Rootgrow - Mycorrhizal fungi

bought a sachet today and planted a few star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)

had never heard of the stuff, but it is being advertised all over the garden centre, and some trees/shrubs even have additional labels stating that the RHS recommends using rootgrow with the specific trees/shrubs

the instructions state that it can only be used in the bottom of the planting hole, and that the roots of the plat must be in direct contact with the granules

done as recomended, and will be interesting to see what happens, as the star jasmine is normally slow growing in the 1st season ... I have planted a few star jasmine in another adjoining garden a few weeks ago, and never used rootgrow, so will compare the results

now, I have some rootgrow left, and have read that it cannot be used as a top feed ... I did read that one can plant new plants such as perenials close to, and around the existing tree/shrub that you wish to target, and then you include the rootgrow in the bottom on the holes of the 'host plants'...

the fungus will then grow on the host plant roots, but will then eventually attach to the 'target' plant roots .... (that's as I understand)

can one not carefully poke holes with a bamboo cane into the root system of the tree/shrub that you wish to introduce Mycorrhizal fungi / rootgrow ... then add the rootgrow into the holes and cover with compost instead of introducing new plants? ....

I would love to introduce these fungi to 2-Chamaerops Humilis plams that I planted a few days ago, but there is no space to include new 'host' plants

 

*dim*

You can but try! Either that or just keep the remainder in case you need it in the future. Thing is though; if you do try you won't really know if you have succeeded or not!

 

Hi Dim
I have just bought an expensive rambling Rose (Malvern Hills) and have invested £2.99 in this product.Like you, I only know what I have read .
As I am asking,and expecting a lot from this Rose I feel have invested in it's future........ and have some of this Rootgrow left for other plants.....
If it's good enough for the RHS It's good enough for me.....Time will tell.

 

Hi All
They done a test on Beeechgrove Gardenisng show last year about this fungi, the results showed no benefit they said at the time they would wait and see what happens this year.

When I planted out my Korean Fir I was amazed at how white the whole of the root ball was and that was a good fungus.

Spruce

 

I have 3 ferns planted around each palm tree (underneath the palms on the perimeter of the palm planting hole).... only planted them a week ago ....

will carefully lift the ferns .... add some rootgrow to the fern planting holes and plant the ferns back in the original holes with the rootgrow

from what I have read, the ferns will act as 'host' plants and the rootgrow will 'target' the roots of the palm trees

suppose it's worth a try (the palms were expensive and are the focal point of the bed)

 

This stuff has been highly recommended for Japanese maples for a few years now. The top Dutch growers swear by the stuff. Must be some truth in the claims, although I have yet to even come across the product

 

The wholesale nursery I use has tubs of the stuff. I bought some and used it, for the first time, in a seaside garden I have just planted for a client. It'll be interesting to see how it develops.
Whis4ey, one of the plants was a decent sized Japanese maple. I know I'm taking a risk, planting it so close to the coast, but hope the funghi will help.

Chris

 

Hi All.
I have been using Mycorrhizal fungi on my fuchsias for the past 2 years, and have noticed a marked difference in root growth and the health of the plants.
Here are a couple of web site's that will give you an insight to what happens with the fungi and how it works.
Mycorrhizal Assocations Introductions
www.mycorrhizae.com
Hope the sites help.
Bob

 

I bought some of this a couple of years ago, I've got to admit at being sceptical, the price suggests its probably a rip off.

Anyway, tried it on a few plants and have not noticed much difference.
I was under the impression at the time it was mainly for transplanting trees and shubs that were growing in sterilized compost.

I seem to remember a programme a good few years ago from Kew, I think they were "injecting" it into the root areas of certain trees in order to give them a new lease of life.

I also read that there are thousands of fungi that do this job and many are specific to certain plants.
The packet only contains one type I believe.

Probably talking rubbish, but just what I have heard and read on the subject.