Expert: Mike Mascio - 4/13/2011

Question
I really would like to know why my petunias all dry and die? I water them everyday and i gave some of them (quick start)and some not, to see a diffrens, and the first four weeks they look very good and all of a sudden they just dry. it happens just in an hour that you see them dry. In one flower bed they are very sticky ones they are dry and the other flower bed not. when i pull them out the roots look very thin on the buttom, it looks like very thin hair and maybe about an inch from the plant the roots look like the should be. Its not only my problem, a lot of people have these problems. Can you please help me with this? Thankyou
Sara

Answer
Sara, based on your description, your garden bed is either not draining properly or root maggots are eating the roots. Most of the times the problem is related to poor drainage, which is common in clay soils. The excess water in the soil eventually suffocates the roots, depriving the plant of nutrients.

I only water my petunias a couple of times per week. But my soil is comprised primarily of compost and organic matter. That is why it is important to amend the soil every fall or spring with compost, aged manure, and peat. It not only improves the tilth of the soil, but it provides a constant source of nutrients to the plants.

As a precautionary measure, I would also sprinkle sevin around the plants, just in case the soil is infested with root maggots. The only way to tell for sure is to take a soil sample to your local nursery to have it tested.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike