pots in full sun
- To: "Siberian Robin"
- Subject: [sibrob] pots in full sun
- From: H* P*
- Date: Tue, 25 May 1999 08:37:38 -0700
From: "Harold Peters" <harold@directcon.net>
I conducted a less than scientific experiment last year with another aspect
of potting irises. I do this enjoyable task in July, August, September and
October. There are times when the temperatures are in the 100s. The
experiment was to initially place the pots in the shade of an oak tree. I
keep the pots in 1"x8" redwood frames that are 5' by 8'. The primary purpose
of the frames is to protect the sides of the pots from direct sunlight. Each
frame holds 150 pots. I have two frames under the oak tree. I fill the
frames as I am potting. When the second frame gets full, I transfer the
first frame to the regular frames in the full sun. The several weeks to a
month in the filtered shade allows the transplants to get off to an
excellent start before having to cope with full daytime conditions. I would
recommend this technique for anyplace with rather fierce daytime conditions,
and particularly so with pots whose sides are exposed to the sun. I water
the potted iris twice a week during hot conditions. Most iris will normally
grow very well in shade, its just that they don't bloom in too much shade.
Giving the plants shade when they are first transplanted greatly reduces the
stress on the plant when it is at its weakest. I plan on continuing the
system I tested last year even though it is a lot more work.
The less than scientific part was that I did not keep detailed records to
compare the ultimate performance of those given shade and those moved
directly to full sun. The visually comparison of the two different systems
after a month to 6 weeks was substantial.
Currently, there is a view on my web site (Garden Status page) that shows
the pots in the frames if anyone wants more background information about the
general conditions. The view is almost straight west.
Harold Peters
Beautiful View Iris Garden,
El Dorado Hills, CA USDA zone 9
harold@directcon.net http://www.beautiful-view-iris.com
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