| Hi Al and Everyone, I'm new and couldn't find what to click to post a new topic, so I think this will come through as a follow-up. I bought three 6' high Italian Buckthorn [John Edwards] in 5 gallon containers to plant in glazed ceramic pots that are 20" high and 20" across the top, slightly smaller at the bottom. They each have 8 holes in the bottom. I live in zone 9, about 30 miles east of San Francisco. Temps will be in the mid-70s for a week or so and sunny.
Though I have some indoor Fica that are 10 years old and doing well plus many small pots of geraniums, palms, hostas, I'm new to planting large shrubs in big pots and have concerns. I've been reading many of Al's wonderful messages [thanks Al] and want to try the recipe for trees so that mine grow more rapidly and stay healthy for a long time. I know that Buckthorn are rapid growers anyway. I want a thick screen across the back of my deck. I was told I can trim and shape these shrubs. I've never had them before.
I've been on the phone this morning and found the three ingredients for Al's tree growng mix - 50 lb bags of Turface at Ewing Irrigation, [sales person said its the "larger" size - like BBs], EarthGro Bark at Orchard Supply about 1/8 to 1/4" in size, and crushed granite [chicken grit] in 50 lb bags at a feed store. Could you tell me how many bags of each I need for three ceramic pots that are about 20 tall and 20 inches across the top tapering a little toward the bottom to about 18" across.
If I recall correctly, I should wet the mixture before planting so that the bark is moist.
Also, after planting, do I water the root base right away? I know that there are variables when it comes to ongoing watering but if the temp is about 75 degrees and sunny with little wind, would you suggest that I water and fertilize daily or every 2nd or 3rd day? I recall that Earth Juice, STEM, or Micromax have been mentioned as fertilizers. Is one or the other better for this particular shrub? How often should I fertilize?
Am I getting it right? I will appreciate any help I can get. Kind regards,
Sandra
|
