AboutMike Mascio Expertise I have been an avid gardener since 1985 and an AllExpert volunteer since 1998. I specialize in soil preparation, seed starting and plant propagation, flowers, vegetables, and general landscaping. I am a strong advocate of the square foot method of gardening and the use of organic controls for pests and diseases.
Question I am an experienced gardener, but my double white petunias have died for the second year in a row! They just die without doing anything, and I replant and they die again. My beds were professionally installed three years ago, and I use Black Forest super fine pine bark mulch after things get growing. There is a lot of bark in with the soil now, but I thought it was okay and just loosened things up a bit. Also, this is a pretty moist area as it is by the downspout. Everything else is growing fine -- what am I doing wrong? I am in Illinois, zone 5.
Thanks.
Answer Petunias hate wet feet, meaning they are best planted in beds with excellent drainage. When the roots of petunias are in constant moisture, they rot very easily. This prevents them from absorbing oxygen and nutrients. As you know, these conditions will often prove fatal.
I would supplement the soil with organic matter. These amendments would include aged manure and compost. This will definitely help with the drainage. I would also reduce the mulching to a very thin layer. Besides holding in moisture, excess mulcing is a breeding ground for fungus diseases. I only apply my mulch to a depth of 1". This has always worked best for me. I also don't mulch until the temperatures stay consistently above 80F. Here in Ohio, that is generally around the latter part of June. This gives the plants time to establish their root systems and also serves to cool the soil in the heat of summer.
I hope this helps. Good luck, and please write again if I can ever provide assistance.
