Wayne Clatterbuck, a plant specialist with the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, offers tips on planting shrubs in your garden. Before you buy and plant, consider your needs and the growing conditions. Is the site dry or moist, shady or sunny? Will the shrubs you're considering need special maintenance or heavy pruning? Shrubs are sold in three forms: bare root, balled and burlapped and container grown.
Bare-root shrubs are the most economical choice and are best planted in early spring or winter. To plant, dig a hole twice as large as the roots; mold a loose cone of soil at the bottom of the hole; set the shrub in the hole, spreading the roots around the cone; backfill the hole halfway; give the plant a good soaking; and fill with remaining soil.
Balled-and-burlapped and container shrubs are more expensive than bare-root plants, but they're available during the peak gardening season. When selecting a balled-and-burlapped plant, make sure the root ball feels firm to the touch. Loosen and remove the burlap before planting -- which may not be easy if the roots have grown into the fabric. To plant, dig a hole twice as large as the root ball and about as deep. Lower the root ball into the hole and center it.
If the shrub is wrapped in plastic or growing in a container, remove the plastic or the container before placing the root ball in the hole. Never lift the plant by the trunk, which may cause the root ball to loosen and fall apart. Always support the roots when lifting them to and from the planting hole.
If the shrub is in a metal container, ask the nursery to cut slits in the can before you take it home so it'll be easier to remove. Remove the can at home, and plant. Backfill the hole as for bare-root plants. The soil should be fine and loose so roots can penetrate it easily. Make sure the top of the root ball is at ground level.
Spring and fall are the best times to transplant shrubs from one spot to another. Use a sharp spade to cut a circle around the roots, then shape the roots and soil into a ball by undercutting the roots. When the ball is free and can be rocked to one side, wrap it in burlap, then fasten with twine. Plant as you would a new shrub, and keep the plant cool and moist for two weeks after planting.
In arid climates, build a berm around a newly planted shrub to collect water and aid in watering. Don't use fertilizer until you begin to see new growth. After planting, add a layer of mulch around your new shrubs. It should be only 1/2" thick near the plant but deeper farther from the trunk.
RESOURCES :
for the American Horticultural Society's Practical Guide, Flowering Shrubs
DK Publishing - Main Office
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-213-4800
Fax: 212-213-5240
for the book A-Z of Evergreen Trees and Shrubs
Reader's Digest Association Inc.
Pleasantville, NY 10570
Phone: 800-431-1246 OR 914-
for the book Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia
Timber Press
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 503-227-2878
for the book Taylor's Guide to Shrubs
Houghton Mifflin Co.
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-351-5000
Email: tradecustomerservice@hmco.com
GUESTS :
Wayne Clatterbuck
UT Agricultural Extension Service
PO Box 1971
Knoxville, TN 37901-1071
Phone: 865-974-7346
Fax: 865-974-1068
Email: aes.wclatterbuck@utk.edu
Website: http://www.utextension.utk.edu
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