i usually have the hole in the ground already dug up and mixed with my fox farm organic soil. I take a scissers and cut down the side of the cup starting at the top then when i reach the bottom i cut a circle and pull the extra cup off and have the root ball with soil in my hand i then put it in the hole outside and with one hand hold it in place and with the other i add more organic soil around the base of the plant so its level with the ground then i water