Advice on Soil Preparation
I am new to growing palms but would like to put one on the south side of my house. The spot I am considering most recently held a pine tree. I would appreciate any advice on exactly how I should prepare the soil so that my new palm will have the best chance for success. Thanks.
Mike
The following thread was started by Mike Forte on December 23, 2001 at 6:59 am PST
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, then don't transplant your palm until the spring.
It is very important that the soil has good drainage. If you have clay soil, then you should add some course sand to improve drainage. You can also amend your soil with organic matter such as composted bark mulch, muchroom or steer manure. I always use a liquid root booster when I plant a palm because it gets the roots off to a good start which is very important. You can also use bonemeal instead of root booster but the root booster works faster. I also plant my palms in a raised bed because the soil stays warmer in winter and it provides better drainage.
I can also give you some tips on winter protection but we need to know your climate zone.
The above followup was added by Vito on December 24, 2001 at 4:29 am PST.