Re: HYB: question - lining out seedlings in summer

Thanks Griff.  I can do that much, I think.
In the past, seems like as long as there has been soil moisture at time of planting, they've done ok, but it's been several years since we've had any moisture this time of year. And I don't think I've <ever> tried to plant the really tiny ones this late.
With my gravel, water won't puddle unless the whole field is underwater <g>, but that just means it takes less water to be sure the plants have access to it. I'll try to give them a good soaking every few days or whenever the surface loses it's moist look.
I know what you mean about survival this time of year - the ranks of lovely seedlings from this winter, that thrived on Miracle Gro potting mix, thrived even more after lining out in April, are now thinning out from summer soft rot. Some crosses are still 100% survivors, but those summer dry selected genes from CA/OR/OZ are showing themselves here and there.
And of course, it seems like it's always the biggest, fastest growing ones. The ones that put their energy into growth instead of defenses. :-(
<Linda -- I just lined out this year's seedlings last week -- delayed a month or more by rain. I have planted almost this late once before, and they did fine. I water them with a sprinkler until they puddle (30 - 45 minutes, depending on bed size) every three days, if it doesn't rain, until September. I plant the "really tiny ones" too. Sometimes they make it and sometimes larger ones fail. -- Griff > 

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