Most folks will want their Bay Laurel in a pot.  Be certain there is perfect drainage in your pot (which has a hole at the bottom) by using plenty of stones or shards at the bottom.  A larger pot has the benefit that you will keep your tree there for many years

Many soil types are OK, but buying a top quality nursery mix is always safer.  Use about 50% professional soil (WHICH CONTAINS NO FERTILIZER), then mix in soil available from your land.  Coarse sand can be used.  You could also use 100% nursery mix but this is unnecessarily rich.  Bay Tree is used to rocky conditions so excess richness is not a benefit

Plant your Bay at exactly the same soil level as you receive your tree.  Stake if necessary with a thin stake for a month or two, then remove.  Water to moisten and refresh your tree.  Place tree in shady outdoor location immediately.  You may slowly move your pot and tree to more and more sun gradually over 1-2 weeks to insure no sun shock from its trip in the mail

Feed now if using time-release pellets 13-13-13 from Osmocote or Dynamite which is totally safe for young plants.  Use about 2 tablespoons.  Feed again in another 6 weeks or so.  If you want organic leaves to cook with, feed organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion.  Water moderately as needed with cleanest water you have available

You should see growth this season of about one foot or more.  If you are in a temperate climate, 2 feet is possible first year

The current leaves of your Bay Laurel are discolored from well water.  Your new leaves will be a rich green totally unlike current leaves.  Do not fret over current leaf appearance

You may start picking and using your (new growth) leaves at anytime

Train your tree with pruning as you wish (get books if this is not something you understand) or let the tree grow naturally.  Most folks prefer a rounded head with a short trunk to keep the leaves available for picking

If winter winds or ice or cold threaten your tree, take your Bay indoors to shelter until danger has past.  Bay Tree is rated to 20 degrees so you decide what is best and if protection is needed

Enjoy your Laurus nobilis, True Bay Laurel Tree !!!

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