Hi,

I just ordered my first cold hardy palm...a 3 gallon Needle from Nearly Native. I have a site picked out but I am planning on just putting the palm in a pot for a few days and sticking her in the basement. I'll probably plant on Sunday as the forcast calls for cold weather sat night possibly down in the teens. Other than that night, lows are forecast in the 30's and 20's. Does this sound like a plan or should I just get her in the ground as soon as possible? Also, any tips on preparing the site? I have nice loamy soil with excellent drainage and all the composted manure that I can use. I'm thinking of mixing the manure with the regular soil maybe 50/50 and then mulch with wood chips. Does this sound like it will be ok?

Thx for any advise. I'm true zone 6b up here in Rochester NY because I am next to Lake Ontario. Although we don't get the absolute bone numbing lows...we have very long, very wet, and consistently cold winters. We'll see how it goes. Obviously I am planning on some sort of winter protection.

BTW...nearly Native was great. very friendly and the palm arrived looking awesome.

dave