Question:
I've been reading conflicting opinions about whether to amend the soil when planting trees and shrubs. What should I do?Answer:
- Yes, there are differing opinions on amending the soil when planting. It is advantageous to amend the native soil or backfill when planting in clay soil.
- Soil amendments can improve water retention, permeability, water infiltration, drainage, aeration, and structure in clay and sandy soils. They can also increase soil organic matter content and provide nutrients.
- Also, healthy soil leads to healthy plants in vegetable gardens. So, it is encouraged to replenish the soil annually with generous amounts of organic matter.
- Ornamental trees and shrubs have been successfully established using soil amendments for decades. Our vegetative landscape looks pretty darn good. So, why vary from a successful and proven planting method if it's not broken?
- I'd dig nice, large holes and generously amend the backfill with a fifty-fifty ratio of native soil mixed with homemade compost, soil conditioner, or a blend of organic materials.
- It serves as a transition layer for the roots between the loose planting mix and the much denser clay soil typical for our area. Also, don't bury the root ball.
- The original root ball should be an inch or more above ground to allow for settling. Plants that are buried too deep struggle to grow and eventually die. You protect the exposed ball with mulch when the weather warms up.
- Dirt 1, my Dad, always told me it's better to plant a dollar plant in a ten-dollar hole rather than a ten-dollar plant in a dollar hole, and it's still true today.
Question:
Can I apply a systemic insecticide plus fertilizer to my roses and Epsom Salt?Answer:
- There are no issues with applying systemic insecticide, fertilizer, and Epsom Salt simultaneously.
- The fertilizer provides the essential elements necessary for plant growth: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and an insecticide to control insects. A product also includes a systemic fungicide to control rose Rust, Mildew, and Black Spots.
- Gardeners apply Epsom Salt to roses as a magnesium supplement. It is applied twice a year for roses in spring and fall to encourage basal growth and enrich the foliage color.
- In the fall, it's applied before flushing new flowers after pruning the spent blooms. Two tablespoons per gallon of water is spread evenly around the drip line.
- It serves as a supplement to your normal rose food, not a substitute. Epsom Salt is actually composed of magnesium sulfate and is sold as such in garden centers.
- Magnesium deficiency in roses begins to turn yellow, starting at the edges and eventually working its way toward the center of the leaf. This is not to be confused with nitrogen or iron deficiency.
- The foliage turns yellow from water stress. A second sign is that the plant's growth will be stunted. The shoots will be smaller, and the yield of flowers will be reduced.
- Finally, Epsom Salt is a safe to use around pets.