What's That Again?

Q. What is the best size of plant to buy at a nursery?

A. When making plant selections from the nursery, many believe bigger is better. The truth is, where a larger plant may seem to be a better value, most of the time the larger plant is not really the best selection horticulturally. In most cases, a larger plant may be root bound with its roots spiraled within the can. The root ball can be scarified and loosed to discourage continued spiraling in the ground, but heavily root-bound plants sometimes continue the process when planted and fail to develop a strong root system. Also, when root bound, the root ball is usually so dense that it prevents water penetration. The plant may often desiccate, even when water has been applied. So a younger plant with a vigorous root system is often better able to continue root development after planting, and usually develops faster and becomes a healthier mature plant.

Q. I just planted a new young tree. What are some watering guidelines?

A. First, young plants need more water than mature plants until their roots are established. Be sure to water deeply enough to encourage roots to grow downward; you don’t want them to remain shallow. But don’t overwater or you will cut off the roots’ oxygen supply. Water penetration depends on the soil. Sandy soil absorbs water much more quickly than clay soil, and loamy soil falls in the middle. Check your soil for absorption.

Q. A neighbor told me his compost pile caught fire spontaneously. Is that possible?

A. Possible, but not probable, as long as you tend your pile by turning it frequently. Composting literally cooks greenwaste, but moisture is what accelerates the decomposition. So the pile should be too wet to actually catch fire. With proper moisture amounts and regular turning, the pile should not run the risk of spontaneous ignition. A more common problem is lack of heat. A dry compost pile will not heat, so add water and turn it often. And a pile that is too wet will start to smell foul, so add dry materials and turn again.

Q. I know belladonna is poisonous if eaten. What other common plants are poisonous?

A. Too many to mention. But one that’s not poisonous in spite of the nasty rumors is the poinsettia. While we don’t recommend you ingest one, at best it is a mild irritant. Aside from that, the Allamanda is poisonous, as are hellebores and Four O’Clocks. Ask your nursery professional or check the Sunset Western Garden Book to determine if any of your plants are poisonous.

Q. My landscaper wants to “flame” my lawn to get rid of weeds. Sounds dangerous. Is it?

A. It can be. Is your area suffering a drought? Do you have mulch down, or have you used wood in your fencing or borders? If so, I’d skip the flaming. Flaming doesn’t really involve flames – just intense heat. However, it’s not always successful and weeds may return. Other options to remove weeds, such as hand pulling or tilling, may take a little longer, but may be safer solutions.

This feature is provided by Miramar Wholesale Nurseries, Southern California’s leading supplier of landscape plant material and supplies. MWN grows a wide variety of perennials, shrubs and distinctive trees at each of its three locations to supply landscape professionals and nurseries in the region and around the country with high-quality plant materials. MWN is a member of TruGreen LandCare, a ServiceMaster company.