GARDENING: PERFECT TIME TO PLANT TREES
The summer monsoon tree-planting season is officially underway, so let’s take a look at some of the trees, climbers and shrubs that can be planted from now until approximately mid-September, to help re-green our city, town and home environment.
With the emphasis on indigenous varieties, plus those which have proved their climatic and environmental suitability over the years, there is a wealth of trees to choose from, although some of them may prove difficult to track down in nurseries. If the latter is the case, then search for a seed source instead: sown now, the seed should result in saplings that will be ready to plant at this time next year.
When selecting tree, climber or shrub saplings, choose only those that are in tip-top health. Do not let the nursery person con you into buying anything that is even slightly damaged, shows any sign of pests or diseases or which has weak growth. Only buy pot-grown specimens at this time of year, leaving those being nurtured directly in the ground for planting over winter months.
Update yourself on the best ways to do monsoon planting
Prior to investing in trees, climbers or shrubs, please give serious thought to the height, width and spread they are likely to achieve at maturity. Also keep in mind, especially with trees, that their below-ground root systems can be as much as twice the size of above-ground growth. The latter point is of prime importance when planting in built environments where both above and underground cables, water and sewage pipes, building and wall foundations, etc, must be given due consideration, as must road and footpath surfaces as these can be cracked and eventually destroyed by invasive roots.
Planting holes for trees, climbers and shrubs are best prepared at least two weeks before actual planting takes place — this gives the soil and added materials time to settle and blend. But as this isn’t always feasible (especially if holding a local tree planting campaign) it can also be done, with correct care and attention, at the time of planting.
Preparing a planting hole: Dig a hole that is approximately twice the depth and twice the width of the sapling’s existing or estimated roots, removing any stone debris and weeds in the process. Mix the removed soil with either organic compost or fully-rotted organic manure — a 50/50 mix is perfect. If possible, drop a medium-sized, pre-boiled (therefore totally cleaned of fats/meat residue) meat bone or a handful of equally clean chicken bones into the base of the hole and then fill with the soil/compost/manure mix up to the half-full mark. The bone/s provide the sapling with slowly released minerals for some years to come and get them off to a good strong start in life. Pour in enough water to fill the hole, allow it to soak in and then, after gently spreading out its roots, carefully insert the sapling. The sapling should be planted at the exact same depth as it was planted in its pot: meaning that in its new home, the base of its trunk/stem should be just at soil level — neither above it nor below it but equal to it. It may be necessary to fill more than half of the planting hole before this balance is achieved but, once achieved, carefully fill soil in around the fragile sapling roots until the hole is full. Pour on more water, allow to settle down. Add more of the soil mix if needed. There is absolutely no need to stamp down the soil around the sapling — doing so can damage its roots. Watering the soil into place is the best option.