Though annual vines are often sold as seeds, other vines are generally sold as container plants, although you may find some sold as bare-root plants when they are dormant. It’s best to plant from containers in spring or fall. If you do plant in summer, pay special attention to providing enough water and protecting them from hot sun while they are becoming established. Plant bare-root plants when you buy them. In any case, choose plants with healthy foliage that is pest-free. Also, check that the roots aren’t compacted and that the soil hasn’t been allowed to dry out.

Like most plants, vines prefer good soil—an exception is nasturtium (Tropaeolum), which prefers poor soil. If your soil is sandy, add organic amendments to help slow drainage and provide added nutrients. For claylike soils, unless you are planting annuals, it’s best to leave the soil unamended.

Dig a hole that is twice the width of the roots of the plant and slightly shallower than the root system, centered about a foot from the support structure. Taper the sides of the hole slightly outward at the bottom, and then dig deeper around the edges at the bottom of the hole to allow room for the roots to grow downward and to prevent the soil from settling. Shape the soil in the center of the hole into a rounded cone, which will serve as a base for the plant.

If planting from a container, gently remove the plant; you may need to tap on the bottom of the container to loosen the root ball. Place the plant on the cone so the root ball is slightly above the surrounding soil, and then lean the plant at a 45-degree angle toward the support. Spread the roots out around the cone and fill in the hole with soil, firming it as you go. Once you’ve finished filling in the hole, water the plant until the soil is moist but not soggy.

Keep the soil moist as the plant settles in. During the growing season, form a berm of soil around the planting area to create a watering basin. Water newly planted shrubs when the soil is dry to 2 inches deep. Once a plant is established, water only as needed. Many shrubs won’t need any supplemental watering.

Buy and plant bare-root vines when they are dormant, during the winter in mild-winter areas and about three weeks before the last frost in colder areas. The planting holes should be deep enough so the plant will be set at the same depth it was grown in the nursery (look for the soil mark on the trunk) and wide enough to allow you to spread out the roots.

If the roots are dry, soak them for up to four hours before planting. Remove any damaged roots, and trim the remaining ones to approximately 6 inches. Carefully set the plant in place and spread the roots out. Lean the plant at a 45-degree angle toward the support. Cover with the soil you removed from the planting hole and water thoroughly.