Planting Methods

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22777, 10 July 1937, Page 10 (Supplement)

Planting Methods

' How to Succeed X CONSIDERABLE influence on the welfare of the plant is exercised by the manner of planting anil by the time at which the planting is done. Indeed, it is not too much to say that success can be made or marred by the planter. Planting in autumn is much to be preferred as it gives the plants a chance to form fresh roots before the cold, wet weathei sets in. The longer the period between planting and the season of fresh growth, the better are the chances of satisfactory progress in the first year. If planting cannot bo completed in heavy land in the autumn, it" is better to defer tho planting until early Bpnng when the soil is drier.

On light and well drained land, planting can be carried out at almost any time during the winter, when the weather is mild. Autumn planting is, however, strongly recommended for this type of land, for, should dry conditions set in during early spring, late planted trees or plants will make but poor progress. It is a mistake to plant when the soil is sodden, foi it cannot then be broken down into small particles; to .cover the rontf* with rough lumps is courting disappointment. Another point is that the holes should be large enough for the roots to be spread out in a natural manner. Cover each layer of roots with fine soil and tread firmly before filling in more soil. Too deep planting is one of the commonest errors and should be avoided at all costs, for, especially with citrus trees, it is a prolific cause of collar rot. The earth mark on the stem can be plainly seen. This indicates the depth at which the tree or shrub has been growing previously. It is sometimes found that the roots of some trees and shrubs are a tangled mass, and it is something of a problem to lay them in their proper positions. If the roots are soaked in a tub of water and the soil washed away, it will bo found much easier to lay the roots straight. The roots of all trees and shrubs should be kept moist during the time they are out of'the ground. If exposed to drying winds the small fibres quickly become dried up. It is always wise to water newly planted shrubs and trees. Although the soil may be moist, the watering settles it around the roots.