Planting
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Can you tell me how to plant and grow fern seedlings?The best way to plant seedlings is to dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots without crowding, place the roots in the hole and gently fill in around them with soil. Then water well to eliminate air pockets around the roots. The plants should be at the same soil level in the ground as they were growing in the pots. After planting, keep them well watered and they should become established in just a few weeks. |
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I�d like to learn about plant propagation. Can you tell me the basics?Taking a softwood cutting of new growth that is not yet firm is a common propagation method that works for many plants. Cuttings should be about 2 inches long, with 2-3 pairs of leaves at the top of the stem. Insert the cuttings into a soilless mix, just up to the lowest leaves. Rooting hormone may be used, but is not essential. It helps to pinch off the growing tip, which helps force more roots. If possible, place the cuttings in a covered environment (a mini greenhouse) and provide bottom heat. However, it's not always possible to get new growth cuttings in November. |
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Is there a difference between seed-starting potting soil and sterile soilless mix?The answer to your question depends on what the ingredients are. Usually a seed-starting mix is also soilless and thus relatively sterile. Seed-starting mix usually has finer particles and may have slightly different ingredients, but peat-based soilless mixes with vermiculite and perlite are an option. When you're a beginner, a seed-specific mix is probably your best choice. |
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Planning Fall PlantingSpring is the time most of us are out parading to and from garden centers and working tirelessly in our flowerbeds. As Fall approaches keep in mind that now is also a prime garden care season. In fact, fall is a great time to plant most trees, many perennials and spring flowering bulbs. And with a smaller demand at the garden centers you might save a little money on plants and supplies, too. |
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Planting (General Information)Proper planting is an important step for any plant to get off to a great start. But an important factor to consider is what it is you want to plant. Whether you are planting annuals or perennials, flowers or vegetables, a garden or a window box — doing it right can make a huge difference in your plants success. |
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Planting SprigsSprigs can be short or long stemmed, with either an intact root system or two to four nodes (joints) from which roots can develop. Sprigging is simply the planting of individual sprigs at spaced intervals. Hybrid bermudagrass and centipedegrass are the ones most commonly planted by this method. |
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What kind of flowering plant will do well under pine trees?The soil beneath pines tends to be on the acidic end of the pH scale because of the needles they drop. Another problem associated with growing plants under pines is that the trees have fibrous roots near the soil surface that will compete with any other plant for moisture and nutrients. Additionally, the canopy of pines effectively diverts rainwater, so things are usually pretty dry directly under the trees. |
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When and how do you use peat moss?Peat moss (milled sphagnum peat) is occasionally used as a soil amendment when preparing planting areas. It is considered a source of organic matter and would be used to improve the soil structure to help it hold both additional air and water. It should be moistened prior to being mixed into the soil. |
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When is the best time to begin preparing for a medium-sized family vegetable garden?As soon as the snow melts and soil dries out, it's a good time to turn over the soil and start your vegetable garden. You can tell if the soil is dry by taking a small handful of the soil and squeezing it. If water trickles out or if the ball you formed it still solid and doesn't break apart easily, then it's too early. |
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