Nursery Notes: Hurrying too much can place roots too deep
Many nursery tasks are done as rapidly as possible, because there is always something else needing to be done: Before it rains, before dark. Transplanting for example, is done between the ground getting dry enough and digging.
Someone explained to me that it is the hurrying (1) that can cause liners to be planted too deep. I can’t do a quality job when I’m being rushed either.
The tractor driver may drive too fast and not pay enough attention to the depth of the setter (2). If the tractor rushes the labor on the transplanter, depth and spacing can suffer (3).
The entire process can rush the laborers that walk behind the transplanter, that straighten the liners. They need sufficient time to lift the root system if it is too deep, straighten the trunks to near vertical and firm the soil with their feet. They will require more time to put a root system deeper into the soil, if some are too shallow. (4)
Which is the most critical position? He that drives, sets or walks behind?
The tractor driver controls the pace, controls the depth that the transplanter runs and attempts to drive straight. Constant depth adjustments are required on rolling terrain; a different setting going up hill vs. down hill.
Labor on the transplanter separates the tangled roots systems and places the liner into the soil, releasing it at the correct depth and before the roots drag. Time and concentration are required.
The people walking behind the transplanter need to understand the significance of root depth and the importance of the position they hold. The most experienced and caring laborers should be entrusted with this important task. This is not the place for the most recently hired, except to learn from the experienced.
They must take the trunk of each liner in their hands, tug on it and look for the trunk flare, first root or container media to determine the depth; pull it higher or place it deeper; usually using only their hands. They then adjust the straightness and firm the soil.
So which position is the most critical? All three, but the people walking behind the transplanter have the final say as to depth and straightness. Do not rush this process. Encourage labor to holler out, “Slow down” or “Speed up” when it is for the sake of the team.
Show appreciation for a job well done. Develop a reward system. Let them know that you check on what they do. Let labor go back and look for roots too deep with you. Pit one team against another — not a time race, but the fewest planted too deep per row or block, based on a spot check. A cookout for the winning team with you cooking would be appreciated.
Does labor know your transplanting goal? Is your goal to plant as fast as possible or plant correctly, as fast as possible? Let your labor understand the difference. It might make a difference.
Consider giving your team 3 minutes of instruction before they begin a new task. Explain why after showing how. Work with each individual for a few minutes. Then go back behind each one and look at the quality. Point out shortcomings. Be patient.