Diligence needed to keep planting alive in drought - WSMV Channel 4

Diligence needed to keep planting alive in drought

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By RANDALL DICKERSON
Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Despite a remarkably rainy July in the Nashville area, a lingering drought grips most of Tennessee and is expected to deepen across much of the state. That has plant nursery owners and weather forecasters cautioning not to let up on watering newer plantings.

Nursery owners David Bates in Nashville and David Hillis in McMinnville say homeowners should treat recently planted ornamentals as container plants. Even though they're in the ground, roots haven't grown into the soil yet and they need plenty of water. The experts say soak the roots long and slow and do it early in the morning for best results.

Mulch a couple of inches deep, but don't let mulch touch the trunk. Two to three waterings per week should suffice.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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