I'm in Southern CA. It used to be orange groves where I live; about 60 years ago they got rid of the oranges and built what is now my neighborhood. The soil has a lot of clay in it.
A few years ago I transplanted some rhizomes. I had some growing in orange plastic Homer buckets from HD with holes drilled for drainage, and I was basically neglecting them. I dug holes in my clay soil, about 3 feet across, a couple of feet deep, and transferred the rhizomes from the Homer buckets to the holes, putting in some Miracle-Gro potting soil as needed. At first, these rhizomes responded nicely, but last year a couple of them died, and the two which remain seem very anemic. Last year they exhibited very limited growth, with the cones appearing stunted (undersized) relative to what I had experienced.
My usual watering method is to put a hose on a timer, and let it trickle water around the crown for 5-10 minutes. I don't think I am overwatering, but what do I know? Around this time of year, I might dissolve some Miracle-Gro into a watering can and give each plant a 1/2 gallon or so from time to time.
Long story short, I got some new rhizomes from Freshops last month. I dug out the dead crowns, and opened up the holes a bit, filling them with new Ocean Forest potting soil. I put a 1/2" layer of ground pumice in the bottom of each hole to aid with drainage/moisture control. Hopefully, these will do well; I'll be more careful with my watering.
But I am wondering if there is anything I can do to salvage the three+ year old plants. I mulch them with coffee grounds, and I do have a compost tumbler. Someone I know suggests that I try making a compost tea, which I have never tried. A guy in the store where I bought the Ocean Forest also suggested that I try vertical mulching (dig/bore a hole, fill with Ocean Forest). I'm open to any suggestions, including digging these underperformers out.
A few years ago I transplanted some rhizomes. I had some growing in orange plastic Homer buckets from HD with holes drilled for drainage, and I was basically neglecting them. I dug holes in my clay soil, about 3 feet across, a couple of feet deep, and transferred the rhizomes from the Homer buckets to the holes, putting in some Miracle-Gro potting soil as needed. At first, these rhizomes responded nicely, but last year a couple of them died, and the two which remain seem very anemic. Last year they exhibited very limited growth, with the cones appearing stunted (undersized) relative to what I had experienced.
My usual watering method is to put a hose on a timer, and let it trickle water around the crown for 5-10 minutes. I don't think I am overwatering, but what do I know? Around this time of year, I might dissolve some Miracle-Gro into a watering can and give each plant a 1/2 gallon or so from time to time.
Long story short, I got some new rhizomes from Freshops last month. I dug out the dead crowns, and opened up the holes a bit, filling them with new Ocean Forest potting soil. I put a 1/2" layer of ground pumice in the bottom of each hole to aid with drainage/moisture control. Hopefully, these will do well; I'll be more careful with my watering.
But I am wondering if there is anything I can do to salvage the three+ year old plants. I mulch them with coffee grounds, and I do have a compost tumbler. Someone I know suggests that I try making a compost tea, which I have never tried. A guy in the store where I bought the Ocean Forest also suggested that I try vertical mulching (dig/bore a hole, fill with Ocean Forest). I'm open to any suggestions, including digging these underperformers out.