Clinton News-Record, 1985-4-17, Page 43THE CORBETT h• me n J hn S'. in Seaf rah was given a recent facelift,by is residents. In
keeping wi'h'he style fthe h me a brick drive was laid in place. (McllwraiIhph•,»•,)
Indoor gardeners hate
to repot houseplants
Many indoor gardeners are reluctant to
begin repotting houseplants for fear they will
damage the plants. However, the job isn't as
difficult as it sounds, says Bob Fleming.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food
horticulturist.
First check to see whether the plant needs
repotting. Although one symptom that a
plant is pot-bound is slow growth, the best
way to find out is to take the plant out of the
pot.
"When the plant is slightly moist, gently
turn the plant onto its side and tap the bottom
of the pot," says Mr. Fleming. This will
loosen the plant so you can take it out of the
pot to check the roots. If there is a solid mass
of roots, it is time to repot."
If you intend to repot the plant in the same
container, some light root pruning will be
Wcessary. Be careful to remove only
e -quarter to one-third of'the roots.
A• plant that has obviously outgrown the
container will require a pot one, or, at
maximum, two .sizes larger than its original
pot.
"If too large a pot is used, the unused soil
will retain too much moisture, and result in
soggy, airless soil."
Make sure that all pots are clean before
repotting. Mr. Fleming recommends using
hot water, a little disinfectant, and a scrub
brush to dean pots.
When repotting in containers under 15 ^m
in diameter, it is not necessary to place stones
at the bottom of the pot for drainage, says M r.
Fleming. A good potting soil will not pack in
such small volume.
However, if you are using large pots more
than 20 cm in diameter, a few broken pieces
of pot, placed over the drain hole, will be
beneficial.
To replant, put some soil in the bottom of
the pot, and stand the root ball in the center.
Fill the pot with potting soil, and pack
moderately firmly around the plant
The soil level should be 1.5 cm below the
rim of pots up to 15 cm in diameter. In pots 15
cm in diameter. or wider: the soil should he
2 5 cm from the rim.
• Late spring and early summer are the best
times to repot houseplants. Repotting during
these times will allow the roots to become
established before winter.
s
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Aa
Shrubbery enery s�vel,"
Trees, hedges, shrubs and vines are all
energy savers that can put money in your
poeket. According to Landscape Ontario
Horticultural Trades es Association, this ma-
terial, when planted properly, can produce
energy savings of from ten to thirty per cent.
Shade trees are the major energy savers.
On a sunny, hot day they can noticeably
reduce a home's inside temperature. This
natural cooling will reduce the number of
hours your air conditioner has to operate.
And . by shading your air conditioning
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Deciduous trees. which lose their leaves in
winter. can allow the winter sun to warm
your roof and walls. Tall hedges and
evergreens, properly placed, can provide
good windbreak protection and prevent heat
loss in winter. This translates into healthy
fuel savings.
Vines provide good natural insulation
During the summer, the leaves shield the
walls from direct sunlight while ,he aril
current underneath the leaves• helps dissi-
pate house heat. In the winter, vines form an
insulating air layer which helps retain heat.
Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades
Association suggests you consult your local
nursery garden centre for advice on what
energy saving plants will work best for you.
Saving energy through the wise use of living
plants is not only a smart investment. it is
also a beautiful way to 'mprove your home
landscaping.
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