Large trees and shrubs grown in the field are often sold balled-and-burlapped. Woody ornamentals for the landscape are commonly sold three ways: container-grown (left), balled-and-burlapped (center) and bare-rooted (right). Container-grown plants generally transplant well throughout most of the year with minimum shock, although fall and winter months are the best time to transplant.įigure 2. Do not be timid about inverting a few plants, removing their pots and examining their roots. Container-grown plants should have healthy, vigorous tops and white feeder roots on the outer edge of the root ball. Most ornamental trees and shrubs marketed today are grown and sold in containers, although field-grown plants, sold balled-and-burlapped or packaged bare-root, are also available during certain times of the year. Poor-quality plants are not a wise investment. Selecting PlantĪlways purchase fresh, high-quality plants. The University of Georgia’s Agricultural and Environmental Services Lab also has soil test kits available for purchase online at. Your county Extension agent can provide you with details on how to take a soil sample for testing. Soil samples, taken two to three weeks before planting, will determine lime and fertilizer requirements. Another option is to install a sub-surface drainage pipe to carry water to another area (assuming there is somewhere for the water to drain). On extremely heavy soils, construct a raised bed, 12 to 18 inches high, of well-drained topsoil, and slope the sides of the bed away from the plants to avoid pockets of standing water. Slope beds planted near a foundation away from the building, and route water from drain spouts away from plant beds. Improve poorly drained sites by deep tilling to break apart a layer of hard packed soil, or "hard-pan," several inches below the soil surface. Waterlogged soil will suffocate the root system and kill a plant. Poorly drained soils cause plant problems. Ornamentals can be grown on poorly-drained soils if they are planted on raised beds. Compacted soils also inhibit root growth.įigure 1. It may be necessary to remove the top 6 to 8 inches of soil and replace it with a good grade of topsoil. Chemical spills, such as motor oil or gasoline, can also impair plant growth. For instance, new construction sites are often littered with pieces of mortar, plaster or limestone, creating an alkaline soil condition and inhibiting a plant's ability to absorb nutrients. Surveying the Planting Siteīefore planting, survey the site for potential hazards to plant growth. This publication offers step-by-step guidelines that will help you achieve planting success. Giving careful consideration to the preparation of the planting site, the time of year for best plant establishment and the handling requirements of different nursery stock will help you avoid problems later on. Planting involves more than merely digging a hole and sticking a plant in it. It assures rapid plant establishment by providing a favorable environment for the developing root system. Proper planting is essential for healthy, vigorous growth of ornamental plants in the landscape. Planting Annuals and Herbaceous Perennials.
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