Potters Bar Eye_June21

By Pippa
Greenwood
Now that the weather has well and truly
warmed up and you’re spending more time
in your garden, you may feel the need to make
a few additions to it – perhaps something to
bring a little more architecture or structure, to
clothe a wall or fence, or something to bring
perfume or perhaps colour at an ‘off’ time of
year. Whatever it is, there is sure to be a
good selection of trees, shrubs and climbers
available right now. At any time of year good
planting is important if the plants are to get
off to the best possible start, and to grow
away well for years to come. But if you plant
at this time of year it is all the more essential
to do it correctly, since temperatures are
increasing and the soil is more inclined to be dry.
So, what are the top tips for tremendous planting?
Make sure the plant is properly suited to the space
you have available (check the label or in a good
book). Dig the planting hole, making it bigger
than the current root ball. On clay soils dig out the
hole using a fork, as this is less likely to impede
drainage, and make sure the hole is large enough
to incorporate some bulky organic matter plus
some grit. Fork over the sides of the planting
hole. Use garden compost, well-rotted manure
or proprietary planting mix to improve the soil
texture and add nutrients. If the soil is really poor
then you could also use some general fertiliser.
Tease the roots out well before planting. If
necessary, soak the root ball in water for a couple
of hours first. This helps to loosen up a congested
root ball and makes it much easier for the roots to
move out into the planting hole and surrounding
soil.
Lower the plant into the hole and gradually add
the soil mixed with planting compost. Check that
only the roots are buried, not the stem, as planting
too deep can kill and will always make the plant
suffer and perform poorly. (The only exception to
this is clematis, which do better if planted a few
inches deeper than this.) Placing a cane over the
top of the planting hole makes it easier to judge
the correct height of the soil level. Firm the soil
around the roots. The surface of the compost on
the existing root ball needs to be level with the soil
surface.
Re-check the planting depth and water in well
– this is really important – and once the soil is
thoroughly moistened, apply a 7.5cm (3”) deep
mulch all over the root area. This will reduce
moisture loss from the soil and also help to keep
weeds in check.
There is only a need to stake very lanky or large
trees, and if you do this make sure that the stake
goes in so that root damage is minimised, holding
it in place with a tree-tie and buffer. Short stakes
are now generally believed to be best in the long
term.
Make sure that the new tree or shrub is kept really
well watered and that the soil is not allowed
to become dry, as in this establishment phase
watering is the key to success.
At www.pippagreenwood.com you’ll find stylish cloches, Nemaslug, practical and pretty plant
supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, Grower Frames and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system.
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