Dear Helen: When the neighbourhood became buried in snow with the sudden arrival of winter, I bought three primrose plants to create a little indoor “garden.” The plants are together in a waterproof tray on a table in the living room, where they have begun to droop. The soil in the pots dries so fast I can barely keep up with the watering. What is wrong? Should I be watering from the top or the bottom?
M.H.
It’s almost inevitable for primrose plants to droop and dry out swiftly in the warmth of our homes in winter. They need cool, moist conditions, like those in which they flower outdoors during the spring.
Move the plants onto a cool windowsill, ideally one with the brightest possible winter light. Water the soil, avoiding the plant crown by directing a slow stream around the rim — until you see a little water seeping into the drainage tray.
Lift the pots often, to gauge how fast the soil is drying by sensing the lightness of the potted plant. If the soil continues to dry out quickly, add a little water to the drainage tray when you finish watering the soil.
We are commonly advised to never leave water resting in drainage trays, but in conditions that are fairly extreme for particular plants it can be helpful to allow a plant’s soil to absorb water from both top and bottom.
I use this dual watering method during the summer on the dwarf cherry and Roma tomato plants growing in pots on my sunny patio. I place the pots in trays, and water from the top before filling the trays also with water.
This simple system slows the drying of the soil and keeps the roots evenly moistened for a little longer.
Dear Helen: I’ve not been hugely pleased with the half-yard of soil I’ve been purchasing yearly for my little garden. It has not delivered much of a nutrition boost for the plants I grow. Where might I find a more fertility-boosting soil?
M.A.
The very best way to find a high quality, problem-free soil amendment in your area is to ask around the neighbourhood and among local gardeners.
Almost always, one name will emerge as the superior source.
When I need an extra soil boost or a nutritious mulching material, I use fish compost (fishcompost.com).
Because my soil needs added nitrogen, I get the fish compost, but the company also has a topsoil blend with fish compost in it.
The website lists various outlets on the Island where these products can be acquired.
Dear Helen: Do Lenten roses need pruning? If so, when and how is it done?
P.H.
Lenten roses (Helleborus hybridus) benefit from the removal of over-wintered foliage in late winter.
Cutting off the old leaves before flower buds emerge makes way for all-fresh, tidy growth and at the same time removes a possible source of fungal infection.
Clean the ground thoroughly after pruning, and apply a fresh mulch layer of a nutritious compost over the roots.
Garden events
Native plant meeting. The Native Plant Study Group will meet on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. in Room D 228 of UVic's MacLaurin Building. Terry McIntosh will present "Celebration of Camus Hill & My Friend Moralea Milne." Moralea has set aside Camas Hill to be preserved as a conservation jewel. Non-member drop-in fee $3. Students free. Parking cost $3. npsg.ca
Chrysanthemum meeting. The Victoria Chrysanthemum Society will meet at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 1647 Chandler Ave. The meeting will feature a greenhouse tour.
Pruning party. B.C. Fruit Testers are hosting a free pruning party from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Rd. in Victoria. Follow the signs to P7 carpark, which is pay parking. Bring secateurs for some hands-on experience. Further information at [email protected].
Seedy in Sooke. The Sooke Food CHI (Community Health Initiative) Society will present Seedy Saturday, Sooke’s one-day seed and local food growing event, on Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Rd., opposite the Legion on Eustace Rd. The day will showcase a range of seed and plant vendors, a seed exchange table, educational displays featuring information on everything from composting to keeping bees, workshops, and a Kids Zone for a great family-friendly event.
