Expert: Mike Mascio - 6/18/2005

Question
HI Mike,
   i planted a ton of impatients this may and now they are getting yellow leaves and some green leaves just look like they are curling under. they are not spreading real well either. when i planted i used peat moss (grandmas says to with impatients) but i have new soil. i have a little bit of mulch around them as well. how can i make these things grow? i have some in a pot and they are huge! how can i turn these around for the good? thanks. leah

Answer
Leah, your problem is definitely a lack of nutrients in your soil.  Even though Garndma was correct that plants grow best when grown in soil amended with organic matter such as peat moss, your base soil is most likely lacking fertility.  To perk up the plants and get them started, you need to apply a water-soluble fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium.  Water-soluble fertilizers are systemic, meaning they work directly through the foliage, as well as through the roots.

Next, be sure you are not overwatering.  Many new gardeners feel they need to water everyday, especially in dry conditions.  Plants do need a minimum of 1" of water per week, but the watering must be deeply applied.  This forces the roots down into the soil as opposed to shallow watering where the plants reach for the top of the soil.  Excess watering will deplete the soil and may result in root-rot.  Root-rot prevents the plants from absorbing nutrients and oxygen, and will result in yellow leaves and curling.

This fall, amend your soil with as much organic matter as possible.  These amendments would include aged manure, peat moss, compost, shredded leaves, and dried grass clippings. The result next spring will be a bed high in fertility and composed of loamy soil.  

In the meantime, apply the fertilizer, and mulch to a depth of 2" around your plants with either shredded leaves, compost, or straw.  This will help retain the moisture, and the mulch will eventually decompose and provide nutrients to the soil.

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

Regards,

Mike