HOW TO PLANT
"THE VETIVER SYSTEM"
Vetiver prefers a sunny location. At least 4 hours of direct sun per day(if the sun was out all day).
All weeds/grasses must be removed in the 1 metre wide planting strip up to a month prior to planting. This allows time to do a follow up spray to completely remove any new weed growth.
Plant in Spring/Summer when soils are warm.
You will require Vetiver plants, Blood and bone fertiliser, Nitrosol liquid fertiliser, a large container or buckets to submerse plants and a spade.
Instructions for Pb3 long Vetiver plants.
* Submerge plants in nitrosol water for at least 3 minutes until the bag is saturated (Follow nitrosol packet instructions).
* Dig a trench directly across the slope a spade width across by almost spade height deep.
* Sprinkle Blood & Bone in the trench.
* Remove the plant bag.
* Place plants at 5 plants to the metre, 20cm centres.
* Backfill the soil around each plant.
* To retain moisture and control weeds, add a heavy layer of mulch.
* For rapid growth, foliar fertilise with Nitrosol once a week during establishment (optional).
For the smaller bio bag Vetiver plant the method is the same except a hole is drilled with a Rapid Planter tool attached to a rechargeable drill. The bag is biodegradable so can be planted with the bag on. This system is easier, especially on slopes.
Maintenance
Vetiver will be at its best with a little annual maintenance. Simply trim to knee height (500mm) and add a heavy sprinkle of blood and bone fertiliser every spring/summer. The trimmings can be directly layed down as a mulch. Never trim Vetiver in the winter.
www.youtube.com/watch planting of "The Vetiver System" after Cyclone Wilma Jan 2011
www.youtube.com/watch update of planting after Cyclone Wilma, 10 weeks growth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1Zpjl62Ecc Planting "The Vetiver System"
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