'Hunk-O-Seedlings'

16 years ago

I use this process for the perennials and annuals and it works very well. But would I plant shrubs by hunk o sowing? I know it would not be right for trees so was wondering if shrubs needed thinning like trees. Thanks.

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Comments (4)

Julie
16 years ago
Well-
I did just that to get some "late bloomers" into the earth before frost/freeze this fall.
I kind of pulled the hunk apart to form a thick line- and dumped and ran on to the next one.
Even though I know that most shrubs don't like to have their roots disturbed too much- and that I would probably loose a few come time to "thin" space out into the nursery bed. That would give each plant the optimum space to develop normally.
I think some shrubs may welcome the competition- but others would shy away from giving it their best to grow normally and get bigger and healthier sooner.
Depending on the shrub- you may not want a huge mass as they develop-
I think it is really up to you- and the type of shrub you are growing.
For me- I am hoping they make it through the winter this way- so I can thin and space.
Julie
mary_max
Original Author
16 years ago
Let me ask this.... would you hunk-o-sow lilac bushes or burning bushes or buckthorn bushes for an example. I am having such a time trying to understand this. I know I did use the hunk-o-sow method with butterfly bushes with great results. Thanks for helping me out with this.
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trudi_d
16 years ago
I've done Elderberries and Rose of Sharon with HOS and they make nice clumps. I've donated potted shrubs to a charity which sells them to raise funds for shelters and I place a few seedlings in each tub and they fill out very nicely. I looks lush quite quickly, and with shrubs a lot of stems is like a thicket and wildlife needs thicket for shelter from wind and storms, it provides close places to hide from large predators and helps to maintain habitat.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cover Thickets ~ Kentucky Dept of Fish and Wildlife
mary_max
Original Author
16 years ago
I want to thank both of you so much for taking the time to answer my question. This helps so much. Trudi thanks for the site!! Again thanks a million to both of you.

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'Hunk-O-Seedlings'

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Julie

mary_max
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'Hunk-O-Seedlings'

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Julie

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trudi_d

mary_maxOriginal Author

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mary_max
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