Re: Hypertufa troughs

I plant my troughs permanently and replace dead plants or soil mix on the
top if it doesn't seem right.  Most losses are in the summer.  I make my own
troughs, usually with sand.  I know that if it was any colder than zone five
I would have a lot more winter losses.  One thing I learned recently was
that using a mineral supplement for steppe plants that don't bloom well make
a significant difference.  The challenge for me is the hot humid weather.
It is easier to protect against winter cold than is to protect against
summer heat.  Around December 15  I surround the trough areas with leaf
bags.  If it starts to be really severe winter I put  fiberglass panels that
are framed with 2x2's on the top.  I huddle my smaller troughs in between
the larger troughs.  I have a couple of portable coldframes that I use for
semi-tender plants such as Raoulia or Calceolaria.  I set up these
coldframes around semi-tender perennials or shrubs.  That is how I have a
Daphne odora although it really wants to bloom in February so most of it's
blooming season is in the coldframe.  Right now I am entering the dying
season for alpines.  Whenever the nighttime lows are near 70 problems start.
That is why being able to hose down troughs during humid weather without
rotting the plants is so important.  That is much more difficult in the
ground.  One advantage I have is that I work nights so I am able to observe
and tend to plants during the daytime.  A new trough I made was using
recycled granite in the soil mix.  The plants really love it.  It is much
sharper than pea gravel.  It is so sharp that it will cut your hands if you
don't wear gloves.
Frank Cooper zone 5
Central Illinois

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