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It's
All In The Roots |
Henry David Thoreau once said, "I see that I must get a few dollars together presently to manure my roots."
If Thoreau was referring strictly to gardening or tending plants, his observation was keenly on target. The health and well-being of any plants root system will directly determine its vitality and vigor. Whether it's purchasing vegetable starts, flowering plants, bushes, trees, or planting and maintaining your landscape, a plant's root system should be tended to with knowledgeable care.
The Basics
Almost all ornamental plants in the landscape primarily take up water and nutrients through their root systems. Oxygen must also be able to move freely below ground in order to be absorbed by roots. Therefore, preparing the soil prior to planting is essential to successful plant growth. Roots that can grow easily through the soil, with adequate moisture and available nutrients, will result in plants that will not only be healthy, but will thrive and be in a better position to ward off insects and diseases. If a planting bed consists of hard, compacted soil or has an excessive amount of clay, amendments such as peat moss, compost or any other decomposed organic matter should be added to improve the structure of the soil. Inorganic compounds, such as sand, perlite or vermiculite could also be worked into the bed. The purpose is to increase the porosity of the soil to help increase the rate and percentage of root growth. The more roots a plant has, the more water, nutrients and oxygen the plant can take up resulting in the plant becoming established faster, flower sooner, bear bigger and better fruit and all around be a happier plant.
Purchasing healthy plants
As it should be with homeowners, horticulturists, growers, landscapers and other purveyors of plants are very much aware of the importance of good root growth. It is in the soil where a lot of the early action is taking place when propagating new plants for spring and summer sales. In order to sell a well-established crop, growers rely on various soil tests, balanced fertilizer programs and environmental controls to finish a crop on time for the consumer. When shopping for plants to place around the home or garden, it's easy to select the nicest looking plant, or the one with the best shape or most blooms. But prior to paying for a purchase, the root system should be inspected as well. Pop a few of those Petunias or Impatiens out of the pack first. If the root system is not to the bottom of the container, it's most likely the crop was fertilized a bit heavy to increase top growth in order to rush the plants to market. Most root systems should have a healthy look, with plump, white roots that have extensively grown to the sides and bottom of the pack or pot. Lush and soft foliage with a thin root system may be an indication these plants will take longer to establish themselves outside. Bushes and trees sold in containers should also have root systems that hold the soil together went lifted out of the pots when ready to be transplanted.
Insects, diseases and other disorders
If a plant in the landscape or in a garden appears weak or stunted, with no apparent damage or disease to the top growth, the place to look for trouble is below ground. Many times if there is not adequate drainage, water can collect around developing roots causing a shortage of oxygen to the plant. If the soil is compacted, water and nutrients cannot get to the roots to promote new growth. Improper levels of the soil pH, alkalinity or inadequate nutrients can also result in poor growth. In this case a soil test could reveal the underlying problem and adjustments can be made with the correct fertilizer or the addition of lime.
Certain insects feed on developing roots causing a loss of water and nutrient uptake. They can also assist in the spread of diseases. Some soil-borne fungi, given the proper conditions of excess moisture and access to the roots, will establish themselves in a plant's root system causing them to die back and again, resulting in a loss of water and nutrients. Preparing the planting bed ahead of time by removing old plant debris, amending the soil if needed, and ensuring proper moisture and nutrient levels will greatly assist in keeping many of these outside invaders at bay.
Thoreau may or may not have been talking about his garden when he said he needed to spend money on manure, but the thought was certainly appropriate. By taking the time to improve the structure and porosity of his soil, a gardener will be giving his plants the best opportunity to set down roots, to grow vigorously without much cause to worry, and to do what they're meant to do. A good gardener will never forget his roots. |
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