  After planting a tree or shrub, I like to drench it and then leave it alone for a few days and then water it again if it hasn't rained.  Generally, you'll want to give the shrub a good soaking once a week if you have not had consistent rain.  I hope this helps.
Tom