Follow Us!
† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
|
| Member | Message |
|---|---|
 |
Posted: May/07/2009 5:36 PM PST
Ok, I will admit that I have been checking out other forums also but you guys are the BEST! I have read that my Wax Myrtles can adapt to any soil but prefer slightly acidic and well draining soil.(my soil drains FAST!) They stated to "modestly amend with organic matter" What do I add when planting from pot to ground? Do I just go and look for a bag of "organic matter" at the nursery? I am sorry for my ignorance but I am a beginner and would like to get these guys established correctly. I also read that Wax Myrtles 'fix nitrogen' in soils so that doesn't need to be added. I appreciate your assistance. Halime |
 |
Posted: May/07/2009 8:17 PM PST
To be honest with you, based on observations from around my neck of the woods, Wax Myrtles don't seem to be picky or particular about their growing conditions. In my area here in central Virginia they've adapted to loam, clay, and sand with no trouble. Only thing I do see as an issue is winter burn (bronze, dried up looking foliage) from exposure to cold, dry winds so a protected spot is helpful. However if you do feel that you need to improve the soil, I'd throw in some compost (which you can buy at the local garden center). I take mine straight from the bottom of my compost bin. |
 |
Posted: May/08/2009 6:54 AM PST
Mix the soil you remove from the hole with some of that compost/manure or whatever blend you get. That way it will adapt to the soil it is going to be living in easier. You want more of that original soil than the new. Since it is getting kind of late for planting shrubs here, water your hole first, add you amended soil, the plant, and then more amended soil. And water frequently and deeply! |
|
|
Posted: Jun/02/2009 5:22 AM PST
You guys are very helpful. Thanks. It has been 18 days since I planted them and so far they look good. I did shear them a third of the way because I want them to be full from the ground up (no legs) and from what I have been reading you have to clip the new growth to 'force' growth below.?? Plus they had black spot on the bottom leaves from the nursery so I pulled those leaves off! So far our rains have been very helpful and I have only had to water them once! Halime  (brownthumb getting slightly green)
|
 |
Posted: Jun/02/2009 5:49 AM PST
No, you don't necessarily clip the "new growth to force new growth below". Usually new growth will start from where you clipped it. |
|
|
Posted: Jun/03/2009 4:54 AM PST
Hmmmm, I am new to gardening and I have been doing a ton of research but I like to come on this site because you guys are LIVE!  From what I have read, if you have a leggy bush and especially if you are transplanting you should shear the plant at least a 1/3 and then run a string across 2 stakes in the ground to mark the height that you sheared off and then when there is new growth you snip that off because it will force the bush to sprout from below and when it is nice and full THEN you let it grow upwards.  ????????????Halime |
|
|
Posted: Jun/03/2009 6:44 AM PST
That may work for some plants, I won't rule that out, but it doesn't work for ALL plants. You will just have to wait and see if it does what you expect, I guess. |
† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
