Soil Science Society of America
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Contact: Hanna Jeske, Associate Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy, 608-268-3972, hjeske@sciencesocieties.org
Planting your new purchases
April 4, 2016 – Do you think those plants you bought at the garden center come ready to place into a newly dug hole? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) April 4 Soils Matter blog post explains that taking just a few steps before planting can increase the success of your new investments.
Soil scientist Clay Robinson suggests a four-point inspection at the garden center before purchase: roots, stems, branches and leaves. Then, water the plants thoroughly once you get them home.
“Before you plant your new purchase, you’ll want to consider some pruning,” says Robinson. “Some roots are damaged during transplanting, so the top growth needs to be pruned to reduce transplant shock. This is more true with annuals than perennials. I always target buds, flowers, and fruit for pruning.”
The roots need some attention, too. “Gently spread the roots, place the pruned plant in the hole to the depth of the bottom leaves, push the soil into the hole around it, and gently firm the soil against the stem and roots,” Robinson says. Spreading the roots away from their compacted, potted state allows them to grow more freely in their new home.
For more tips on planting your garden purchases, read the entire blog post: http://soilsmatter.wordpress.com.
American Society of Agronomy (ASA) and the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) have developed two videos about proper planted. One is shorter, and can be found at https://youtu.be/XlKC_TPYbTo. It quickly describes inspecting and transplanting your plants.. Another video goes into more depth about many variations your plant, and you how can help it succeed. It can be found at http://agronomy.peachnewmedia.com/store/seminar/seminar.php?seminar=60127. All serious gardeners and landscapers should watch these videos, and protect those garden center investments!
Follow SSSA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SSSA.soils, Twitter at SSSA_Soils. SSSA has soils information on www.soils.org/discover-soils, for teachers at www.soils4teachers.org, and for students through 12th grade, www.soils4kids.org.