saplings

fastdon1 · 28th June 2007, 01:50 PM

I have been given various saplings, all 15 to 21 inches tall. They are: crab apple, wild cherry. rowan and silver birch. They are currently in large pots or large buckets with drainage holes drilled, gravel to assist drainage, and compost. How should I look after them? I do not want to over water them. Should I feed them? They can be kept in sun or shade. Your expertise would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Pete

osb_mail · 7th July 2007, 06:55 PM

Birch should not be a problem with over watering they love water . I just stick my finger in soil if it is dry ,water if it is wet ,dont water . It does not hurt to let trees dry out some just try to water before they wilt .Don t weight your pots down with gravel just use a good mix of composted pine bark and peat I think 50 to 50 will work .

Ekka · 7th July 2007, 07:25 PM

One of the most common ailments of potted plants is the "soil" they're in. If it's potting mix (not real soil) it can get hydrophobic, which means as fast as your water the top it comes out the bottom as the "soil mix" repels water.

If this is the case and you dont want to buy commercial wetting agents to add to the water just ad a few drops of dish washing liquid or soap ... it'll do the same thing.

Over watering propbably kills more potted plants than under watering. Depending on the future location for the trees you decide whether to sun harden or shade them. But dont keep them shaded then plant them in full sun on their debut from the pot!

Fertilize with liquid organic, like blood/bone or dynamic lifter. Dont go loading them up with nitrogen coz they're trees not vegetables.

fastdon1 · 8th July 2007, 11:07 AM

Many thanks to you both for your advice. Water appears not to drain straight out of the pot. I will keep an eye on the location situation, though this summer the sun does not seem to want to perform.

28th June 2007, 01:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
fastdon1 I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: greenwich, london, uk Posts: 2	saplings I have been given various saplings, all 15 to 21 inches tall. They are: crab apple, wild cherry. rowan and silver birch. They are currently in large pots or large buckets with drainage holes drilled, gravel to assist drainage, and compost. How should I look after them? I do not want to over water them. Should I feed them? They can be kept in sun or shade. Your expertise would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Pete

7th July 2007, 07:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 6,846	One of the most common ailments of potted plants is the "soil" they're in. If it's potting mix (not real soil) it can get hydrophobic, which means as fast as your water the top it comes out the bottom as the "soil mix" repels water. If this is the case and you dont want to buy commercial wetting agents to add to the water just ad a few drops of dish washing liquid or soap ... it'll do the same thing. Over watering propbably kills more potted plants than under watering. Depending on the future location for the trees you decide whether to sun harden or shade them. But dont keep them shaded then plant them in full sun on their debut from the pot! Fertilize with liquid organic, like blood/bone or dynamic lifter. Dont go loading them up with nitrogen coz they're trees not vegetables. __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

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7th July 2007, 06:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
osb_mail Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 203	Birch should not be a problem with over watering they love water . I just stick my finger in soil if it is dry ,water if it is wet ,dont water . It does not hurt to let trees dry out some just try to water before they wilt .Don t weight your pots down with gravel just use a good mix of composted pine bark and peat I think 50 to 50 will work .

8th July 2007, 11:07 AM	#4 (permalink)
fastdon1 I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: greenwich, london, uk Posts: 2	Many thanks to you both for your advice. Water appears not to drain straight out of the pot. I will keep an eye on the location situation, though this summer the sun does not seem to want to perform.