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| I will be planting the following new shrubs next weekend: cavatine,tiacclia,and a narrow boxwood.
What are your recommendations for planting? Should we use any organic materials or other ammendments before putting each shrub in? How often should they be watered? After planting, I usually top off with compost. Is that OK to do with these particular shrubs? Can we use a liquid fertiziler or should we not fertilize at all? And lastly, how far apart should they be on center? Thanks in advance for your help.
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Follow-Up Postings:
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| No amendments, no fertilizer. Distance depends on mature size; cultivars differ widely. |
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Mon, Sep 14, 09 at 8:46
| and you water WHEN THEY NEED WATER ... not on some schedule... insert finger INTO SOIL to the 2nd knuckle.. and water when hot or dry ... NEVER fertilize in fall ... and frankly.. with shrubs.. never again ... some time on google.. with the Latin names.. ought to get you growth rates.. and size at 10 years ... so you will have to figure out how far apart to plant them .... ken |
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| Here is a link to what I think is a reasonably thorough planting guide. If you have questions or recommendations, PLEASE feel free to email me. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Planting a Tree or Shrub
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- Posted by gardengal48 PNW zone 8 (My Page) on Mon, Sep 14, 09 at 11:10
| Never fertilize is a bit of an extreme viewpoint :-) In cultivated gardens, soil conditions are often not ideal and nutrients can become depleted, simply because of our gardening practices. One should supplement nutrients when the need arises or when soil tests indicate a nutrient deficiency. And fall is an ideal time to do so for woody plants like trees and shrubs - at this time roots are in a very active stage of growth and elongation and plants are better able to metabolize nutrients when this occurs versus any other time of the season. Just avoid a high nitrogen fertilizer that would encourage a lot of rapid, lush growth that may not harden off before cold weather. The first number on the fertilizer label should be the lowest of the three. That being said, newly planted stock seldom requires fertilization. They generally come from the nursery or grower already well fertilized. Topdressing with compost or other organic mulch will provide a source for any additional nutrients they might require. And help to maintain soil moisture. You always want to water in new plants thoroughly and then as needed as determined by individual plant requirements, soil conditions and the weather. Check daily if warm and dry. |
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Mon, Sep 14, 09 at 12:07
| hey gal.. lurking again.. just waiting for me to leave out the caveat: AMEND THE SOIL WHEN A SOIL TEST INDICATES SOMETHING IS LACKING FROM THE SOIL ... lol .. in otherwise decent soil.. i will stand by my comment that they 'almost' NEVER need fert ... they are shrubs.. not children... spend your fert money on high productions flowers.. that need the juice .. like annuals ... roses ... etc ... good luck ken |
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| "Fertilize all landscape plants as soon as installation and one thorough watering are complete. If soil tests have been conducted and phosphorus and other non-leaching fertilizers have been incorporated, only nitrogen should be applied. Fertilize the plant on the soil surface immediately after planting (spring or fall) or use slow-release fertilizer in the planting hole. Fertilize at the rate of about one pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet of soil surface area. Spread the fertilizer over the area which has been kept clean of weeds and grass and has been mulched. Repeat fertilization procedure two or three times during the growing season but especially in the fall when soils are warm and roots are especially active" --Carl E. Whitcomb, "A Summary of Procedures", page 5, Establishment and Maintenance of Landscape Plants (1987 (1991), Lacebark Inc., Stillwater) 'Cavatine' is a Pieris japonica cultivar and like other heath family plants will have a different set of soil requirements than most - including less of a need for nitrogen than usual. Special "Rhododendron and Azalea (or Evergreen) Food" is sold for use on these. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Establishment and Maintenance of Landscape Plants II
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