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Spring...a few things to think about for newbies

Posted by head_cutter Vietnam (My Page) on
Sat, May 16, 09 at 20:21

Some of this was posted a long time ago and it doesn't show up in the FAQ's.
Pot drain holes: this is best done with galvanized screen about 1/8" square holes (cut to a square) cut so it's about 20-30% larger than the drain hole then wired in place with a piece of wire bent like a hairpin. If this thread survives I'll post a pic or two.
Galvanized--because the roots of most trees will avoid it and the drain hole will never become clogged with roots.

'Petting' the foliage: This via a friend (years ago) who grew Mums and didn't realize it but he was keeping some compact and bushy by doing this. I tried it because I'm always touching my trees and it does work.

When you are around your trees gently 'pet' or caress the top of the foliage pads with your palm, like you stroke a cat or dog. Unlike the animals the foliage doesn't like being touched...concequently, by it recoiling from the touch, it will become more compact and bushy because it will also have more breaks and they will mostly be to the sides (laterals).
It won't happen overnight but you will see a difference.

Bob


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Spring...a few things to think about for newbies

RE/Petting :) I love the feel of the new growth of the juniper I bought this spring. It's trained already to begin with as the nursery had a workshop (which I missed) but I felt like so long as the new growth was soft to the touch it was feeling okay.

I poked several tiny pieces into the outer edge of the pot to try to root that I trimmed off at the base stem. One is still soft and gives me hope it might actually root like that? I don't know...just instinct to try to root it like an african violet leaf!

A newbie who will need some advice. Have been reacquainting myself with GardenWeb after several years away.

(Spike doesn't live here or yell at us anymore? :)
A link I posted to another site got me yelled at...happy to see optional links line installed... cool!


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