Hot Weather, Long Sun Exposure, Watering Question

WEC

Member
I have a place to grow that cannot be visited very often. It will be in direct sunlight all day in hot GA.

I have made holes in preparation 10" deep 18" across with a 2 foot deep post hole measuring from the bottom of the first hole.
I made the deep post hole in theory of filling it all with a rich topsoil, walmart bagged manure @ 90% topsoil, 10% manure with occasional marble sized rocks.
I am hoping this center deep hole will aid the plant to go without me watering it for a while being it can access the depth later in its life span.
The ground seems to be a gray colored topsoil for the first foot or so and clay starts a foot below the larger hole floor and seems not to be a hard clay and is moist to the touch. It feels like there is some sand in it.

I ask what do you think of my theory?
At what point would the plant be sending a tap root deep enough into the post hole?
How often do you think it would need water if rainfall weather was normal or short?
 

frmrboi

Well-Known Member
I ask what do you think of my theory?
At what point would the plant be sending a tap root deep enough into the post hole?
How often do you think it would need water if rainfall weather was normal or short?
your theory is sound, it would take a few weeks for the tap root to strike down that deep. With clay soil you should have a better moisture reserve.
I would have loosened all the subsoil below your 10" deep soil.
Below is a copy and paste of that technique:
This is what's called the double dug raised bed method of gardening:
You dig out all your good topsoil and pile it off to the side of your hole or bed (onto a tarp or sheet of plastic)
Now you have your hardpan exposed. You get your hands on what's called a spading fork, (looks like a extra heavy duty small pitchfork) You drive that fork to the hilt into the hard pan, if you hit a rock move over a bit till you can sink it as deep as the fork will allow. You rock the fork a bit to loosen up that spot then move over a few inches and repeat until the entire bottom has been worked. You do not have to turn it over just loosen it. Sprinkle crushed gyproc over the top, about a handful to a square foot.
You then return your topsoil and amendments (a great time to blend them together) ontop of the subsoil.
This is reported to increase yield in a garden by up to 7 fold (I've never seen that kind of results)
 

WEC

Member
While I have your ear I would like to hear your words on the below. I get too many varied opinions in searches. Thanks.

Seedlings in solo cups are sprouting.
Do I leave them in the dark for a while?
Or can I put them in indirect sunlight say under an awning where the walls are yellow and the light reflection is high?
I'm confused as what to do at this stage.
 

frmrboi

Well-Known Member
Seedlings in solo cups are sprouting..
as in the seeds haven't broke the surface ?
then leave them in the dark, on top of your hot water heater tank is a nice warm spot.
If they've just sprouted you can put them in FULL SUN.
 

WEC

Member
They have broken the surface and are hooked downward, some with the husks still on. They just came up over night. I'm using Jiffy Mix Premium Seed Starting Soil from Lowe's. I'm a bit paranoid about putting them under the sun but if you say so.
 

frmrboi

Well-Known Member
They have broken the surface and are hooked downward, some with the husks still on. They just came up over night. I'm using Jiffy Mix Premium Seed Starting Soil from Lowe's. I'm a bit paranoid about putting them under the sun but if you say so.
that's perfect timing as they won't need to readjust to full sunlight.
I've sprouted in an August heat wave outdoors, full sun.
 

WEC

Member
It scary. I read all over the net how not to put them in the sun for a while. But yet in nature they would be.

Would you use miracle grow on them? I have a gallon that calls for a table spoon and have added only a half a thimble to it and have an eye dropper. I was thinking of just adding a touch.

Thanks
 

frmrboi

Well-Known Member
It scary. I read all over the net how not to put them in the sun for a while. But yet in nature they would be.

Would you use miracle grow on them? I have a gallon that calls for a table spoon and have added only a half a thimble to it and have an eye dropper. I was thinking of just adding a touch.

Thanks
nope, no nutes for the first week or so.
 
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