Proper soil preparation required for spring planting

March 2, 2011

Proper soil preparation required for spring planting

By Gary Pike Lake Oconee Breeze Lake Oconee Breeze Wed Mar 02, 2011, 08:00 AM EST

LAKE OCONEE — We are now in one of the best times of the year to for planting. The weather is still a little cool, which gives plant material time to become established before hot weather arrives. When planting, always make sure the soil is prepared properly. This can be done by adding quality top soil, but the two best amendments to add are planting mix or soil conditioner. Cow manure will also help improve the quality of the soil. Adding soil amendments can be done by using a roto-tiller, which is a good way to enhance the entire planting area. You can also add amendments to just the soil that is removed from each individual hole. Adding soil amendments is very important to get the plant off to a good start. To lessen plant shock and increase root growth, water the root ball with a root stimulator when planting.

Spring is also one of the best times to choose that perfect plant. The selection and availability of plants are at their best. There are so many varieties of shrubs, trees, ferns and perennials to choose from. Unusual plants from the west coast are arriving as well.

If you need to do transplanting to make room for new plants, it needs to be done before the new growth starts, which will be very soon. Some new growth is already appearing. Trying to transplant material with new growth will shock the plant and maybe kill it. When transplanting, dig the hole about twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same level as the plant was at in the ground. Make sure you add soil enrichment to the hole as well to give the plant an added advantage for survival, also use root stimulator to lessen plant shock.

Happy Gardening.

Text Only

In the Garden

Seasonal color beds require thought investment
Now is the time to start preparing your seasonal color beds.

March 30, 2011
Adding color can also adds interest to any landscape
Adding color to your landscape will add interest, whether it is color in trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, or ground cover.

March 16, 2011
Blooming plants can bring color to your landscape
If you want color in your landscape, consider using repeat and continuous blooming plants.

March 9, 2011
Proper soil preparation required for spring planting
We are now in one of the best times of the year to for planting.

March 2, 2011
Now is the perfect time of year for spring plantings
We are now in one of the best times of the year to for planting.

February 23, 2011
Time to prioritize your yard for spring
Spring is just around the corner, and it is a great time to plan for the planting season.

February 16, 2011
Container gardening is a great option for urban areas
Container gardening is becoming a very popular way to enjoy greenery and flowers for homeowners, apartment dwellers, condo owners and businesses.

February 9, 2011
The backyard is the most common outdoor living space
Backyards are the main outdoor living area for most people, there is a sense of privacy and comfort there. Many homes have decks, patios, or pool areas, with sitting areas scattered around the yard, in places such as natural areas, around a fire pit, near a lake, creek or small fishpond with waterfall.

February 2, 2011
Unsightly yard fixtures can be incorporated into landscape design
Dress up unsightly fixtures in your yard such as chain link fence, storage building, above ground pools, retaining walls, dog pens or trampolines.

January 26, 2011
Lots of landscape options when addressing privacy
Privacy is often an issue for many homeowners, perhaps there is an unsightly area, a building to block or to soften car noise from a nearby road.

January 19, 2011
More In the Garden Headlines

In the Garden

Search Results

Proper soil preparation required for spring planting

Site Map

Contact Us