Get to the root of your garden woes
“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.” — James Oppenheim
Gardeners: your time off is almost up. Winter is on its way out and spring is in.
REMINDER NO. 1: MIND THE ROOTS
When a seed makes contact with moisture and heat, it wakes from its winter slumber and sends new growth soaring downwards. The root goes about its job with gusto and purpose. The life of the plant depends almost entirely on the ability of the root to do its job.
The nature of a root varies, depending on the soil, the amount of wind it faces, and the growth habit of the top portion of the plant.
An oak tree, for instance, produces a long, carrot-shaped tap root that will not only anchor a tallgrowing, top-heavy tree but is also very efficient at seeking out sources of moisture deep in the soil.
A shallow-rooted tree, such as a willow, sends its root tentacles out in a lateral fashion, looking for surface water and nutrients in the top layer of soil. That’s why it is so difficult to grow a great-looking lawn under a surface-rooting tree, such as a Norway maple or a birch.
A healthy plant has healthy roots. These are words to live by, in the garden and maybe in life, although I do not think of myself as nearly that profound.
The attention you pay to proper soil preparation at the time of seed sowing, sticking cuttings, or planting a new geranium amounts to the same thing. The results will be proportionally good or bad depending on the quality of the soil.
This brings me nicely to the many options you have when it comes to bagged soil products. In short, buy the good stuff! Easy for me to say, but how do you know?
First of all, if it is very light to handle, it is going be a lightweight in the performance arena, too. Potting soils and mixes that are so light you can toss a large bag across the room without much effort are peat-based, with very little else added. Look for a potting soil that contains about 20 to 30 per cent compost or composted materials. While this makes the bag a little heavier to lift, it also contains natural nutrients such as beneficial bacteria, microbes, and other me- tabolism boosters. To help retain moisture, add coconut coir. With a consistency of peat, it actually holds moisture more effectively and breaks down more slowly. You can buy coir as a solid brick or in chunks, such as the Natura-branded product.
REMINDER NO. 2: TOP AND ROOTS ARE CONNECTED
Roots support the plant’s superhighway for nutrients and moisture. Energy is sent down to the root zone of a plant to power their growth. Roots then search for water and dissolved nutrients in the soil, which are pumped back up to the green portions of the plant to support them. It is the perfect “scratch your back” arrangement.
Once gardeners are aware of the importance of a healthy root system, they spend more time exploring the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of the soil.
One method of enhancing the ability of plants to absorb moisture and stabilize soil is Zeba, a new product from Premier Tech, a Canadian company. Zeba produces a hydro gel that absorbs and releases water over and over again, similar to a sponge.
The snapshot you have in your mind of a gorgeous garden this season can actually happen. But that result is far more likely if you are aware of the importance of roots and if you strive to grow healthier ones.