76 (800) 728-4043 Gathered tools together and headed out to rescue Waco Indiangrass & Blackland Eastern Gamagrass on RC Mauldin's home place near Waco. By the time we got back to our Junction farm, dozers leveled RC's lifetime of work for a new subdivision. His roots happily grow and multiply in hopes that you may find benefit. RC Mauldin was an elder mentor to many rangeland, soil and water conservation people in the early-mid 1900's. A man’s life is a wee bit short... By the Handful We know these plants have the strength and ability to thrive on your land. High stability rated plants are useful in streambank stabilization, riparian areas, erosion control, wetlands, raingardens and wildlife habitat restoration. What should I do when my order arrives? Open plastic bag to allow oxygen. Keep bag open and roots lightly misted until time for planting. Plant roots as soon as possible, preferably no later than 2-3 days after receipt of your order. Do not let the roots dry out. Tip: ‘Heal-in’ your roots if you are unable to plant them right away. One method of ‘healing- in’ is to bury the bundle in the ground in a semi-shade area, cover the bundle lightly with moist earth or compost, keep bundles misted. Proper Soil Preparation Roots will grow healthy plants in soil that has been loosened and enriched by digging in compost to a depth of 6.” Planting Carefully separate roots. Open up a hole in the earth for each root. Set the root down into the hole, being careful to set the top of the root crown even with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil gently into place with your fingers. Create a ‘planting well,’ or saucer shape, on top of the ground. Fill the well with water after the roots are in the ground. A deep soaking will be best achieved by flooding the ‘planting well’ on the first watering. Mulching the Roots It is very helpful to mulch your newly planted roots. Mulch the top of the soil 1” to 2” with organic compost or some other non-packing organic matter. This keeps the roots cool and the soil moist by shading the soil so the sun can’t bake away the precious soil moisture. Watering Carefully check newly transplanted roots for sufficient soil moisture, especially during hot weather. There are no timetables for watering, as watering requirements vary from season to season and according to local weather. When you water, water thoroughly. Allow water to soak in to the soil around the roots. Light overhead sprinklings are not sufficient. An initial soaking at planting time is essential. Re-water only when the soil dries out a bit. Continue to water throughout the first summer season as necessary until the plant is established. Always check the soil moisture before watering, then soak the earth thoroughly if dry. No fertilizing is necessary. Live Roots © Jim Richardson at The Land Institute Live Roots Have Origin Stories For People Who Can’t Wait for Seeds to Sprout
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