HELP PLEASE!!!! I think I made a mistake
Nia Parker
4 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (15)
Related Discussions
Help - I think we made a mistake!
Comments (4)It's not always necessary to trim or loosen the roots of pot grown shrubs but if the roots are entwined and looping around the sides of the root ball, then it's best to cut or gently loosen them to allow them to expand outside the shape they've taken. It's more likely that you've got some other problem that caused the quick demise of the plants. Lack of water or over watering are the two most common causes of rapid plant death. Newly planted material requires about 1" of water a week and it must soak down to the root zone to be effective. Too much water can kill just as quickly as too little. It prevents air circulation from the roots which essentially drowns the plant. So if the plants were healthy when you put them out, look to the soil moisture content first. Did you dig large holes for them or just the size of the root ball? What's your native soil like? Sandy, hard packed clay, rocky, decent loam? Did you amend the soil with anything or add any fertilizer? Since some of your plants are already stressed, I wouldn't dig them up unless you remember them being badly root bound. Where did you buy them? A "big-box" hardware store or a reputable nursery? Wherever you got them, check to see if they have a warranty on their plants. Some places will replace the plants if they die within a year. Some won't. If you think the water situation was ok, take samples of the stressed plants to your local cooperative extension office to see if they can diagnose the problems. If there's some disease or insect infestation, they will probably be able to help you and their services are free. Lastly, did you have that nice mild winter and then a nasty cold snap? That can stress the plants and kill new growth that hasn't had time to harden off. Are the branches totally dead or is there still some green if you scratch off a little bark? If there's still a green layer under the bark, they probably will survive. Good luck with your landscape problems. I know how frustrating it can be to have beautiful plantings that die. Been there and done that myself....See MoreI made a mistake, I think. I mixed MG into my veggie garden.
Comments (6)Don't panic, patients is a virtue in gardening. Just make sure to keep everything moist enough (but not waterlogged) in the heat. You can always add organic matter on top of your soil as a mulch that will slowly break down and feed the soil microbes. Aged compost and worm castings are always safe to add and won't burn your plants. I like to fertilize using things like used coffee grounds or other seed meals since they are slow release fertilizers. If I have some greedy plants that like lots of nitrogen and phosphorus, I give them a small hand full of alfalfa pellets. Be careful with the blood meal as it is really strong and a little goes a very long way. Enjoy....See MoreTrying to use organic care, think I made a mistake..help?
Comments (9)Thanks lou. :-) I looked out there this morning to see about taking a photo and I don't think it will show much. Yes, I am sure that it is early to tell what's what, but it just doesn't look the way it usually does. I called the NEWFS yesterday to see if they know of any native grass mixes for my area, but they don't. They suggested that carex would be the only thing short enough and not really appropriate, which I agree with. I was thinking about adding more clover but I already have quite a bit. They suggested a plant called houstonia that blooms in the spring and will coexist with the grass. I think I may just get a small bag of commercial grass seed for part shade and plan on overseeding a bit. Unless of course, all of a sudden in the next couple of weeks things start looking significantly different. Is there a 'best' time to overseed, if I do? Thanks for your encouragement.. :-) pm2...See MoreHelp! I think we made a big mistake
Comments (2)Well. Don't put the horse before the cart. I don't have an answer for you, but I can say I'd polish and seal it well. Did you use rounded edges vs. square? Rounded chip less. Did you put in support materials such as wire or fiberglass fibers? Those help with strength, but you probably know that from previous DIY. Do you need or have support for any extension of the countertop? IOW, hard to say without more info!...See MorePatricia Colwell Consulting
4 years agoKendrah
4 years agoNia Parker
4 years agoChisos
4 years agoGirlmom101
2 years ago
Related Stories
FUN HOUZZEverything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey
Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5
Full StoryLIFEYou Said It: ‘Just Because I’m Tiny Doesn’t Mean I Don’t Go Big’
Changing things up with space, color and paint dominated the design conversations this week
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESThe Dumbest Decorating Decisions I’ve Ever Made
Caution: Do not try these at home
Full StoryPAINTINGHelp! I Spilled Paint on My Clothes — Now What?
If you’ve spattered paint on your favorite jeans, here’s what to do next
Full StoryEXTERIORSHelp! What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior?
Real homeowners get real help in choosing paint palettes. Bonus: 3 tips for everyone on picking exterior colors
Full StoryENTRYWAYSHelp! What Color Should I Paint My Front Door?
We come to the rescue of three Houzzers, offering color palette options for the front door, trim and siding
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESGetting the Room Right: Part I
Great Spaces Show How to Avoid the Top 10 Decorating Mistakes
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNWhich Flooring Should I Choose for My Bathroom?
Read this expert advice on 12 popular options to help you decide which bathroom flooring is right for you
Full Story
cat_ky