I wanted to drop by your inbox today to talk about something super simple that can make a huge difference in how well your plants grow this season...

​

I'm talking about rootbound plants.

​

You know when you take a seedling or perennial out of it's pot and the roots are all packed tight in a swirl at the bottom? That's a rootbound plant. If you plant it like that, it can actually struggle to grow, no matter how well you care for it.

​

When roots are stuck in a tight little circle, they keep growing in the same pattern underground. They don't spread out to find nutrients or water, and that can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, or even a plant that just kind of...sits there.

​

But the fix is easy! Just loosen the roots before you plant.

​

• Use your fingers to (gently!) tease the roots apart
• Or give the rootball a little trim or slice the bottom a few times if they're really tough, like on larger perennials that have been in a pot far too long.

​

A good rule of thumb is the smaller the plant, the more gentle you should be when teasing the roots apart.

​

It's a little scary the first time, but your plants will thank you for it! Especially with perennials that are outgrowing their pots, and fast growing seedlings like tomatoes, cucumbers or peas. Giving the roots a fresh start helps them settle in and take off in their new home.

​

If you've ever planted something that looked great at first but didn't grow like you hoped, this might have been the reason!

​

Have you ever planted a rootbound seedling before? Did your plant struggle to grow, or did it catch up over time? Hit reply and let me know! I love hearing your garden stories.

​

Happy growing! 🌱

​

Liz

P. S. If you love tips like these, I have something coming soon that's going to make gardening even easier and more enjoyable this season. Stay tuned - I can't wait to share it with you!

Find me online: Website | Facebook | Facebook Group​