Monday, February 16, 2009

If you'd like to plant roses or deciduous fruit trees, it's not too late. Baker Nursery at 40th St and Osborn has potted their bare-root plants. They still have a nice selection available. You need to be careful when planting though. Have your hole dug, about 1.5 to 2 times bigger than the pot that the plant comes in. This will loosen the dirt so the roots can easily grow into the soil. Then, you mix the soil that you took out of the hole with organic compost and mulch. I like to use a little bone meal some kelp meal. You put the soil back in the hole and leave just enough room to set the pot into. Use a utility knife to cut the bottom and side of the pot. Set the whole pot down in the hole and carefully slide the pot out while banking up the mixed soil around it. You are trying to get the pot out without disturbing the root ball too much! Make a well around the plant and fill with water, you want the water to reach the roots of the plant. Its nice to have two people tackling this job. A couple of years ago we were members of the Scottsdale Rose Society, and although we are not members at this time, we were able to watch and learn from seasoned rosarians. If you are really interested in learning more, it might be worth your time to join one of the rose clubs around the valley. Contact info. for Scottsdale Rose Sociey, lgtrubisky@cox.net or Mesa East Valley Rose Society

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