Wilt-Reduction Strategies
Wherever possible, improve soil conditions before you plant. Adding organic material for nutrition and sand, peat moss and other drainage amendments gives your plants the best opportunity to send down strong, abundant roots, equipping the plants to survive stress of all kinds. Factor wilting into your garden plan, if you can. For example, all kinds of hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.), varieties of which are grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, are well known for wilting. Plant them where they get morning sun but get some afternoon shade. Keep an eye on annuals with broad leaf surfaces, like cucumbers (Cucumis sativas), and use their drooping leaves as an early-warning watering reminder. Watering techniques can decrease wilt. Deep-watering several times a week, rather than brief, daily watering, provides enough for growing plant roots in hot weather. Aim water at the roots when you water, and water the soil beyond the visible spread of branches. A thick layer of mulch keeps plant roots cooler and helps prevent water evaporating from the soil. Give wilted plants time to recover before declaring them dead -- wilting signals distress but also serves as a way for plants to survive it.
FROM YOUR FRIENDS, THE LATE BLOOMERS… BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!
