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Basic questions about climbers, just dig a big hole?


 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Irish Gardeners Forum Home -> Climbers and creepers in Ireland, including wall shrubs
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latestarter
Hazel Tree
Hazel Tree


Joined: 24 Oct 2007
Posts: 2
PostPosted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 7:01 pm    Post subject: Basic questions about climbers, just dig a big hole? Reply with quote
Hi there,

My questions are probably going to seem so basic to all you seasoned gardeners out there.

I would like to train a cottage style climber to arch over both my front (south facing) and back (north facing) doors. The surface up to both doors is gravel, and my questions are...
Do I just dig a big hole and fill it with soil and plant the climber in it? Will the climber do any damage (structurally). What will happen when the roots run out of soil and meet the rubbish subsoil all around? Can I just keep supplementing the soil every year?

Thanks for any help you can give... this is my first attempt at gardening, and have lots of projects in mind!

Regards
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Sb
Rowan Tree
Rowan Tree


Joined: 09 Jun 2006
Posts: 144
Location: east coast
PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 2:39 pm    Post subject: Re: Basic questions about climbers Reply with quote
latestarter wrote:

Do I just dig a big hole and fill it with soil and plant the climber in it?


Yes, I had a similar situation. Dig a big hole and fill it with soil, but also mix in some compost (homemade or gardencentre bought. As big a planting hole as you can, but I think 2ft wide and 2ft deep if available would be great for most climbers.


latestarter wrote:

Will the climber do any damage (structurally).


As regards root damage, I would be very surprised if a climbers roots would damage the foundation of an averagely built house. Climbers can work their soots into vents and pull down gutters all right (solution, keep them cut back). You may also find that a self clinging vigiurous climber may dislodge some poor mortar or pointing.

latestarter wrote:

What will happen when the roots run out of soil and meet the rubbish subsoil all around? Can I just keep supplementing the soil every year?


Supplementing the plant with a mulch of rotted compost each spring or with a powdered artificial fertiliser should be fine. As well as fertiliser don't forget the watering needs of your climber as certain planting areas can be very dry.

As a matter of interest what beautiful climber are you thinking about planting?
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latestarter
Hazel Tree
Hazel Tree


Joined: 24 Oct 2007
Posts: 2
PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 8:22 pm    Post subject: Basic questions about climbers Reply with quote
Hi Sb,

Thanks a million for your reply!

Am thinking about things like honeysuckle, or maybe an old fashioned rose. Will have to do some searching though to find something that suits the aspect etc.

Any wise suggestions very much appreciated though!

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