The plantation is a crucial step for successful farming and getting a beautiful garden. Among the various planting methods, the choice of root ball subjects is often preferred for its ease of implementation and its many advantages. In this article, we will discover this technique and how to implement it correctly.
Definition of a root ball subject
A root ball plant is a plant whose roots have been previously wrapped in a substrate, usually composed of potting soil or peat and held together by a biodegradable net or a jute cloth. This substrate allows the plant to keep its roots moist, protected, and nourished during transportation and storage before planting. This includes mainly trees, shrubs, perennial plants, and even some vegetable crops such as tomatoes and eggplants.
Benefits of the root ball subject
Promotes plant recovery
The first reason why one chooses a balled plant lies in the ease with which the plant re-establishes itself once planted. Indeed, the fact that the roots are already established in their substrate reduces transplant shock and promotes better establishment. Moreover, rooting typically happens faster than with a container plant (pot).
Allows better adherence to seasons
Since they are packed in a dense, moist substrate, the roots of balled plants are protected from drying out. This allows planting at almost anytime of the year, except during the freezing months or when the soil is too dry. However, avoid transplanting your balled subjects during the high summer heat to minimize water stress.
Facilitates storage before planting
Another advantage of the root ball subject is the possibility of storing it easily before the final planting. It is enough to regularly check that the substrate remains damp by moistening as needed and to keep the plants sheltered from the sun, wind, and extreme temperatures.
The steps to properly plant a root ball
1. Choose the right location
Before proceeding with any planting operation, it is essential to take into account the requirements of the plant in question: brightness, type of soil, recommended depth, spacing between each subject, etc. The specific conditions vary according to the species, so consult the information provided at the time of purchase to understand your plant’s needs.
2. Carry out meticulous ground preparation
Once the location is chosen, prepare the ground by weeding and removing stones, roots and other undesirable elements. Using a spade or a fork-spade, turn over the soil to a width and depth twice that of the earth ball. Also ensure to loosen the bottom of the hole.
3. Prepare the clods
Meanwhile, make sure the sods are well moistened (water if necessary) and when you’re ready to plant, gently remove the biodegradable net around the sod without damaging the roots. If your root ball is surrounded by a burlap, it can be left in place during planting as it will decompose in the soil. However, don’t hesitate to cut the strings so as not to impede the growth of the roots.
4. Plant the root ball subjects
In the prepared hole, place the root ball and ensure that it is buried at the right depth; not too deep to avoid rot, not too close to the surface to encourage rooting. Then refill with the soil you have excavated while performing a slight compaction.
5. Stake and water generously
To ensure better stability for young plantings, particularly trees, do not hesitate to stake them using a solid support. Finally, water abundantly to absorb the air pockets formed during planting and to facilitate the roots’ establishment in their new environment.
Tips for properly maintaining your balled plants
- Watering: Regularly monitor the humidity of the substrate and carry out frequent watering until the plant has fully recovered. The amount of water needed will vary depending on the species, size, and climatic conditions. Do not hesitate to ask for advice from a professional or experienced gardener if you are new to this.
- Fertilization: Apply an adequate dose of organic fertilizer at the time of planting and continue to lightly fertilize afterwards (at least once a year) to maintain a balanced nutrition for your root ball plant.
- Pruning : Some plants require regular pruning to promote their growth, flowering or fruiting. Proceed with caution and respect the specific schedule for each species to not compromise the vigor and health of your plantings.
In short, opting for a root ball subject when buying your plants offers many advantages and greatly facilitates the success of your plantings. However, it is essential to follow the appropriate care and planting advice for each species in order to fully benefit from the potential of these subjects and obtain a dazzling garden.