Achillea isn't really a pot specimen, and a trough won't have the necessary depth. Gravel on the bottom can actually just become a sump, and the water may not be draining. What kind of Lobelia is it? The annual type or cardinalis? They have differing requirements. Fuchsias need to be in shade. An ordinary Multi Purpose compost is fine for most plants, but not long term planting. Too much food is also unnecessary if they've just been planted. I think it's a combination of various things creating the problems
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
It's the annual lobelia, so what should I plant in if I'm hoping for something long term! I have planted fuschias quite alot and it's only been this time that they are dying! So gravel is no good for drainage!
Maybe the plants are stressed. Plant pots in shade and leave them in shade for a couple of weeks and water when necessary. Water with a solution of seaweed every eight or nine days. Try to water when pots are in shade if the weather is very warm. Mulch to protect water surface loss and to deter weeds. Try to protect plants when young, from strong winds, as this causes leaves to go brown.
Chin up. Success is so sweet and it will come with time
From the photo's, it also looks like you aren't using enough depth of compost in some of those containers. You need to fill them to within 5cm from the top, just enough to allow a mulch of gravel etc to prevent evaporation and so that you can give them a really good watering without the water spilling over the edge. Don't go by the ridges which are only there to provide mechanical strength to the troughs and pots - they aren't a 'fill to here' indicator.
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
Annual lobelia is exactly that - an annual. Just some standard compost is fine for them for a season, but if you've planted it out recently, it may have been affected by weather, and they may have been far too small to cope. They don't over winter as they aren't perennials. Fuchsias are better in shade - it's why they're useful for shady areas if you want bright colours. I'm assuming they're also annuals? Again, it would depend on the size and viability of the plant. That determines when they get planted out for summer. They'll shrivel up if they're too small, and in too much sun. Gravel is good for drainage, but it's not really that simple. You need to ensure that the drainage holes are adequate and not blocked. To ensure that - you need crocks across the holes - that's just something which will allow water out, but not allow the compost to sink into them and block them. Gravel is often better mixed into the soil medium itself, and needs to be very small, assuming the plant in question needs that sharper drainage
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Right ok so if I take out and add some more compost to near the top and put back in then add some gravel to surface and then pop In a more shady area and water as and when necessary! Also need a deep pot for achillea as I dont have any more space in flower bed! And water with seaweed solution every 8 or 9 days what does seaweed solution do? 🙂
I'm not a fan of constantly using seaweed either, although some people like it. It shouldn't be necessary if the compost you're using is decent. Feeding is only necessary later on when the nutrients in the compost have been used up. A slow release food is usually better in pots, and easier to deal with. @BobTheGardener is right - it's a common mistake not filling pots properly, and that's where the gravel is effective .
All those photos weren't there when I posted, only the first one. Strawberries benefit from some extra food, but they need adequate water too. No need for any food once they flower. They will be fine in sun as long as they get enough moisture
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
What kind of Lobelia is it? The annual type or cardinalis? They have differing requirements.
Fuchsias need to be in shade.
An ordinary Multi Purpose compost is fine for most plants, but not long term planting. Too much food is also unnecessary if they've just been planted. I think it's a combination of various things creating the problems
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Chin up. Success is so sweet and it will come with time
Good luck and post some pics when you`ve nailed it
Fuchsias are better in shade - it's why they're useful for shady areas if you want bright colours. I'm assuming they're also annuals? Again, it would depend on the size and viability of the plant. That determines when they get planted out for summer. They'll shrivel up if they're too small, and in too much sun.
Gravel is good for drainage, but it's not really that simple. You need to ensure that the drainage holes are adequate and not blocked. To ensure that - you need crocks across the holes - that's just something which will allow water out, but not allow the compost to sink into them and block them. Gravel is often better mixed into the soil medium itself, and needs to be very small, assuming the plant in question needs that sharper drainage
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
And water with seaweed solution every 8 or 9 days what does seaweed solution do? 🙂
Feeding is only necessary later on when the nutrients in the compost have been used up. A slow release food is usually better in pots, and easier to deal with.
@BobTheGardener is right - it's a common mistake not filling pots properly, and that's where the gravel is effective .
All those photos weren't there when I posted, only the first one. Strawberries benefit from some extra food, but they need adequate water too. No need for any food once they flower. They will be fine in sun as long as they get enough moisture
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...