Tricks to Success in the South

Gardening in the intense heat and often difficult soils of the southern United States can be a challenge. A recent visitor to the "Homegrown" radio show (Martha Stewart Living Radio Sirius 112) reminded us about the fundamental ways to overcome those obstacles. Horticultural science professor John Dole of North Carolina State University recommends these basic practices:  Try to site your plantings in shadier areas when possible, instead of full sun. Afternoon shade, in particular, is important to give many plants a fighting chance--create some by smart placement of trees and large shrubs to shade smaller things.  Use mulches liberally; don't skimp.  A few inches of a fine-textured organic mulch (like composted wood chips, ground leaves or leaf mold, shredded straw, or pine needles) should top beds at all times.  Replenish regularly as the material breaks down into the underlying soil.  In clayey areas, raise your beds--mound up soil to create well-drained planting spaces, or actually build walled beds.  In the first few years, while working to build up your soil in a new area by adding lots of compost and regular mulch, Dole recommends growing annuals--don't put in your permanent crops until the soil is improved.  Want to learn more? Visit the J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, part of the N.C. State system, or visit it online for information about plants suited to tough Southern conditions.

Comments

[Amy]

I have a beautiful cypress lined Italian style garden on 2 acres in Texas. On each side of the cypresses, I have Hybrid Roses. I would love to create beds of flowers that are elegant and cured on the adjacent sides, behind the roses. I need help, because all of the lovely
flowers that I like are not easily grown here. Any suggestions for
substitutes for peonies, hyrdangeas,or foxgloves? How can I create that elegant look?

In my courtyard, I had wonderful success with my meyer lemons in Italian terracotta vases and the white begonias that I planted at the base are stunning. These sit
against a fig ivy filled courtyard, beautiful!

I need suggestions on how to create
that mixed border of perennials on either of these sides. The beds run north to south in length, but mostly full sun. If you have any info or sites to suggest, I am all ears. It is frustrating because while the most professional lanscaper in this area is reputable, he has not been able to understand my style.
thanks.

[John Trosko]

I was following Homegrown for a while, and now, it's dormant. Any chance it's going to re-sprout in time for Spring?

- John

[Kevin Graves]

In this the February MSL Living, the house with the flower pots painted purple-blue, they mention the invisible clips that hold them up, unseen. No mention was made in the guide where these could be purchased. Do you two know where they can be purchased? That is a wonderful, wonderful idea!

LOVE homegrown and the Magazines.

[Jane Ireland]

My husband and I just bought our first house in VA. I am new to gardening and was hoping you could give me some guiding tips for a beginner.

Thanks!