Following on from previous observations about growing Buddleia in pots,
and lack of water.

This year (spring/summer) we had a prolonged period of rain, and the pots
seemed to flourish. I took this as a hint that in previous years they
hadn't had enough water.

Using the Buddleia as a guide to when to water, I have been giving a lot
more water to my other pots. They all seem to be having a bumper year
instead of just surviving. I am having to water in general at least once
per day if it doesn't rain.

This has also made me wonder about the Bougainvillea and lemon trees which
over-winter in the shade of the veranda. For the last couple of years they
have looked healthy all through the winter, but dropped their leaves in
spring and taken until early summer to get going properly. I am wondering
if I am being too cautious about watering them once the days become longer
and warmer.

Finally, just to restate my theory of "indicator weeds".

If you have a few weeds (free and easy to come by) or if you prefer, small
plants in your large pots they will react far more swiftly than the
established tree or shrub to lack of food or lack of water.

If the weeds look pale, feed the pot. If they droop, water the pot.

Finally, if the weeds look disgustingly healthy but the tree or shrub does
not then investigate further.

Cheers


Dave R


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Windows 8.1 on PCSpecialist box