If it were my tree, I would take it out of the pot and inspect the root system. My guess is that some of the roots are circling the pot, girdling the rest of the root system and keeping the tree from absorbing water/nutrients.
https://www.slideshare.net/LindaCS/bare-root-primer
Read through this entire guide at least once (so you have an idea of what you need to do and how long it might take), then follow the directions EXACTLY as written. Once you do that, observe the tree for a couple of weeks and see if there is an improvement. If not, you may have another issue, but at least you have eliminated one of the most common problems with potted trees (girdling roots).
Hope that helps.
Came here to say this!! got the link and everything!
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I second this, great read- easy to understand and covers a ton!!
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Good luck
Never heard of worm castings before?
This?
Worm Castings Organic Fertilizer, Wiggle Worm Soil Builder, 4.5-Pounds https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ZOEOEY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_CZYFGNRK2PMHGZQ35178
That sounds perfect, would that be this one? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Handbook-Horticultural-Students-Peter-Dawson/dp/0952591111
I'm not a gardener for hire but I will paint concentrated glysophate (~20%?) on weeds or small shrubs around the house instead of spraying. I hate the idea of aerosolized poison around wildlife or me. Make sure there's about three days of sun and I don't see any issue brushing it on. Here's an Amazon link: Paint Saint No Mess Touch Up Paint Storage Container w/ Brush in Lid / Airtight, Leakproof w/ Mixing Balls / Paint Supplies for House for Storing Leftover Paint – Water Based Paint Only (1 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V8S4B1M?psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_ct_FBA1SRF48F0TZD9GSKPN
Rain will make it leech into the soil but brushing on a small quantity lets the target plant absorb as much as possible. It also ends up using less since you can brush the foliage and stems directly and use only that which you require.
I don't see another way to kill the waves of ground ivy or silk trees - S/O to my neighbor for growing a giant invasive monster in his front yard.
A foliar calcium suppliment can do wonders for blossom end rot on peppers and tomatoes. You mix it with water and spray the leaves. I use this: https://www.amazon.com/Rot-Stop-Tomato-Blossom-End-Concentrate/dp/B00P8E0VXE/ref=asc\_df\_B00P8E0VXE/?
This is my go-to style for the more delicate stuff. I do have heavier gloves for things like lumbering or working with nasty thorny stuff, but these are the first thing I grab. The wrist cinch is a game changer as I can change the fit of the glove a bit by tightening or loosening it. I wish more gloves were made with them.
I'll slather on lotion, let it absorb, put on a fresh pair, and let them warm up a bit. Once they're warm, I'll get them wet and use them until they dry out. I do tend to go easy on them until they get formed up but it's mostly so I don't give myself blisters. Once they dry they'll hold their shape until they're shredded.
Once fingertips start wearing through, I'll snip the fingers off older gloves that died and cram them into that worn out finger. Once the hole gets big enough to let that fingertip fall through, it becomes a fingertip donor glove. Occasionally I'll have grubby gloves that have donor fingertips and a new pair going at the same time, but the grubby gloves will be used for stuff like pouring concrete. I get my money's worth out of them!
Don’t know if you’ve found it yet, but https://www.amazon.com.au/Botanical-Field-Guide-Stefan-Mager/dp/0977577147
Also some trade schools or uni’s might have free pdf copies if you’ve got contacts there.
For boots I find the Sketchers work boots comfy and durable just remember to wax them, the chemicals we use tend to dissolve the glue that holds everything together. For pants I use these while working and driving motorcycle. jacket wise any good regatta will do.
If I’m in your shoes, I’d break it down. You need to transfer your knowledge of edible gardening to landscape gardening, and landscape to ‘large landscape’, and even further into ‘public use’.
But starting at the beginning…it might be a lot of obvious stuff but i enjoyed the framework of watering/fertilizing/pruning/philosophy in this book: https://www.amazon.com/New-Gardeners-Handbook-Everything-Beautiful/dp/1604698748.
Outside of that, I’d look into local publications of gardening books (like specific to your city/region) so you know which pests and such to look for.
Then I’d consider specific how-to’s. How do you prune large landscape trees? (And what are your city’s policies to do so?)
Build a plan…create some cool beds…kill some plants…i hope it’s a good job for you. I’d love to have more passionate gardeners overseeing parks in my city.
Not to hijack OP's post, but this book might be of interest to you: Medical Herbalism
I moved to SD last year and one of the first things I bought was a new greenhouse. Now I have two on my balcony. It definitely speeds up the rehab time on neglected plants (my partner brings home plants from pond cleanouts) and it definitely cuts down on the insect issues. I do a lot of succulent propagation also and the difference between the props left in the patio pots vs the greenhouse are night and day. Thus far I’ve bought 3 greenhouses -a king canopy (white opec, great for bright sun) and 2 (different sizes) of this brand here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082FXTYSN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_CRV5N3AGMET1VHBF5TC1
Hi, does this soil + feed look like the right make-up?
I’ll be ordering my supplies online (due to lockdown). Does this look about right you think?
This bad boy has treated me well. I think last I checked, I was reading over 80,000 lux over a foot away from the light.
https://www.amazon.com/MARS-HYDRO-Hydroponic-Thermometer-Hygrometer/dp/B07PLY1WKK
Yeah, that's not going to be nearly enough light to bring them to maturity. Quantum boards are where it's at, but even something like this will only be enough to grow 4 plants unless you keep them pruned down to nothing.
I used Mosquito Bits in my rain barrels. It's Bt, says it works on fungus gnats, can just sprinkle on the soil, or in this case pile.
Not sure what that all means but this is the light I bought:
LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants, Relassy 15000Lux Sunlike Full Spectrum Grow Lamp, Dual Head Gooseneck Plant Light with Replaceable Bulbs, Professional for Seedling Growing Blooming Fruiting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C68N7PC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_.49wFbP8VHAB1
Okay, this is the light that's currently on there:
LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants, Relassy 15000Lux Sunlike Full Spectrum Grow Lamp, Dual Head Gooseneck Plant Light with Replaceable Bulbs, Professional for Seedling Growing Blooming Fruiting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C68N7PC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_.49wFbP8VHAB1
What would be the best use of this light, don't want to waste it since I just bought it.
Last month, I discovered and successfully used “mosquito dunks” dissolved in my watering can & or “mosquito bits” sprinkled onto my soil. (Can be one of theother depending on which format you prefer ) but it comes with a lot of warning about toxicity so keep away from pets and don’t breathe it in. The brand I got is from Summit- clear plastic container and a big bright yellow and red label.
I’m not sure if it’s allowed, but the product Links below are just to show you what exactly I’m talking about. I have no affiliation and just chose these sellers at random based on having pics that marched the product I have on my shelf. I’ll edit my comment to remove if necessary!
“Dunks”: 2-Pack Summit Mosquito Dunks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYCI7E3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VXdwFbS00JBTZ
“Bits”: Summit Responsible Solutions Mosquito Bits - Quick Kill, 30 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001AUF8G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DZdwFbD8S9MJN
I TA for a class called soils and civilizations, and this is the main thing discussed. We go throughout time looking at different civilizations and how they took care of soils and how that directly and indirectly affected the civilizations. Here’s a link to the book if your interested. I can tell you that poor land management has had a hand in almost every war and every failed civilization. Some more than others.
This was the book for my intro class. Its very good. It covers a wide range of basics. Introductory Horticulture: https://www.amazon.com/Introductory-Horticulture-Carroll-Shry/dp/1285424727
You don't need to buy from Amazon I just posted so you can see the title, author and isbn.
I also had to read Botany for Gardeners by Capon: https://www.amazon.com/Botany-Gardeners-Introduction-Brian-Capon/dp/0881921637
These books are a good place to start!
Honestly the best luck I have had with getting rid of fungus gnats is in using <em>Bacillus thuringiensis</em> subsp. israelensis (BTI) pellets. They're biocontrol (totally natural, if that's your thing) and has a long history of use in USDA-compliant organic agriculture pest management programs.