July 13, 2001, Newsletter Issue #34: Summer Plant Impulse Buys.

Tip of the Week

Buying on Impulse.
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There is a lot to be said for the old sayings, "Buy in Haste, Repent at Leisure" and "A bargain is only a bargain if you need it." Before you buy that stunning new plant you have to ask yourself:
(A) Do I have room for this plant?(Answer is usually "I`ll make Room!")
(B) How big does it grow? (Answer is usually "I`ll look it up when I get home")

Choose The Best Plant of the Batch.
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Try to choose a plant from the batch that is not thirsty, hungry looking (yellow leaves), shows no sign of disease, is weed free, and does not have a mass of roots coming from the base of the pot.
If the plants show any of the above symptoms, walk away!
Plants that have dried out, may have damaged roots. Hungry container plants are notoriously difficult to establish.
It is also folly to introduce pests, diseases and weeds to your garden that could easily spread to your healthy plants.
Weeds on the soil surface and roots coming from the base of the pot indicate an old plant that will be difficult to establish.

The Planting Guide.
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Planting in summer requires a bit more care and attention due to the high temperatures and dry spells.
(1) Plunge the pot in a bucket of water until the bubbles stop rising. This ensures that the rootball is evenly moist.
(2) Dig out a hole wide and deep enough to take the rootball.
(3) Mix some garden compost/peat/coir and osmocote slow release fertilizer through the excavated soil.
(4) Place the plant in the hole, replace the soil mix and tred all round to firm in.
(5) Soak the soil round the base of the plant.

Over the next few months, water the new plant before it is really necessary.

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