Expert: Long Island Gardener - 8/9/2009

Question
I planted two hydrangea plants in two separate locations in sandy soil.  With all of the rain we've had - the plants seemed to have a fungus - I bought Bayer's Rose and Flower Cure - now my plants are looking worse - perhaps I over feed them?  Is there anything that I can do to save them?  Many thanks!  Also, do you have recommendations of annuals that will enjoy a very sandy soil?

Answer
My friend, The solution to sandy soil is not to fertilize. The solution is to amend the soil - ESPECIALLY because of the high amount of sand. Reason: Dissolved fertilizer flows through sand like a pot with holes in it. That's why sand drains so beautifully. That's why it has no nutrients to grow anything.

Let's talk about your Bayer's Rose and Flower Cure.  Would that be Bayer's Rose and Flower Care? All-In-One Rose & Flower Care Concentrate? All-In-One Rose & Flower Care? 2-in-1 Systemic Rose & Flower Care granules?  Something else? Enquiring minds need to know so we can assess the damage, figure if you overdosed or applied the wrong stuff, etc... rsvp on that.

Next, What were the symptoms that led you to believe this was a Fungus?  How do they look now? Enquiring minds need to know this too.

I'd like to give you at least a triage course of action right now, but not knowing whether this was a case of too much water, a fungus, a mold, a bacterial blight caused by excessive moisture, injury caused by the wrong chemical or too much fertilizer, I can't very well tell you to drench the soil to dilute the chemical.  The roots may be simply desperate for air.  Or there may be a waterborne bacteria having a field day on your plants.

It would also be helpful to know where you are growing these Hydrangeas.  It's a big planet.  Where are you?  That would tell me your climate, your soil, and your local pathogens.

So rsvp asap instead, ok?

And in the meantime let me give you a little information that will be helpful in the future, regardless of this outcome.

1. Fertilizer is almost always unnecessary.  Most soil has plenty of nutrients.  You do not need to add nutrients.  If you're figuring you're covering yourself by doing that, think on this: Too much of some nutrients will CAUSE yes CAUSE a shortage of other nutrients, and I am not making this up.  Fertilizer companies are in the fertilizer business.  They are not the Department of Education.

2. Sandy Soil is a blessing and a nuisance.  A blessing because it affords perfect drainage.  Many plants will accept nothing less.  A nuisance because it does not hold nutrients - they wash right through, like you were draining a pot of spaghetti.  Literally, any water soluble nutrients you put in there will go down the drain.  So you must AMEND your soil to plant anything.

If your Hydrangeas are still breathing, get each a bag of Compost or aged Manure at Home Depot and mix with a few handfuls of Peatmoss, a few handfuls of Bonemeal or Alfalfa Meal, anything you can get your hands on that is NOT fertilizer.

Top dress, scratching (I'm not sure if that's the word here) it into the top 2 inches of soil up to the drip line of each Hydrangea.  Sowing a groundcover in this area of your property will help a lot -- in lieu of that you can throw some Red or White Clover seeds down.  I'd recommend Weeds except that they don't encourage the most ideal subterranean activity.  If you play your cards right, you may get some Earthworms and other helpful visitors who will help you build up your Soil.

As far as Annuals, this is just the kind of place most Annuals would love to spend the Summer.  Low nutrients and excellent drainage are heavenly for Petunias, Marigolds, Sweet Alyssum, Cornflower, etc. etc. etc.  Sun is the critical factor for them -- most can't get by without it pouring down all day.  Now if you'd asked about Roses, you'd have a problem.  But Annuals?  Pick some, then confirm.

Remember now, RSVP with those answers, I'll be watching for your question,

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER