Page 45 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 129

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #129 October 2023 45

Let it Grow – Transplant me Gently

By Marion Dalley for very tall plants. Instead of trimming,
consider providing some shade for your
e have been given a lovely transplant to minimize transpiration
Wreprieve from the constant heat through the leaves (loss of water.)
of summer, as gentle breezes and more A thorough watering for a day or so
moderate temperatures have blessed prior to uprooting a plant will give it
our area for the past few weeks. We can some nourishment as it goes through
sleep with the windows open and spend the shock of rehoming. Just imagine
the days outdoors without breaking you have been comfortable in your
a sweat. The one thing that we are home for some time, and along comes
missing, however, is the rain. Although a spade-bearing intruder who abruptly
farmers are loving this drought as unearths you, severing some well-laid
they are able to harvest crops such roots. Shock, right? So be generous by
as soybeans, many of our domestic providing one of the things that plants
gardens are feeling the effects. always need, water. This also prevents Photo Submitted

I have seen many posts in Master the root from being brittle, avoiding break up the root ball slightly, to allow to consider, and even the most confident
Gardeners groups asking about unnecessary breakage. ease of root growth. gardener can second-guess themselves.
yellowing or browning leaves, and what Have the new home ready for the Gently trim the damaged roots and But there is much magic in the power
may look like diseased plants. More transplant. The less time the root is place the transplant in its new home. of nature and the ability to adapt. Be
than likely this is simply what plant life exposed, the stronger it will remain. mindful and thoughtful during the
Fill the hole in and gently tamp to avoid
does at this time of the year, focusing Know where you will be moving the process, your plants will thank you, and
too many air pockets. Water thoroughly,
on the root systems to prepare for the plant to, have the hole dug, watered, you will be happy next spring.
and daily, up until frost hits the ground.
harsher temperatures. The lack of rain and prepared prior to digging up the Transplant generously, but not with
( I know, we Canadians always find new resident. You know - just like Yes, there seem to be so many things wild abandon. Happy plotting!
something to complain about), does we prefer to wash floors, walls, and
play a role in a job that we normally cupboards before we move our articles
often perform at this time. That job is into a new house.
transplanting perennials in our gardens
or sharing them with neighbours or Dig a hole wider, but not any deeper,
friends. than your root ball. When planting,
ensure that the crown of the transplant
During a conversation with my remains level with the soil. Water the
97-year-old neighbour, who just hole deeply, to ensure moisture will be
happens to be a tree farmer, I mentioned readily available for the new resident.
that I was set to do some transplanting Adding some compost and bone meal
this coming week. He suggested that can assist the roots in establishing
because of the lack of rain, perhaps if I themselves. Bone meal provides slow
could wait until the spring, it might be a release phosphorous which is the
better solution. It takes a very dedicated major nutrient that most influences root
gardener to monitor transplants for the development.
next three to five weeks.
Always dig a good chunk of the
A general rule of thumb is to divide root and earth surrounding the root.
and transplant spring blooming flowers When you dig out a plant, the tiny
in the fall, and late blooming flowers in hair-like roots that gather the water
the spring. for the plant will likely be destroyed,

Should you decide to carry on with rendering it more difficult for the root
transplanting, here are some tips and to gather a much-needed food supply.
suggestions. Be gentle and generous. Be mindful of the type of soil that the
plant is coming from and going into.
Choose a day that is cloudy, or Transplanting from like soil to like soil,
transplant in the early evening. Avoid the root ball can be somewhat smaller.
bright, sunny daytime transplanting. It But if going to a different soil type,
is better if you can transplant without keep the root ball as large as your back
trimming the plant stems and leaves will allow. Also, when transplanting to
down, however this may be impossible a different soil type, it is wise to gently