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Planting rootbound plants

Rootbound plant
I have a favourite nursery that we visited just recently and the reason that I like them so much is because they carry many of the plants that big nurseries don't. Walking through Bunnings and Waldecks you get a sense of Blah! as you see rows and rows of the same thing. Then as you travel past home gardens you notice that this is all they have as well.

Unfortunately though, the type of nurseries that usually carry a vast array of plants are predominantly husband and wife teams who are trying to compete with these big companies and suffer from a lack of manpower (or womanpower). Many of the plants you find at these nurseries are often neglected, unappealing and more seriously - rootbound.

While this turns away many consumers and eventually puts these nurseries out of business, I make it my personal campaign to shop at them. I know that whatever I buy can usually be revived and will eventually do well. Alas, many gardeners want instant and will pay for plants that will grow and flower as soon as they put them in the ground.

So, if you join my personal campaign for keeping these nurseries open you will need to know how to plant rootbound plants, because I can assure you that most plants you buy from them will be.

Here's some steps to get you started;

  1. Take the plant out of the pot or bag. An early indication that the plant is rootbound is roots that are growing out of the bottom of the pot and even securing themselves to the ground they stand on. The potting mix will usually be fairly dry as they immediately take up any water they're given.
  2. Tease the bottom roots so they become loose from the potting mix. This won't damage the plant so long as you have prepared the soil well.
  3. Pull some of the roots away from the side. If the potting mix is dry you want to be fairly gentle doing this as it could easily disrupt the soil and it may then all fall away leaving the roots exposed.
  4. Prepare the soil. Here's some planting tips. Ensure that a good 20-30cm (1ft) of soil below the rootball is broken up and fertilised well. Don't use chicken manure or let the roots come into immediate direct contact with the fertiliser or they will burn and it will kill your plant.
  5. Water in well and continue that you do this over the next week or two checking for any signs of distress and responding accordingly.


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Posted by Stuart on June 23, 2006 6:40 AM | | Check to Subscribe to this Comment:


Comments

I often buy plants from nurseries and sometimes a few from Bunnings, but I never buy pants at Bunnings !!!!!

Posted by: Alice | June 23, 2006 3:46 PM

Fixed now, thanks Alice. The spellchecker doesn't pick up the incorrectword unfortunately.

The article erroneously stated, "I have a favourite nursery that we visited just recently and the reason that I like them so much is because they carry many of the *pants* that big nurseries don't."

I must admit that I don't buy pants at Bunnings either.

Posted by: Stu | June 23, 2006 3:50 PM

I assume that Waldecks and Bunnings are like Home Depot and Lowes? If so, I couldn’t agree with you more on the lack of inspiration evident, as well as the “Blah” feeling one gets in those stores. You also get the same “Blah’ feeling from the homes landscaped with plants and “inspiration’ from these places.

You are right that many smaller garden centers tend to be run by one or two people. We are a small “mom and pop” store that employs a high school student to help water. Last year we had a full/part time employee, but with the extended rain this spring, business didn’t warrant us hiring them back. So my wife and I basically take care of everything.

I often write about my disdain for chain and box stores, and talk up the independent garden center. One thing I should make clear though, I don’t think all independents are that great. Some independent garden centers are just like you described the plants, “neglected, and unappealing.” You are to be commended for trying to keep small garden centers open. Your advice on planting root bound plants is good; I just don’t think a lot of independent garden center should even be in business. Just because they are small, and independent, doesn’t mean they should allow their stock to go down hill. They need to pare down on their offerings, to focus on what they can take care of.

I believe that the future of the successful, independent garden center is in finding your niche, and focusing like a laser beam on that area. Do you sell a special line of plants ie. Japanese Maples, ornamental conifers, native plants? Then have the healthiest, widest selection around. If your niche is customer service, then “wow” them with amazing service. We small independents can’t please all the people, so focus on your target audience.

We work constantly on the nursery. We live on the property, and work early, and often late into the night. It’s is such an all consuming business that most people would never want to, or be able, to do it. This is why there are so few quality, small, independent garden centers left. It does however open the door to people that really want to create an exceptional garden center experience. You have to “live” the business. Don’t blame the competition for your woes, and be the absolute best at what you do.

Posted by: Trey | June 26, 2006 12:58 AM

Trey - great comment. If I were to rate comments on this blog yours would certainly have to be in the top 5.

Anybody who runs a nursery and offers good quality plants and inspirational ideas and service is my hero. Way to go Trey.

Posted by: Stuart | June 26, 2006 10:21 AM

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