Re: Re: CULT: Potting new arrivals - long

I usually pot the irises I receive in July up in a potting soil mix and then plant
them soil and all in August (once I have a bed ready). I have a heavy clay type soil
as well although I do try to amend it first and I haven't noticed any problem. Almost
all of the pots have roots growing out the bottom by the time I plant them. I actually
think the irises that are started this way do better, however, I don't get the same
heat and dry conditions as Donald would. I usually use 6 inch, sometimes 8 inch pots
and trim the roots down to two or three inches.

Sandra
SE Manitoba
Zone 3

Donald Eaves wrote:

Potting new arrivals (or salvaging the sick) using soil different from the
heavy clay base in the beds they will ultimately have for a permanent
residence doesn't work for me.  It took me longer than it should have to
figure out and learn that almost inevitably any potting mixture I used was
going to be lighter than the surrounding bed.  Planting them direct from the
pots using the potting mixture as a root ball works until the hot summers
set in.  At that point it becomes impossible to keep the moisture around the
rhizome/root zone in balance with the surrounding bed soil and they
literally dry out and bake.  I lost too many before I realized the problem.
If I use soil exactly the same as the bed they will go in, then I can plant
directly.  Occasionally I pot something using the bed soil, but usually am
using a better planting medium.  So now I shake the roots clear of the
potting mixture and make sure they are anchored in the regular bed soil.
Survival is much better with that system.

Donald Eaves
donald@eastland.net
Texas Zone 7b, USA

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