PLANTING
TIPS
ROOTS
Taking
care of roots is the most important part of
planting. Nursery plants have a soilless mixture,
so they can water every day and the water will run
straight through. We have to take a completely
different approach when we bring them home.
The
soil has to be removed and the roots loosened.
6
or 8 packs
- Just loosen the bottom one-half inch and put
into ground.
Larger
pots require a little more effort. The roots must
be loosened and as much of the soil removed as
possible. Work the roots loose with your fingers
and gently shake to remove soil. Continue until as
much of the soil as possible is removed and roots
are free.
Rootbound
Plants -
If it is impossible to free the roots; stronger
action is demanded. You will have to cut them in
four parts. DO NOT cut all the way through. Use a
sharp knife and if drastic means are necessary, a
shovel. If roots are growing in a circle, they
will continue to grow that way, unless you
interrupt the pattern. Spread the four parts out
and put into hole. I used a shovel to cut the
roots on 750 azaleas and they all did fine. Make
sure the roots are touching soil, water and tamp
in dirt around them very well.
There
are two schools of thought:
(1).
Stand on the soil on top of the ground to compact
it to make sure there is a good bond between roots
and soil.
(2).
Do not stand on the soil because compacting
prevents oxygen that the roots need.
I
firm the soil around large plants by using my
foot; small ones with my hands. As a matter of
fact, I make sure there is some sort of mulch
around them, so my feet don’t get dirty when I
firm it. (I know, I am a gardener that cannot
stand to get my hands and feet dirty.) But
that’s ok. There are all kinds that make up this
world!