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Teasing roots
Guernsey Donkey2
Posts: 6,713
in Talkback
I was always taught that before replanting something it is best to tease the roots, so that they are spread out a little at the bottom but I notice that Monty doesn't do this when replanting anything - not even plants going from a small pot into the open soil What do you do - is there a new thinking on this old tradition? I always thought that there was a fear the roots would continue to grow around and around just as they had done in the pot rather than spreading out and helping the plant to anchor in the soil.
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Maybe it's just the way the programme is put together and edited. It's possible the the plant has been out of the pot, roots teased etc and then put back in for take number x before the producer is happy with it.
I've certainly seen other programmes where they still do loosen the root ball.
I was always told to tease any loose ones away from the root ball. Then again, I was told to cut the roots on any pot bound plants to force it to grow roots down into the soil, so who knows.
I reckon he takes them back out after the programme.
You could have a point there Lyn - but why? Yes Jimmy Crawford I have heard that too - although I have never tried cutting the roots but it makes sense - within reason.
Hello , depends , I have seen him tease roots out , just watched last Fridays g/w and the plants didn't seem pot bound to me ?
Pesonally I only tease if root bound if not , in it goes
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He just doesn't do it to tease you!
Hubby, who is NO gardener once said " Why does he never tease the roots out of those plants?"
I , on the other hand, couldn't possible comment for fear of being labelled " obsessed"
All of my latest deliveries have gone in as is - they weren't potbound and have settled extremely well. I do use Monty's idea of using the same size pot to act as model when potting on, then placing the plant in the hole it's left when removed. It's a lot easier and doesn't damage the leaves or stems when trying to get the compost in and around the plant. I top it up if necessary and then water in ....... job done