Frequently Asked Questions
At Summer Winds Garden Centers, we get a lot of good gardening questions.
We have collected these questions and done our best to answer, and then categorize them below.
Please enjoy. You may also find our Links and Resources pages helpful.
within your area.
If you have question and think we can help, then please send your question to our Gardening Experts and we will do our best
to get back to you with 48 hours. If you need speedy assistance with a specific issue, we suggest visiting your local SummerWinds
Nursery where our trained staff can provide you with a vast amount of gardening
and lawn care knowledge.
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| Q: I have lots of container gardens. They look great all though spring but by summer my plants often look dry and wilted even though I water often. What's wrong?: |
Answer:
When planting in pots, use a quality potting soil such as SummerWinds Potting Soil. Our recipe contains composted organic matter and perlite to help retain water while still providing good drainage.
Water with a water wand or diffuser and soak the entire surface, slowly and deeply. Often, water will run out of the bottom of the pot without penetrating the soil. Wet the soil, allowing the water to penetrate and repeat the process two or three times. This will improve the soil's ability to absorb the moisture.
Use a layer of decorative bark mulch to help keep the soil surface cooler and to retain moisture.
Avoid using unglazed clay pots in full sun areas. Clay needs moisture and will draw water from the soil on hot days. When using clay pots thoroughly water the soil and the exterior surface of the pot.
If the pots are not too heavy, try moving them to a location that has less exposure to the direct sun or reflective heat. |
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| Q: My roses are doing great but the leaves on my hydrangea are getting dry and crispy looking. Why is that?: |
Answer:
When planting your garden, make sure the plants you selected have the same basic water, soil and light requirements. While roses enjoy lots of sun, hydrangeas will not be happy with the intensity of the sun in our valley. The hydrangeas will need some shelter from the hot afternoon sun and more frequent, deep watering.
Look to the Sunset Western Garden Book for detailed planting requirements of your plant selections that are more specific to your individual gardening zone. |
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| Q: Why do my plants wilt when I water everyday?: |
Answer:
Water shrubs and perennials slowly, deeply and less often than you would water a lawn or bedding area. Roots are deeper in the ground and frequent, light watering seldom reaches the roots where they need it most. Using soaker hoses or creating a bowl around the drip line of your plant with mounds of soil will help water soak into the root zone better. These are simple techniques that make a big difference.
On extremely hot days, the roots can not always bring enough moisture to the leaves. Try misting the foliage to help the plant retain moisture and to help cool the area.
New plants may need protection from extremes in temperature. Make a temporary shelter using plant stakes to support shade cloth. Drape and secure the cloth across the top of the stakes. |
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