Friday, March 26, 2010

Dig it – It’s Friday

This is the transplanting season for the woody plant material world. As long as the shrub or tree is not showing any signs of growth, i.e., buds swollen to the point of opening or flushing, you can dig your plant and move it to another location. If you see green tips, it does not necessarily mean you can’t transplant it. Make sure the buds are not opening and pushing tender leaf tissue.

Today’s temperatures are perfect for transplanting – cool, damp and overcast. Although most of us may think today’s weather is a bit of a setback, these conditions are ideal for transplanting woody plant materials. As long as temperatures are not below freezing, there is no frost in the ground or you encounter mud pudding for soil, you are good to go. This is when the nursery industry is at its peak digging season. Even difficult species often tricky to dig like nut trees can be dug at this time.

Some areas may already see trees and shrubs waking up so it could be too late to transplant. Best advice - check the buds and use your judgment. If you have a plant you think may be too late to transplant, you can always prune off a piece of the branch that shows the bud. Bring it to a reputable nursery for an opinion.

Remember, direct sunlight on exposed roots is detrimental to the root system. Keep that tip in mind should this weather change a bit. With damp soil conditions, you won’t have to worry as much about irrigation but still give the tree a small drink.

In the inspirational words of Benjamin Franklin, it makes sense to get your garden settled in before the growing season. “I never saw an oft-transplanted tree, nor yet an oft-removed family that throve so well as those that settled be.”

Get settled in. Spring is here. Get digging and enjoy the no bug, no black fly, and no mosquito weather while it lasts. Don’t forget to check out our fan page and become a fan to get tips and our blog on your Facebook account. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bilowz-Associates-Inc-Our-Blog-Annies-Gardening-Corner/325316334444
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