G'day green thumbs! Winter’s certainly in full swing here in Victoria and naturally, Riddells Creek Nursery has all the tips you need to make the most of the chilly season. From preparing for bare root planting to tackling curly leaf, we’ve got you covered, so rug up and read on!
Bare Root Planting in Winter
Winter is prime time for bare root planting. These are plants sold without soil around their roots, making them easier to handle and ready for the ground! Here’s how to get started:
- Pick the Right Spot: Make sure you’ve chosen a spot with the right amount of sunlight and good drainage. Most bare root plants love a sunny spot, so keep that in mind.
- Prep Your Soil: Dig a hole that’s wide enough to spread the roots out comfortably, twice as deep and wide as the size of the root ball. Mix in some compost or ‘Enriched Planting Mix’ to give your plants a nutrient boost in the early days.
- Soak the Roots: Before planting, soak the roots in a bucket of ‘plant starter’ for a couple of hours. This helps to soak up vitamins, rehydrate them and gives them a decent head start.
- Planting Time: Position your plant in the hole, making sure the roots are spread out. Fill the hole back in, firm the soil around the roots with a little stomp then give it a good water. Mulch around the base to keep the roots cozy and moist.
How to Transplant Trees
Transplanting trees can seem daunting, but with a bit of care, you can give your trees a new lease on life. Here’s how:
- Choose the Right Time: Late autumn to early winter is ideal for transplanting trees in Victoria. At this time of the year the tree is dormant, so it’s less stressful for them overall.
- Prepare the New Site: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball of the tree you’re moving. Enrich the soil with compost to help your tree settle in.
- Dig Up the Tree: Carefully dig around the tree, starting at the drip line (the edge of the canopy). Aim to keep as much of the root ball intact as possible: the less damage, the less stress!
- Replant and Water: Place your tree in its new home, backfill with soil, again, give it a little stomp and water it in well. Stake the tree if necessary to keep it stable while it re-establishes, especially if it’s in a windy spot.
Colour amongst the fall.
There’s something magical about deciduous trees with a carpet of bulbs blooming underneath so here’s some tips to achieve this iconic look:
- Choose Your Bulbs: Spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses are perfect. They’ll bloom just as your tree is starting to leaf out.
- Planting Bulbs: Plant your bulbs in autumn. Dig holes or trenches around the base of your tree, about three times as deep as the height of the bulb. Place the bulbs pointy side up, cover with soil, and water well.
- Mulch and Wait: Mulch over the planted area to protect the bulbs and keep the soil moist. Come spring, you’ll have a gorgeous display to enjoy!
Spraying for Curly Leaf
Curly leaf can be a pesky and persistent problem at this time of year, especially for peach and nectarine trees. Here’s how to keep it in check and ensure a bountiful harvest in the warmer months:
- Timing is Key: Spray your trees with a copper-based fungicide in late autumn, just as the leaves are falling. This helps to prevent the fungus from taking hold.
- Repeat in Winter: Give your trees another spray in late winter, just before the buds start to swell. This extra dose can help to keep the curly leaf at bay.
- Keep it Clean: Clean up fallen leaves and debris around your trees. Fungus loves making home in this kind of material, so good garden hygiene is essential.
There you have it, folks! Now’s the time to set the stage for a sensational spring, so pop into the nursery for all the supplies, advice and stock you need.
Let’s make this winter a productive one!