NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Despite a remarkably rainy July in the Nashville area, a lingering drought grips most of Tennessee and is expected to deepen across much of the state. That has plant nursery owners and weather forecasters cautioning not to let up on watering newer plantings.
Nursery owners David Bates in Nashville and David Hillis in McMinnville said homeowners should treat recently planted ornamentals as container plants. Even though they're in the ground, roots haven't grown into the soil yet and they need plenty of water. The experts said soak the roots long and slow and do it early in the morning for best results.
Mulch a couple of inches deep, but don't let mulch touch the trunk. Two to three waterings per week should suffice.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
