Now is the prime time for planting

The holiday decorations may be packed away, but for many homeowners, the garden is still on vacation. But if you’re thinking about adding trees or shrubs to your landscape, now is the perfect time to get back to work.

Cool-season planting gives woody plants a strong start that pays off when Middle Georgia’s heat arrives.

Trees and shrubs establish roots best during periods of mild temperatures and consistent moisture. Planting in late fall and winter allows roots to grow without the stress of summer heat. A well-developed root system helps plants withstand Macon’s hot, dry summers and reduces transplant shock.

Good planting practices matter. Here are four tips to help your trees and shrubs thrive for decades instead of merely surviving.

— Select plants for Middle Georgia’s climate. Do a little homework with publications from University of Georgia Extension before heading to the nursery. You need to know what trees and shrubs are already adapted for Zone 8B. For example, native trees and shrubs deserve special consideration because they are already adapted to Georgia’s soils and weather. They typically require less maintenance and provide valuable habitat for wildlife. You also need to know mature plant sizes as well as site requirements — essential information for avoiding overcrowding and poor placement.

— Prepare the soil. A test can reveal pH and lime needs before planting. When possible, prepare a wide planting bed and loosen soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Roots spread more easily through prepared soil than compacted ground. Georgia soils often contain heavy clay or sand, so incorporating several inches of organic matter throughout the planting bed can improve structure and drainage. Avoid amending only the planting hole. Doing so encourages roots to remain confined instead of growing outward, leading to future instability. If drainage is poor, raise the planting bed 6 to 12 inches using soil and organic matter. Raised beds improve root health but dry out faster, so monitor moisture closely.

— Plant at the correct depth. Set plants at the same depth they grew in the container or field — never deeper. Trees and shrubs planted too deeply often decline over time. If roots circle the container, cut them in several places before planting. For balled-and-burlapped plants, remove wire and twine and pull burlap away from the top of the root ball. Remove all burlap in poorly drained sites.

— Don’t leave the job unfinished. Gently firm the soil around the plants using your hands. Water as you backfill to settle soil around roots. Water well when you finish and again several hours later. Apply several inches of mulch around the plants, but not up against the trunk. During establishment, the roots should be kept moist. This might mean watering a couple of times per week for the first few months. This will vary depending on rain, soil content and site.

Winter planting rewards a little effort now with healthier, longer-lived plants later. Take a short break from your gardening holiday and give your landscape a strong start.

Visit UGA’s website for more information about native plants for Georgia and landscape plants for Georgia.

Upcoming gardening class:

Bibb Master Gardeners will present a series of vegetable gardening classes at the Washington Library. The first class will be on Jan. 13, at 6 p.m. The theme will be “Soil and Seeds.” Learn how to make your own seed starting mix and when to start seeds. To register, call 478-310-5350.