Heres a few words from our friends at the Greeneville Master Gardeners Group on fall planting of perennials. Given the upcoming sale at McCorkle Nurseries it seemed a perfect fit. Start Thinking About Fall Planting Now! Most people consider spring as the preferred planting season, a logical conclusion since it is a time of growth and renewal. However, planting in the spring and summer can result in a competition between roots and shoots for water and nutrients. Frequently, there are not enough roots to satisfy the water demand of the shoots and leaves, and wilting may occur, a condition known as transplant shock. This condition requires frequent watering and diligence by the gardener to prevent death of the plant. One way to reduce the severity of transplant shock is to plant in the fall. In the Southeast, fall is considered the best time of year to plant most trees, shrubs and perennials. Unlike the tops of ornamental plants that go dormant and cease growth for the winter, roots of these plants continue to grow throughout the cooler months. In fact, roots grow anytime the soil temperature is above 40ºF, which may be all winter long in Zone 8. Because the tops of plants are not growing during the fall and winter, plants direct their energy reserves toward root growth. As a result, fall-planted trees and shrubs will have a better established root system when spring arrives, making them better able to support new growth and foliage. The added root growth also aids plants during the stressful heat and drought of summer, potentially reducing the amount of supplemental water required to keep plants alive. To install a containerized plant correctly, follow these six steps: 1. Have your soil tested to determine if you need to adjust the soil pH by liming or adding any nutrients. 2. Dig the planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper than the root ball height. Make sure that the top-most root in the root ball is set at or slightly above the final soil grade. 3. Remove the container and examine the roots. If any appear to be circling (pot-bound), slice the root ball one to two inches deep in three to four places. 4. Place the plant in the hole, straighten and then backfill around the root ball gently, but firmly. 5. Apply a two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch (hardwood mulch, pine straw, shredded leaves, etc.) over the entire planting area. Keep the mulch two to three inches away from the plant’s stem. 6. Water as necessary. Keep the soil moist but not soaked, which generally means watering once or twice per week in the absence of rain.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 12:26:35 +0000
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