Planting Time Is Here Again

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30477, 26 June 1964, Page 6

Planting Time Is Here Again

The planting season is once again at hand and now that the ground is moist after recent rains planting can begin. First to be planted are con-tainer-grown plants, then deciduous trees and shrubs including fruit, then, in the spring, broadleaf evergreens and herbaceous plants.

Should nursery orders arrive and you are not ready to plant them, they should be temporarily heeled in. Unpack the bundle and soak the roots in water. Dig out a trench about a spit depth, line out the plants, and then cover the roots with soil and firm into place with the feet. Container - grown plants should be held in a sheltered place out of the wind and kept watered. If they are to be kept in a shed until they are planted, ensure there is plenty of light.

Ground that is to receive trees and shrubs should be well prepared and as much organic matter as possible dug in. They will occupy the ground for a long time so it is important to ensure the ground is well prepared before planting for there is little that can be done later. Allow the ground to settle for some time before carrying out planting. Mark out the positions that the trees and shrubs are to occupy and allow sufficient room for the plants to be able to develop. Too close planting is far too common. Although an area may be quickly filled, produces drawn and spindly

plants that rarely give of their best.

Dig the hole that is to take the shrub or tree, about one spit depth, and sufficiently large enough to take the roots without them being cramped. Deciduous trees and shrubs should be spread out. It may be that with container grown plants the roots have grown into a tight ball and when planted, such plants can be difficult to establish. Should this be the case, place the ball under a strong jet of water so as to remove all the soil; the roots can then be teased out and spread in the hole. The depth to which shrubs and trees should be planted should correspond to that which they were grown in the nursery; this mark should be clearly visible. Firm Planting

As the soil is replaced the plant can be shaken up and down so that the soil works in between the roots. When the soil has been replaced the plant should be firmed, by heeling. Loose planting is responsible for many failures. Trees and large shrubs will benefit from staking, especially in ex-posed areas. Use a strong stake that is sufficiently long for the plant it is to support and ensure that it is well driven into the ground so that it is rigid. Do not tie the tree or shrub tightly to the stake, allow sufficient space to permit the trunk to be able to expand without becoming strangled. Planting should never be carried out when the soil is very wet or frozen. |