Create Your Dream Garden 
Tip of the Week: Planting in Dry Shade
Submitted by mgodfrey on January 25, 2010 – 12:01 amNo Comment
Follow these tips to overcome one of a green thumb’s biggest challenges: gardening in dry shade.
- Choose plants that tolerate drought, and water them regularly. Resist the temptation to water them frequently, so that they won’t begin to expect it.
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer. Adding compost or manure to the soil in a one- to two-inch layer (no thicker) seems to give a boost.
- Don’t plant or mulch closer than 18 inches to a tree trunk.
- Avoid cutting any tree roots more than two inches thick, as this will adversely affect the tree.
- Plant small plants in individual holes, rather than preparing a large bed for big transplants. Smaller plants adapt better than big ones, finding their own paths for their roots. They also require less water while they get established.
Click here to see the best plants for dry shade
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