Well, the March showers that bring April flowers has brought a lot more this year with CoVid19. We hope that you all avoid this deadly virus, and while you are in quarantine it is a perfect time to do that sodding or landscape planting. So, let’s help that immune system and get out and dig in the dirt.
FACT: Soil Contains Immune Building Microbes, so go get Dirty!!
The Farmer’s Almanac suggests that April is the perfect time for all planting, such as trees(fruit/ornamental), horticultural landscaping (Azalea/Loropetalum), and our favorite sod(Zoysia /Centipede/Bermuda/St. Augustine)!
In April, the soil temperatures are optimal, but more importantly, the daytime temperatures are in the mid 80’s and nighttime temperatures averages in the 60’s. When we have the cooler temperatures, then we need to take advantage of what mother nature is offering. A lot of times, we do all this planting, and we are so custom to all the wet weather we had in March, we forget to water.
If we are going to be home and in quarantine, then we need to take advantage of this crisis/pandemic, because working from home can allow us to ensure we give the supplemental watering needed for new landscaping. To ensure the fruits of your labor are a success, make sure you do all the necessary prep work before installation.
The supplemental addition of lime & fertilizer, Nature’s Helper, and topsoil are not necessary, but it will always increase your success. Just like tilling the soil 4”-6” deep for sod and digging a hole twice as big for the plants root mass. We have always seen Bermuda grass growing across our driveway, and thought “Why do I have to do so much prep work if this stuff will grow on concrete?” Right? Because what you see growing over the edge of your concrete is temporary and will not last. The prep work is literally the foundation to your planting.
In grasses, for every 1” you see, you need 2” in roots. So, a 2” lawn needs 4” roots to be sustainable, and it’s called Root-Shoot Ratio, or 1:2. Horticultural plants are a little different, yet they have similar needs. Their roots are in bunches or balls and are very fibrous and spread horizontally. That’s why it’s important to dig it twice as big. Trees are very different depending on the species. We have all seen the tree root that’s 20’ from the source busting up our cart path/concrete. If you need any recommendations or consultation, then please feel free to call me.
Remember, “Go Get Dirty” to keep that immune system strong!!
