Would a RootMaker 3 gallon or larger benefit a plant or tree not started in a RooMaker?

Some root pruning is better than none. To maximize the root pruning efficiency, one might consider the RootBuilder High 5. Be sure to cut any circling or kinked roots on the outside as you transplant from a conventional pot to a RootMaker.

Would a RootMaker benefit annuals, perennials, and vegetables?

There are transplanting benefits when the root system of any plant is improved. A seed of every plant starts out with a taproot. The sooner this taproot is stopped and secondary branch roots are stimulated, the greater the benefits. Some plants are more forgiving and produce secondary roots more readily. In general, the woodier the…

Many of my seedlings in the Express 18 cells are hard to remove. I have to really pull on the stems to get them out. Any suggestions in handling future crops?

Determining the optimum time to remove seedlings from containers will vary season to season and at your location versus another grower. Remember, it is always better to remove seedlings early, even if this means a small amount of mix falls away, versus leaving the plants too long. The plants were difficult to remove as a…

What are the differences between the types of RootTrappers?

The white RootTrapper® conserves water, greatly slowing water exit and creating a fibrous root system which is more efficient in water absorption. Because of this, it may be necessary to reduce your watering program. For example, according to our research, 8 hours after watering, a porous sidewall black fabric container loses 64% more water than…

Do you have any information on the use/success on the out planting of container seedlings grown in RootMaker II containers directly in the field for conservation/reforestation type projects?

Tree seedlings in RootMaker® II propagation containers are routinely taken to the field when they are 12 to 16 inches tall and 3 to 4 months old. This has been done by hundreds of nurseries across the country. Most do fall planting – September or October and some have drip irrigation and others do not.…

What product do you recommend for keeping weeds from the trees for the first few years?

Treflan and Pendulum granules are safe and effective ways to reduce lots of weed species. Spot spraying with Roundup® where Chaps® protects stems or using a shielded nozzle works well for perennial weeds and those that are not controlled by Treflan and Pendulum. (See Spring 2001 Newsletter)

Is drip irrigation or spray stakes a practical alternative to overhead irrigation for 1- and 3-gallon containers?

For 1- and 3 gallon containers, there is no practical alternative to overhead sprinklers. Yes, they waste a lot of water, but the cost and complication of using spray stakes, etc. is not the answer. Drip emitters over the top of 1 gallon does not work, mostly because of the expansion and contraction of the…