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Monday, March 1, 2010

Re-planting Pot-bound as well as Open-rooted Plants

In the event that a recently purchased plant comes out of the pot very easily, plus isn't root-bound - re-plant it as it is. Do not worry should some of the soil drops off.

Should the potted plant be so newly potted-up, as to have not yet settled, you may find all of the soil falls away when you de-pot. Don't worry. To start with, never purchase from the same shop again. Then reclaim the fallen soil, re-incorporate it in with the new soil or potting-mix, then continue potting.

In the event that after you have removed the container and the plant is compacted with roots, or root-bound, more roots than potting-mix - you should pry them apart prior to re-potting. Sometimes you might need to cut the roots, if indeed the plant has been growing in the container too long.

These roots are cut like you would a melon, then tease the roots apart taking out any harmed material.Most likely a little trimming will be needed, as well. As the roots have been developing around and 'round the container, they could reach a great length, making re-planting difficult.

If you don't attend to this, the roots might carry on to growing as they were before. Even though the plant will carry on growing in it's new container, it's development is going to be slow and probably stunted.

If you find the plant is pot-bound, as well as in need of some root improvisation, again you may find yourself without soil close to the roots. Do not press the panic button. Do not purchase from that retailer again. Also, don't mix those roots and additional soil back into the new potting-soil. If you add this to the soil used in re-potting, as bits of roots begin to rot, this might produce problems for all the new roots trying to get a footing, and rot them too.

All damaged, bleeding, or loose roots ought to be eliminated. Either cut them back again to the base of the root, in the event that they are greatly damaged, or, if only lightly injured just back to some wholesome section from the root.

In each these cases, including bare-rooted stock, the soil-less roots ought to be placed, as much as is feasible, spread out over a small mound of soil within the pot. Being mindful of the original soil level about the plant and additionally, sticking to it, fill and firm with the potting-mix until you get to within an inch of the top of the pot.

Water thoroughly, or bathe the container in the bucket of water for 20 minutes, to remove any air pockets.

If you use the above info, you should have no trouble when re-potting container-bound or bare-rooted plants.

Re-planting Potted Plants Into the Yard

When you bring your new plants home from the nursery, garden center, or receive them by way of mail-order, it is really important to remove them from the packaging, or car boot, immediately. Damaged, bruised, or broken plant material ought to be clipped off.

Select a protected, low light area of your yard and water completely. Water should seep out the drain holes within the pot and the plant should really feel "weightier" right after watering. Ideally, a day before planting, soak the pot in a bucket of water to allow the plants to fully hydrate, allow any air bubbles within the pot to dissipate, and the plants adjust to their new surroundings.

Once you have decided the place best suited in your back garden for your new acquisition, dig a hole at least twice as big as the over all size of the pot. For larger potted plants, it might be much more effective to dig or turn an area of a garden bed. Not a bad idea to mix compost or potting mix, together with your native soil, to improve root development in your plant's new environment. Place a layer of the mixture in bottom of the hole and firm it lightly so the new specimen is not planted too deeply.

Carefully remove the plant from the container. It may help to tap the container down lightly on it's top edge, on a bench, or squeeze its sides, in order to loosen it.

Put the plant in the readied hole. Add or remove earth blend beneath the root mass to ensure that the top, where the root ball soil begins, is at the same level as the surrounding soil of the garden. Be mindful of any grafts, or branching near the root ball, and never have the soil near this! A distance of an inch is fine. Planting too deep is one of the main killers of new plant stock.

Once you have determined the plant's original earth level is equal to that of the surrounding soil, you are then able to begin back filling the soil mix close to the root-ball. Work your soil blend in firmly with your fingers among the root mass and also the around the hole until you've reached the original ground level. Do not over-tamp the soil, just make it firm.

When the hole is half to two thirds full, fill it with water - yes, FILL it. This will assist in eliminating any air bubbles trapped around the roots. The number two killer of newly planted stock is air bubbles around the roots. Waiting for the water to dissipate, back fill with the rest of the soil and lightly tamp, in order to leave a shallow depression around the outermost edge of the hole. This is for subsequent watering.

Finish the planting by applying a good 2"- 4" inch covering of mulch, advancing the mulch a foot or more from the center of the planting. Good mulch choices could be shredded bark, pine needles, hay, and even stones. Mulch will protect the roots from the heat of the sun, assist in moisture retention, and suppress weed development.

When you have finished, water thoroughly. You should see the water gathering in that shallow depression you have just made. Follow up with a minimum of weekly watering, until the plant appears to have taken - leaves looking healthy and shiny, if not new leaves. If leaves display indicators of wilting, but the earth is moist - do not panic. Some plants can take 10 days or more to start becoming established. Be patient. Replanting can be extremely traumatic and sometimes, newly planted stock will sit there and sulk for a bit.

Hopefully this has helped take away some of the questions you may have had about Re-planting Potted Plants Into the Yard.
 
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