Middle South
July, 2007
Regional Report
Clever Gardening Technique
Encourage New Roots in Pot-Bound Plants
If that "must-have" plant you recently bought is pot-bound, it's probably going to struggle to get established in the garden, especially now that summer is here. Help it adjust by transplanting it to a larger container, using a mix of half potting soil and half garden soil to fill in around the rootball. Water it and fertilize with a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote root growth. Keep the plant in a somewhat sheltered area for the first week; once you see new roots growing you can plant it into the garden, preferably during a stretch of cool, cloudy weather.
Books
Growing Roses Organically
Clear information on managing pests is a hallmark of Rodale organic gardening books, and Growing Roses Organically: Your Guide to Creating an Easy-Care Garden Full of Fragrance and Beauty (Rodale Books, 2002, $19.95) is no exception. Author Barbara Wilde refutes the myth that growing roses means spraying synthetic pesticides to control diseases and insects. In addition to the vital pest management information, Wilde also includes a summary of rose classifications, variety recommendations (both heirloom and recent introductions), and colorful photos. She rounds out the book by including design ideas, a rose care calendar, and an extensive index.
