QuestionI just bought and planted little roots sets for Stella D'oro lilies. On the box it said plant head just below the surface, and then on another spot on the box it said to plant the top 1-2 inches below the soil level. Can you tell me what is right? Also, it didn't say on the box how long it will take for the green leaves to begin to sprout. How long should I expect to wait? Also, will they bloom this year? I planted them last weekend (may 22 ish) and I live in PA. I live in zone 6.
AnswerGreta,
If they are just little shoots, planting them 1"-2" deep is fine. I'm assuming they are pretty little so you may not get blooms this year but you will get great leaf growth!
Thought I'd share my Great soil recipe with you also:
Super Soil Mixture:
In the established garden areas, I use a shovel, pitchfork or small cultivator to turn the areas around the plants each year and work in some of the mix. Work it into the soil around all your established plants.
For new garden beds:
For every 10?x 10?of NEW area add: (you can cut the portions as needed)
4 bags of good topsoil
4 bags of horse/cow/chicken manure-elephant is the VERY BEST!!
Any amount of your own compost
2 bags sand-play sand is OK(depending on your soil type)
1 bag Millorganite -organic fertilizer, nurseries-not avail. in all states
2 bags cedar mulch
2 bags pellet gypsum (for aeration)-if your soil has lots of clay
2 bags powdered/granulated sulphur
Rototill this mixture into the ground to about 1 foot in depth or more if you can.
This mixture is the best I have formulated and I have GREAT success with it. I always have a bunch of it premixed so when I transplant I can have that area primed! This stuff is like butter if you till it enough and put in the right stuff!
MILLORGANITE can be purchased at nurseries , about $10 a bag. It is organic and will not harm pets or you! You can put it on the lawn in the spring and again in the fall with a spreader ( I put it on quite heavily) and all your flowers and vegetables. It is not available in all states. Your plants and lawn will look LUSH!! Put it in potted plants also--you will really notice the difference!!
揚REEN?is also a GREAT product to put on your garden areas to prevent weed growth. You first have to get all the weeds out. Then put on the PREEN-with or without fertilizer-right at the first of spring and again in the middle of summer. I抳e NEVER had weeds in my flower areas since starting this product. If you want to go organic and natural, use corn gluten at the same times. You can抰 sow seeds once you抳e put Preen down. You have to wait about 6 weeks--so on those areas you want to use seeds--don抰 use PREEN.
Now go get your fingers dirty!
Sijka