"Jangchub" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 12 May 2008 23:35:56 -0700, Billy
wrote:

In article ,
"Eigenvector" wrote:

When planting new plants, bushes, and the like how long would you expect
it
to take for the roots to establish themselves?

When I purchased my Thyme it was recommended that I keep the soil moist
until the roots had a chance to establish themselves, afterwhich they
should
be reasonably drought tolerant. So I'm wondering generally speaking how
long is that anyway?

3 months

Mmmm, not with thyme, sorry to say. Herbaceous plants recouperate and
develop root hairs much faster than poor root systems on things like
roses, blueberries, and many trees. I would say to keep the soil
moist, not wet. Thyme will definitely die if you over water it. It
will show the same symptoms as a plant which is dried out...crispy
foliage, loss of leaves, etc. Feel the soil with your hand and if it
is dry, water it. You want the roots to stretch to the capillary
water. If you keep water too near the existing roots they will not
push out into the soil, but it will just wrap around and around.

Hmm, might explain what happened to my first batch. They got planted then
it rained practically every day for weeks on end. But I'll take your advice
and keep the ground moist and not soaked.