[Sideways]

Morning all,

I was looking at my herb plants yesterday, they are coming on very nicely indeed and as soon as the weather breaks they will be planted out in my new herb bed. (Plants are currently standing at around 12" high in 6" round pots).

I noticed that several of the plants have quite a lot of root growth coming through the drain holes in the bottom of the container- I'm sure most of you have encountered this many times before.

When I do eventually remove them from the pots I would rather avoid root damage for obvious reasons, how do you get around this? Do you simply tug the plant out and not worry about breaking a few roots or is there a trick to it? I thought about cutting the plastic pots away but leaving the base in place, simply planting it too. What do you think?

[Lynne]

As long as the roots are not too tangled where they come out of the bottom of the pot, just hold the pot upside down and tap the bottom firmly and the plant should come out quite easily bringing most of the roots with it.

If you loose a few strands, it won't hurt. I usually tease them apart a bit anyway before planting, especially if the soil from the pot is compacted.

[Eristic]

Do you simply tug the plant out and not worry about breaking a few roots or is there a trick to it?

Do not tug them out. Yes there is a trick to it if you can call it a trick. Turn the pot upside down with your fingers supporting the contents. Tap or jarr the rim of the pot on something solid and the root ball should slide free into your hands. With practice you can catch the plant with your fingers and simultaniousely flick the pot out of the way with your thumbs. (Assuming plastic pot)

[compostqueen]

you could cut the pot away with scissors if the roots are attached to the pot

[Sideways]

Thanks  

[gobs]

How old are these herbs being a foot tall and where are they?

[Sideways]

How old are these herbs being a foot tall and where are they?

I’m not sure of their age, I bought them from Wilkinsons, they were already quite well established. I have had them for a month now, they are kept in a south-facing utility room with a glass roof. I put them out on clear days and bring them in at night to protect them from the frost. They all appear to be very healthy and bursting with new growth. The height of roughly 12" includes the pots they came in. The oregano is currently standing 16" high including pot.