TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE A BARE-ROOT FRUIT TREE

Steve C. asks: How do I choose a bare root fruit tree? What to I look for?

Why would I want to plant bare root?

Bare root planted trees adapt better to existing soils and will develop a

better root system. You don't have to worry about girdled roots or the tree

being pot-bound. Another plus is that it is less expensive to buy bare root

plants than potted ones.

Buy now while trees are fresh. First check the trunk. There should be no

broken limbs; the tree should be fairly straight with a nice taper to the

trunk. Branches should be well spaced up and down the trunk with no narrow

crotches. (Meaning the branches should be more horizontal than vertical where

they are attached to the trunk.)

Then check the root system. Make sure the roots are firm, well formed and

not dried out. If all the roots are dark in color, slimy and smell bad, rot

has begun. If there is only a little section that looks like this, you can cut

it out.

Rita F. asks: Should I cut back my star Jasmine or just let it grow? If it

needs to be pruned, when should it be done, and can it stand the cold weather?

Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is a summmerblooming vine or

ground cover that flowers only on new growth. Shear back one-third in the

spring with hedge shears, or use hand clippers and cut back above a side leaf

to encourage new growth, a fuller appearing plant and more flowers. This plant

is hardy in our area.

Julia H. asks: How do you grow horseradish?

Horseradish does best in a rich, loose soil that is well-drained. You can

buy crown division now, and plant them about 1 foot apart. Dig up the roots

the next season by starting from the outside of the plant and working in. Dig

up the full-grown roots and save the smaller ones for later on.

Tip: Don't forget to water container plants located in protected areas.

They will need the moisture during the winter months. If they are looking a

bit puny (examples would be pansies, stock and snapdragons), give them

periodic applications of all-purpose liquid fertilizer in the recommended

amounts.

Dana Lozano and Gwen Scanlon are partners in a Windsor horticultural

consulting and design business, The Garden Doctors. Got a question? Write to

What Ails Your Garden, Features Department, The Press Democrat, P.O. Box 569,

Santa Rosa 95402. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. To hear

their Tip Of The Week, dial 523-8080, then press 2802.