All those incorrect clocks staring at me the other morning made me want to pull the covers over my head! Tiny little buttons to push, and all needing a different sequence. Et voilà! - success, and without resorting to reading any directions. A few moments of smugness blissfully descended around my head. Then it was time to escape to the garden. Many new and wondrous shrubs were waiting to be planted.
For bare-root plants, it is a good idea to soak the roots overnight. The planting instructions with mail-ordered plants just advise to plant as quickly as possible upon receipt. I have had many more successes with the overnight soaking method. Also, do not be afraid to prune back some of the roots to make the planting process easier. Believe me, the plant will thrive. The plant will not thrive, however, if it is planted too deep.
Getting the right height is the most challenging aspect for me. Laying the shovel across the planting hole and measuring down is great if you are planting on a level surface. But even then, after giving the plant a thorough soaking, there is always some slippage down. Pulling the plant straight up and gently adding more (and by now mucky wet) soil eventually gets the plant at the right height.
The other planting challenge is those root-bound plants. Again, do not be afraid to cut the roots back, once you have wrestled them free from the pots. Any roots that are circling the plant in the pot will continue to grow in a circle once in the ground.
There are many diagrams available in books and leaflets about the proper planting techniques. For the novice gardener it can seem overwhelming. Seasoned gardeners have, over the years, developed their own tricks and props to get the unwieldy beast planted upright.
Why is it that the gardening shows and the magazines make this spring planting season look so pleasant? In my garden it is brutally hard work. On the gardening shows their soil always seems so fluffy. Just dig a hole, spread the roots out, backfill the hole and water. Spread some rich-looking mulch around, and sip a cool drink on the patio while admiring the perfect display of spring tulips.
Having a good, long soak in the tub, admiring the new bruises and torn nails, counting up the number of shrubs planted and the number left to be planted this year, I got to wondering why all those digital timepieces didn't have an extra chip in them so they can reset themselves, just like my computer does twice a year.
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