Question:
This summer, I planted three Coleus in pots and grew them in partial shade. They're doing well. Will they survive the winter, or should I bring them inside?Answer:
- Coleus will not survive the winter months outside because of the cold.
- They can be grown indoors; however, your biggest challenge is preventing the growth from getting leggy. These issues are related to the low light condition found in most homes.
- This may or may not be an issue depending on your overall plan. If protecting them from the cold is your main objective, then it's not a big deal. All you need to do is keep them watered. You'll need to move them into a heated room so a garage is not suitable. They'll grow more compactly in cooler rooms kept under seventy-five degrees.
- In late March, you move them outside, cut back the growth and feed them. I prefer Osmocote as you'll only need to reapply the nutrients every four months, but there are plenty of other excellent options. Your local nursery professional can suggest alternatives.
Question:
My lawn is dead from the lack of water since I did not water it all summer. Is there anything I can do to help it come back this winter? It's really crunchy and brown with lots of bare spots.Answer:
- Once a lawn has turned brown from the lack of water, there isn't a magic solution one can do to revive it. They will restore themselves from the roots early enough if you catch it early enough. But once the roots are gone, you have to start over.
- Many seasonal types of grass turn brown or go dormant during the summer months but still require some moisture. With the rainy season, they'll green up. Typically, a straw-colored grass that's crunchy is past the revival point.
- Reseeding a lawn now is not an option as the grass seed germinates poorly with the short days and cool nights. You'll need to wait until next March.
- You could lay sod now as long as the ground was not saturated. Another option is to replant with a water-wise lawn substitute in the spring.
- The nursery professional at your favorite garden center can suggest some ornamental plants. Drought tolerant plants require watering during the summer but don't require as much as a lawn and less when established after a couple of growing seasons. However, doing nothing is not advisable, as your property value will suffer.
- One lesson from previous droughts is that the cost to replace a lawn, mature trees, and shrubs is not offset by not watering your plants.