TOPIC: Replanting Crowded Seedlings

Hi All, First question here.

Last October I planted my first ginseng ever. (seed). I had a small amount (maybe 100) of some stratified seed that a good friend gave me, and so I found what I thought was a decent site. (Northerly slope in a mature growth of dominant maple.) I raked back the leaves, and struck off a few v-groove (up and down the slope) rows of about 1/2\" deep, and layed my seed in those. Then, I brushed over the rows with my hand, and raked the leaves back over. Well, low and behold, this Spring around May 10th I found that I had actually had success with way more seedlings than I expected.

The one problem was that a couple of those rows were on a very steep slope, and last winter we had an awful lot of snow in that area. (at least 3' deep). Evidently when everything thawed out and melted, some of my seeds slipped down the slope , and wound up in a tight patch of seedlings at the bottom of the rows.

Naturally, I want to save as many of those seedlings as I can, which means I'll have to dig those up and move them to another spot right in that same area. So, my question is: How should I dig those up for replanting? They are far too tight to one another to get them one at a time. ... I am thinking to loosen up around the perimeter of the patches, (they are maybe 18\" - 24\" in diameter) and then try to lift them by under mining with a shovel. If that is the way I should do it, then I would assume I could seperate the roots by drenching, and then careful separation. Would that be right?

I will have the new planting spot prepared right before I do the digging, so that they can go back in the ground within an hour or so.

I think I'd wait until they were two years old. If you want to do this sooner, please consider how delicate these plants are in their first year.

YOu are right in the need to thin. IMHO, it's just \"the when\" that is the question.

Perhaps some more experienced growers can weigh in on this.

Thanks Whitjr.

I did read that; (2 years before re-planting) somewhere.

I would much prefer to do that, but my main concern was that they are so tight to one another that they may choke out some, or maybe a lot of them dying off for lack of (or competing for) nutrition.

You helped alot, as I am now thinking that if the losses aren't great, then I would be working with a much sturdier root next autumn.

As of right now, they are all still nice and green, with only a very few showing yellow edges.

Perhaps the best 'long term' odds are to wait till next autumn?

BFB,
I agree with Whitjr.
I have had this happen to me and they transplant better at 2 years old. Just dig them up next fall in Sept and transplant them into a slit in the soil made with a tool about 1 to 2 inches deep at a 45 degree angle. Just make sure they are transplanted not to shallow and not too deep. I would say the top of the root (Growth Bud) should only be about 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep when they are that little.
Latt

Thanks Latt, and Whitjr.

That is what I will do. I have a bed location picked out not more than 50' from where they are now, so it should be an easy move when next September rolls around. Also, thanks Latt, for the depth planting advice.

I checked on these plants today, (one week since last check) and they are becoming quite pale and flimsy. Seems about right on schedule.

I've been gone for a couple of days, or I would have answered sooner.

I'll be glad when I have that problem... needing to thin some out!

LOL. Good one Whitjr!

On the serious side, I was indeed surprised at the germination rate, especially for me being a first time grower.

My friend who gave me that seed said that it was Wisconsin seed, but I don't know the name of the supplier. I can find out, and post it here, if that is within forum rules.

BFB,
Mike the owner of Wildgrown.com sells seed and rootlets and I reference him every time I post anything about seeds. I know many have stated they have had huge success with Wildgrown's seed purchased from this site. I try not to recommend one supplier over another but I have bought from many seed suppliers. Many people ask about seed suppliers and there are many good ones out there.
The thing I like about Mike the owner is he never sensors this forum and we all talk freely about everything from \"A\" to \"Z\" about ginseng.
I think this is why the forum is so successful and so many people like it and respect it.

Latt

I have to agree w/ Latt!

Latt,

That is good info, and, thanks Whitjr for the +1.

I already have my seed on order, but mayhap that I'll buy some rootlets this planting season ...

Also Latt, to your previous post, with rootlet planting advice, I think I'll set the growth buds about 1/2\" deep and use a good covering of mulch. I have some aged sawdust from a local sawmill, and lots of shredded leaves that are by and large maple leaves with a smattering of beech, birch, and cherry for the mulch.

If I do get some rootlets, my plan would be not to till, but just rake and make my grooves for each individual root. I know that that would go slow, but I won't be planting very many. Sound ok?