Our nearby Master Gardener program had a free tree giveaway. Well, saplings, but hey, saplings become trees someday!
They did it in conjunction with Texas A&M University AG program. There were a choice of six trees, each household could only get three. And you couldn't get all the same. We wanted three pecan trees but since we couldn't do that, we did our research and chose a Nuttall Oak, a Shumard Oak and the Pecan.
I asked them about the pecan variety, they said it was just a native Texas variety but weren't sure.
They had (as always) a well oiled process to keep things organized and running smoothly. In about 15 minutes, I was on my way home with our three saplings.
Here they are. They suggested soaking them in water overnight to rehydrate the roots and then getting them into some soil. I did that and then the next day, I headed to the garden center to get some soil.
I got the soil and found this. I figured it would be fun to try out.
And sure enough it worked great for scooping soil from the bags into the clay pots.
Here they are, planted and watered and ready to watch for tiny new leaves (stay tuned for that). They said we can let them grow in these large pots until the Fall when it's best to plant them (if not planting now). I asked them about this because I figured if I stuck these in the ground like this now, they'd struggle and risk being eaten by a wild animal or mowed over by me, ha. One of the Master Gardeners told me to just let them grow in these until Fall, when they should be a good size to get them in the ground.
Now we wait to watch their progress. We don't know where we will plant them yet but with all these acres, we have plenty of choices. One of our goals this year is to get a lot, if not all, of our property professionally cleaned up. Then we can find the perfect spot for these "forever trees", away from the house.
Someday!
That's such a good idea! I did the Master Gardener training a decade ago, it's a very good scheme.
ReplyDeleteSadly my volunteering days with it are over, due to the funding for the scheme being cut by our Council, and my increasing infirmities
Gosh, it's actually more than 15 years ago! How time flies.
DeleteOaks are such beautiful trees! I hope they all thrive for you!
ReplyDeleteFall would be a good time for planting them seedlings. Will give them a good opportunity to get established through the winter and before it gets in the heat of the Spring and summer months.
ReplyDeleteOne place you don't want to plant them is under the electric wires. The will need wide open space for growing and spreading.
When it comes time to soak the roots before planting in the ground; mix up some root stimulator in with the water. I mix root stimulator with all new plants that I plant it the ground. It really kelps giving them roots a jump start. It's good for outdoor and indoor plants.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bonide-Root-Grow-1-Qt-4-10-3-Concentrate-Liquid-Plant-Food-412/155239926?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=466&sourceid=dsn_msft_fead0442-95ce-4933-b538-b3c77293bf8b&veh=dsn&wmlspartner=dsn_msft_fead0442-95ce-4933-b538-b3c77293bf8b&cn=00k9_fy27_mp_mp_lo_int_dis_mpmax&wl9=&wl11=Online&msclkid=bdc1a7540ac115980069ceef29fe60c9
Have a great, safe and enjoyable week.
Blessings to you both today and always.
A free tree giveaway - that is such a great program. The trees will be a beautiful addition to your property.
ReplyDeleteNice!
ReplyDeleteIf I had that amount of property I would plant a pecan grove because I love the way the trees look as much as I love the nuts themselves.