posted
Does any one keep the soil around their outside plants loosened to give the plant fresh air? I just went outside and stirred up the soil around some of my plants just to help the fresh air get to them, thinking that would help their growth. Is this a myth or does this actually help the plant? I know it is good to do with African Violets, but I am not sure it is a rule of thumb for every plant. However I figured it could not hurt, natural air getting into the soil. Would appreciate feed back, thanks so much. Plants: 19 | From: Conway, South Carolina | Registered: May 2006
| Seeded: 66.153.229.185
posted
Aerating the soil is actually a good idea because as you said it allows oxygen to get down to the roots. I usually aerate mine when I add compost..this way I get the compost into the soil and add oxygen too. You just want to make sure you don't damage the roots in the process.
posted
Thanks for the information, and also thanks for showing me how to spell that word, I knew I was going to get it incorrect, but I had hopes that some one would show me the correct spelling.
Thanks again so much Plants: 19 | From: Conway, South Carolina | Registered: May 2006
| Seeded: 66.153.229.185
posted
So how do I do this without damaging the roots? I am very heavy handed and I have clay soil so it takes a bit of work to break it up. I knew I had to mix in compost when I made the beds but I should do this every year too? What about the perennials? Do I move them out and then put them back or what. And the peonies don't like to be disturbed what about them? They won't put up with a difference in soil height right? Oh dear you all have me concerned now that I'm abusing my flowers.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.24.237
posted
Don't worry..you aren't abusing your flowers. When you add compost to an existing perennial bed, only mix it in around the plants outside the root line. You can still put some compost over the plant (when it's dormant) and over the course of the year the worms and other organisms will work it down. If you have an annual bed you can mix in compost each year or two. If you have annuals mixed in with your perennials, just add compost to the new hole you plant your annuals in.
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