![]() ![]() ![]() Average water is needed during the growing season, but take care not to overwater. Water when normal rainfall does not provide the preferred 1 inch of moisture most plants prefer. Moist is defined as soil that receives regular watering to a depth of 18 inch deep, does not dry out, but does not have a drainage problem either.Ĭonditions : Regular Moisture for Outdoor Plants If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun, it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged.įull Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day. It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps. Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable. Right plant, right place! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color, have fewer leaves and a "leggy" stretched-out appearance. Know the culture of the plant before you buy and plant it!įor best plant performance, it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions. Plants able to take full sun in some climates may only be able to tolerate part sun in other climates. Partial sun receives less than 6 hours of sun, but more than 3 hours. Full sun usually means 6 or more hours of direct unobstructed sunlight on a sunny day. The only exception is when houses or buildings are so close together, shadows are cast from neighboring properties. Areas on the southern and western sides of buildings usually are the sunniest. Many of these plants will do fine with a little less sunlight, although they may not flower as heavily or their foliage as vibrant. You will get a more accurate feel for your site's true light conditions.įull sunlight is needed for many plants to assume their full potential. If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home, take time to map sun and shade throughout the day. The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property. You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day. The western and southern sides of a house receive the most light and are considered the hottest exposures due to intense afternoon sun. The northern and eastern sides of a house receive the least amount of light, with the northern exposure being the shadiest. Unless a site is completely exposed, light conditions will change during the day and even during the year. Applications made at that time can force lush, vegetative growth that will not have a chance to harden off before the onset of cold weather. It is best to avoid fertilizing late in the growing season. Excess nitrogen in the soil can cause excessive vegetative growth on plants at the expense of flower bud development. Fertilizers that are high in N, nitrogen, will promote green leafy growth. If one or more nutrients is low, a specific instead of an all-purpose fertilizer may be required. A soil test can determine existing nutrient levels in the soil. Shrubs and other plants in the landscape can be fertilized yearly. Trees need to be fertilized every few years. Take a visual inventory of your landscape. How-to : Fertilization for Established PlantsĮstablished plants can benefit from fertilization. ![]() Look for a fertilizer that has phosphorus, P, in it(the second number on the bag.) Apply recommended amount for plant per label directions in the soil at time of planting or at least during the first growing season. Young plants need extra phosphorus to encourage good root development. ![]() Plant Care Fertilizing How-to : Fertilization for Young Plants ![]()
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