Repotting Plants
Step
1-- Identify pot-bound plants by roots curling around the inside of the pot
or roots creeping through drainage holes. Sometimes, the only way to tell for
sure is to slip the plant our of its container. When doing this, try not to pull
on the main stem of the plant. Instead, roll or shake the container.
Step
2 -- First, use your fingers to carefully loosen roots at the base and along
the side of the root ball. Then use a knife to split the lower third of the root
ball. Doing this encourages roots to grow both outward and downward instead of
in a spiral. Before repotting, prune off any dead or damaged roots.
Step
3 -- Center the plant in the cotnainer making sure it stands straight.
Adjust the soil level so the top of the root ball is about 1/2 in. below the rim
of the pot. Using your hand, sift new soil sround the plant and gently tamp it
with your fingers. Water the plant well to get good soil/root contact.
Provided By Garden Gate Magazine
(c) August Home Publishing Co.
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Reprinted with permission, HouseNet, Inc.