|
Post by ncboman on Apr 25, 2006 22:32:43 GMT -5
Learnin more all the time about these guys. Although they need light to sprout the best, I've found the best light is shade and not direct sun. I sprout em all kinds of ways, in fact, they'll sprout piled in a bucket somewhat. I like putting them in containers with generous amounts of peat and under my pecan tree is a spot they do well. Below is a sprout showing the dual directions of growth. The root system goes downward while the sprout pushes upward, still drawing energy from the acorn.
|
|
|
Post by ncboman on Apr 25, 2006 22:42:07 GMT -5
From the sprouting bin into a pot of rich soil. You can see the small sprouts sticking up. When all goes well, the sprout quickly responds to the rich dirt in the pot. Below is a jumbo sawtooth I started in a cup and didn't want to disturb the roots, so I potted the entire deal. Once in the pots, some time is bought as they can be transplanted or held for a year... if something doesn't eat them.
|
|
|
Post by ncboman on Apr 25, 2006 23:05:13 GMT -5
Gaining Height The key to success with oaks is getting them head high. Once 5 or 6ft tall, there is a good chance the tree will live a long life. Below 5 ft tall and the sapling is vunerable to all sorts of animals so gaining height quickly is desired. I use tree tubes to accelerate growth and protect the seedlings but there is more that can be done to produce the rapid height we desire. Remember the shade? The trees grow well in shade but are always reaching for direct sunlight. We can manipulate this trait for desired results. a simple scrap of plywood serves the purpose above. The tree in the tube is growing franticly to get to sunlight. ;D Above is my special tree at 3 yrs old. Notice the redtips on the southside. The rabbit house is on the east side shading the roots to keep em cool and the rabbits provide a constant supply of fertilizer. I just recently moved the rabbit cage there and the tree seems to like it.
|
|
|
Post by Twanger on Apr 27, 2006 18:12:30 GMT -5
Bowman - do you ever sleep man? Where do you get the time for this stuff? ;D First there was Johnny Apple-Seed. Now there's Bowman - populating the world with white oaks, one at a time. I guess somebody's gotta do it!
|
|
|
Post by eshoremd on Apr 27, 2006 20:29:02 GMT -5
Bowman - do you ever sleep man? Where do you get the time for this stuff? ;D First there was Johnny Apple-Seed. Now there's Bowman - populating the world with white oaks, one at a time. I guess somebody's gotta do it! i was thinking the same thing. not to mention all the ohio investigating.
|
|
|
Post by ncboman on Apr 27, 2006 20:59:02 GMT -5
wet weather has had me on hold all week.
|
|
|
Post by freedomrules3 on Apr 27, 2006 22:12:50 GMT -5
I've been trying to keep up with him too . been busy , quick hunt in the morning then off to work till late. i got lots to write when i get some time . my sawtooths took a beating , they all got run over my trees , 1 did survive although the top broke. its got leaves sprouting everywhere. with all the acorns i spread some are bound to show up once they get big enough to spot. the mulberry is growing good
|
|
|
Post by ncboman on May 5, 2006 10:08:12 GMT -5
A while back my wife asked me if I actually thought the acorns I spread around will actually grow into trees? (she thinks I should plant each one in the ground) ;D ;D
|
|