Expert: C.L. Fornari - 4/28/2009

Question
Hi there-

I planted a flower bed for the first time 2 days ago.  It includes the usual suspects from a big-box store: Alyssum, Petunias, marigolds and impatiens on the south side of my house (lots of sun).  I'm in NC so it's in red clay kind of dirt.  I have *no* idea if I'm watering them too much or too little.  My red impatiens started to discolor the next day.  They're turning white and wilting.  They're limp, but not "crunchy".  Also, the little white flowers on the Alyssum seem to be disappearing. I water the flowers for about 30secs on the "shower" setting in the morning. Any tips for a young newbie? I get the feeling I'm not doing something correctly. Thanks for sharing your expertise!!

Answer
Rachel,
A few things might be going on here. First of all, Impatiens do best in morning sun or mostly shade. They are turning white because they are getting too much sun. Do you have another place you could plant these?

The Alyssum, petunias and marigolds like a sunny spot, but may be adjusting to being in real sunlight and real dirt. Keep in mind that these plants are raised in greenhouses so when they are planted in your yard they are in real sun and real soil for the first time. It takes awhile for them to get established. From the plants' point of view, they need to get roots grown before putting energy into leaves and flowers.

Watering: when they are young you'll need to water them every OTHER day - for four or five minutes at the very least. Thirty seconds just dampens the surface of the soil and the water doesn't penetrate to the roots. After a couple of weeks you'll want to water them less often but for longer each time you water. After two or three weeks don't hand water - you get bored long before the plants get a good, deep soaking. (We all do!) So after three weeks set a sprinkler on the plants every four to six days depending on the weather: in hot, sunny weather put it on every four days, when cloudy or cool every six days. Water for at least an hour and a half with a sprinkler. Remember that a deep soaking equals deep roots so that the plants will be able to go longer between waterings because the soil is damp down deep.

For all plants, a deep soaking less often is better than a little very day.

I hope this helps,
C.L.
www.wholelifegardening.com