I've never really thought about the fact plants get massively discounted at the end of the growing season. Looking for advice as to how I keep them alive over winter. Is it worth planting in the ground at this time or year or am I best keeping in the pot?
by pina59
12 Comments
If planting in the ground leave it in the place you plant it. If keeping in a pot just water from time to time. At £1.50 you can’t go wrong.
Non-hardy plants in a pot will struggle when it gets colder, especially in a thin plastic pot like that. If you’re planning on putting it in the ground, may as well do it now.
Most acer’s will be winter hardy, so it should be fine in the pot for now, but every tree does better in the ground.
I do sometimes buy end of season plants as they get reduce significantly. But I also do check very well to see if there is any life left in them. Where I am , i see in season plants not being watered properly and looked after very well. Therefore when they are end of season, most may not survive at all. So I check to see if the roots are bulging out the bottom holes of the pot, is it infected in any way, how dry or how green does it look etc etc. If it ticks all the boxes for me , it is really a bargain. I f not waste of money. So far I have always fallen on my feet with buys like this.
What should you do?
First thing I do is (if not already) give it enough water, then replace the plant into fresh compost and a bigger pot without disturbing the plant and its roots in any way, so for the plant it continues to grow but in a larger space. Keep it indoors or sheltered for some days till you see any results of new growth or vibrancy. If you see anything positive it is fine.
Also google about how to look after the plant when it is in the end of its season and over winter. Just follow those or incorporate those with your TLC and it will be alright.
Any acer/maple at bnm has been grossly marked up if they think it’s worth that much previously, the likes of Morisons has then year road for under a tenner,
Plant it now. Spot of mycroryzome fungi on roots a plant where you want it. Grounds warm and it’s better to get it growing roots ahead of foliage for long term survival
Not necessarily for acers, more for perennials but if I have any space in between plants when I buy stuff discounted I ‘plant’ it there in the pot over winter then can move it where I actually want it in spring.
I tend to have some annuals still going this time of year so means in spring when there’s gaps and bulbs coming up I can work out where I actually want stuff
*runs off to B&M*
I’d agree that a. being in the pot over winter is 95% sure not to kill it, but b. You may as well plant it sooner rather than later.
BUT
Almost all the acers in my garden are still either in leaf, or at worst mid-drop (though this is Wales). Let it go fully dormant before messing with it. Probably mid-November or so?
Thanks for all the excellent responses. Looks like I’m going to water, feed and probably plant in the ground and see what happens.
My kinda prices. Either this or growing from seed.
At £1.50 you may as well wang it in the ground and see what happens
Waaaait is this garden centre is still open?? I’ve been there when the month started and it was closed YO31 7UL GIVE ME THE ADDRESS OF THE OPEN ONE ASAP