Autumn Transplanting? Use Remineralizing Rock Dust to Help Plants Adjust to New Surroundings

Is there a shrub or a small tree that doesn’t quite fit in its current location? Are you in the mood for a landscaping ‘makeover’?

Mid-autumn is an ideal time to transplant perennials and shrubs, at least here in the Pacific Northwest where relatively mild and rainy conditions help ensure that plants have plenty of time to adjust to their new surroundings and develop strong and vigorous roots before the spring growing season.

At the same time, just a bit of soil reconditioning will give new transplants the nutrients they need for healthy growth. All-natural rock dust, like the volcanic basalt in Cascade Minerals Remineralizing Soil Booster, is especially effective at supporting and contributing to healthier soils by acting as a naturally balanced source of calcium, magnesium and iron.

Rock dust made of volcanic basalt also contains silicon, which improves plant structure and boosts stress tolerance—something that is especially important for minimizing ‘transplant shock.’

Listen as Cascade Minerals’ agronomist Rich Affeldt discusses the benefits of remineralization during transplanting:

Here are a few additional transplanting tips:

When planting a tree or shrub in a new location, dig a hole that is at least two feet wider than the size of the root system or root ball. Roughen the sides of the hole, and mix about one cup of Cascade Minerals Remineralizing Soil Booster into the planting hole.

Set trees and shrubs in planting holes so that root collars are at ground level or slightly higher. Plants and shrubs are often planted too deeply.

Add organic matter—like compost, peat moss or sawdust—to the planting hole to increase the soil’s ability to hold moisture around the roots.

After filling the hole, rake or lightly till a handful of Cascade Minerals Remineralizing Soil Booster into the surrounding soil and water thoroughly. Naturally fast acting and long lasting, the all-natural volcanic basalt helps ensure that newly transplanted plants have the nutrients they need to not only survive the winter, but also thrive in the spring.