transferring to diatomite

[rawhide]

Hi all
i have just put an order for some diatomite should be here in aweek or so
just wondering how i go about doing the transfer from organic to inorganic,I intend to use Kens mix 2/3 diatomite 1/3 zeolite
dont have a problem bare rooting my deciduous trees but unsure about my pines and conifers
any advice would be greatly appreciated


cheers Jason

[kcpoole]

the last pines I did, I did them in 2 stages
Bareroot 1/2 of the rootball one year, and the other in the next year.

Junipers I have just done in the one year, but none of them were very large. If they were then do them over 2 years as well

Ken

[Joel]

Yes Ken is right.

*Puts on infomercial voice*
Whilst on its own, the diatomite will dry out FAR slower than most mixes which are a finer texture, you do not need to worry about rotting the roots because of the incredible micropore structure of the diatomite allows a lot of water to be held, with maximum aeration of the roots. And in a case where the old mix is too wet, I have found that the diatomites fine microstructure wicks a suitable amount of water away from the old mix, ensuring the whole root ball is evenly moist. Sounds too good to be true right? Try it!

Joel

[rawhide]

thanks Ken and Joel
great advice sounds like a very logical approach . i presume what you suggest we are keeping the microzeimer intact and not washing it away?
Joel from what you are saying even if i am in a colder wetter climate than you guys i should not need to adjust my mix
appreciate the help
cheers
Jason

[kcpoole]

Hey jason
No need to adjust the mix, but you should adjust the watering regimen tho to suit.

Monitor the tree and when the mix is getting on the dry side, rewater

Ken