Is an in-ground irrigation system right for me?

Sprinkler systems are a requirement for traditional lawns and gardens. While it is possible to have a lovely lawn and thriving garden that is watered by hand, it’s not without a great deal of time and effort. A properly installed sprinkler system uses less water more efficiently for healthier plants.  It is recommended to install a sprinkler system prior to installing plants and other landscaping, however it is possible to work around an established system. Pop up sprayer heads are effective for watering broad areas while drip line irrigation is best for soaking individual plants throughout a flowerbed with minimal runoff.

What kind of soil should I use for this plant?

Depends on what plant you’re referring to! Generally potting soil will work just fine for container plants and amending poor soil elsewhere, but to find out exactly what your soil needs we recommend a soil test. Compost or raised bed soil can be added to poor native soils to increase fertility and drainage. Cacti, succulents, and other drought tolerant plants usually prefer sandy, well draining soil mix, but in a pinch you can use potting soil, be sure to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Plants like orchids and African violets should be given appropriate soil mixes for best results. Many plants cannot grow in standing water or heavy clay soils, so plant selection or soil amendments are imperative for successful planting.

When do I plant?

Fall is the best time to plant shrubs, trees, and perennials. Spring is the best time to plant most annuals, but other plants may be planted also. Avoid planting during summer. During winter hardy shrubs and trees can be planted, some plants, such as roses and fruit trees, actually prefer it! Our last killing frost date falls between March 15th-31st, some vegetables and annuals need the cooler temperatures. Check the hardiness on the plant label. If you plant something and a freeze/frost is in the forecast, cover tender plants with a frost cloth or sheet overnight.

How do I know when to water my plants/landscaping? Can’t I just water once or twice a week?

Climate and soil conditions are just a couple of the factors that prevent this from being an easy answer. A general rule of thumb for plants, indoor and outdoor, planted in-ground or not, is the rootball should remain moist but not saturated with water. Moisture meters can be used for more precise readings, but the simplest way to discern soil moisture is to dip your finger or a wooden chopstick into the soil approx. 2 inches down. If the soil is damp/wet leave it be, if it’s dry then water the plant. Traditional turf grass needs about an inch of water every week.

What’s the deal with container gardening?

Container gardening is the most versatile way to enjoy plants. Containers provide a way of easily moving sensitive plants indoors during undesirable weather, providing color/foliage interest in areas where planting is not possible, and when planting in containers vertically it is a way to drastically increase crop yield in a smaller area. When selecting a vessel for your plants consider the following:

• Will the planter be indoors or outdoors? Some containers cannot stand frost.

• Is there appropriate drainage? Will it need a water tray?

• For larger pots that will need to be moved inside, how easily can they be moved or will you need help?

• Choose plants that will not outgrow their container, or you will be upsizing plants frequently.

• Tall containers can get top heavy, consider adding heavy stones to the bottom of the pot to prevent it toppling over.

How do I plant this plant/tree/shrub?

It is best practice to dig a hole that is the same depth as the soil level of the nursery pot and about twice the volume. When you remove the plant from the container examine the rootball, if it is compacted together loosen up the roots a bit to stimulate growth and ensure the plant does not girdle. Just a tickle, do not destroy the entire rootball. Once the plant is in the ground, backfill the hole with native soil, adding amendments in cases of heavy clay or sand, and packing the soil down as you fill. Do not mound the soil or mulch above the base of the plant. Water deeply and you're done!

When/how do I fertilize?

Fertilization for bedding plants is usually done every 4 weeks in the blooming season. For trees and bushes it is quarterly until about 3-5 years old, and then only applied twice a year. The exception to this would be fruit trees, which need a more intensive fertilizer regimen. We recommend slow release granular fertilizer over a liquid that you mix yourself, but whatever you decide to use… Always follow package directions.

Seasonal maintenance tips:

• Deadheading flowers (pinching or cutting off spent blooms) is good practice during the blooming season, it encourages the plant to continue pushing out flowers. Be mindful that you do not cut off remaining buds!

• Check for pests and disease frequently, it is often easier to deal with them in the earlier stages and before the attractiveness of the plant suffers. Check for discolored and splotchy patterned leaves, cut edges, or residue left by insects. Oftentimes pests can be located on the undersides of leaves around the veins or on buds and other new growth. Dispose of diseased or pest ridden plant material into the trash.

• Cut back dead growth late winter or throughout the season for best appearance. Some beneficial insects nest in leaf litter so leaving some behind is an earth friendly practice.

• During summer do your best to water in the morning or early evening to avoid scorching plants and excessive water runoff.

What are the benefits of mulch? How often should I replace it?

Mulch has asthetic and practical value. You can color coordinate mulch with your home and give the landscape a more polished look. . Mulch may be replaced annually or as needed to maintain a consistent layer around plants, we recommend 3-4 inches. Mulch maintains soil moisture and helps to regulate temperature. Mulch also will decompose over time, adding nutrients and organic matter into soil, improving its fertility. Inert mulches, that is mulches that do not degrade over time like shredded rubber, are best avoided as they retain heat from hot summer suns and do not add value to soil or plant health. Contrary to popular belief, rock does not prevent weeds, but may be used to acheive a certain look.

Why isn’t my plant growing?

• If the plant was purchased recently it needs more time to get established and start pushing out new growth. With seasonal annuals as the exception, landscape plants start to look their best after a year or two in the ground, container plants take 3-4 weeks to set their roots.

• Environmental stresssors can inhibit plant growth, extreme heat or cold as well as excess rain, all can affect your plants.

• Pest and disease will prevent a plant from growing.

• If a potted plant is rootbound it will also cease to grow, go up a container size and loosen the rootball to stimulate growth. Give fresh soil and fertilizer.

How can I tell if my plant is dead vs dormant?

For perennials that die down to the ground this can be tricky, if the rootball is loose in the ground it may be deceased. Otherwise it's a waiting game until spring/summer when the plant should be emerging from dormancy. For woody stemmed perennials and shrubs, do the spring test and the scrape test: gently bend branches between your fingers, live stem tissue should spring back and not snap; for the scrape test gently scrape the top layer of bark from the stem, it should be bright green.

How do I overwinter my plants indoors/outdoors?

Find a bright window or supplement a grow lamp if you must put plants into the garage. Due to decreased light intensity your plants will look shabby throughout the winter, but fear not for they will bounce back come springtime! Water when rootball is dry and be aware of pests that may arise when predatory insects are asleep outdoors.

I keep finding white moldy stuff in my mulch and soil, what is it?

Crumbly or cottony white fungus is actually very beneficial to your plants and soil. This fluffy white fungus is called mycorrhizae. It is the result of decaying organic matter in the soil, the fungus feeds on it and gives nutrients to the plants. Feel free to cover up patches of mycorrhizae with soil or mulch if it is unsightly.

Is it okay that I keep finding mushrooms growing in my plants?

Yes! Mushrooms and other fungus are indicators of high levels of organic matter in your soil, which means more for your plant to feed on! Mushrooms can also sometimes indicate an excess of humidity and water, so as long as your plants appear healthy, you can leave the fungus be.

How do I deal with bugs?

There are over 100,000 species of insects in North America and only a small percentage of them are responsible for plant damage, insects are interconnected with plants for better or for worse. Cultural and environmental factors go a long way in preventing pests, healthy plants are less susceptible to insect damage. There are many beneficial insects that serve as natural controls to pests, so killing all insects present in the garden can often lead to pest infestation due to the lack of predators. Pesticides, organic or not, should be a last resort for dealing with pests. Always read and follow the label on whatever product you user. Always purchase a product that specifically lists the insect you are treating for. For help with insect identification please see the resources at the bottom of this page or bring quality pictures to Roots Garden Center for one of our staff to examine. Do not under any circumstances bring insect or disease infested material to the nursery outside of a sealed container. Roots Garden Center will not dispose of insect/diseased plant samples.

Can I come volunteer at Roots?

For now our answer is no, we do not have the infrastructure to support hosting volunteers. We appreciate the community’s willingness to work in exchange for knowledge and being around plants, but that’s not something we can accomodate. Instead, locate your local Master Gardener's association or visit the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens -- they are always in need of volunteers!

Can I come teach a class at Roots?

We value the spread of knowledge. If you have a skill or trade that you can teach and are interested in hosting a class at Roots, please direct an email to: rootsgardencenter@outlook.com, we would love to hear from you!