Question:
.Is it too late to divide and transplant my Daylilies? Is the foliage usually cut back after they finish blooming? If so, how far back are they trimmed?Answer:
- Unless you really had to, I'd probably wait and not move the plants now.
- Daylilies are best relocated and divided from October through the end of March. I wouldn't cut the foliage off after flowering. Instead, I'd wait until the winter months and then cut the foliage off at the ground, as they do get shabby looking from the winter storms and cold. Transplanting could be done early or later as it doesn't matter to the plants. I prefer later as the green foliage is far more visibly pleasing than the short stubble left after the ground-level pruning.
- Those plants moved or divided in the fall and winter months produce no new growth until the following spring. Before transplanting, I would cut the foliage back to the ground, making it easier to move the plant(s).
- Using a round nose shovel, sever the lateral roots around the clump(s), then gently lift the clump(s) out of the ground. Next, you slice the clumps in half or quarters depending on their size with a pruning saw, hand shears, or shovel. Before replanting, remove any of the loose debris from the clumps(s).
- I would dig a hole that is twice to three times as wide as the clump(s) and add plenty of homemade compost, soil conditioner, or blended mixes to the native soil. Also, add a handful of starter fertilizer to the bottom of the hole. Moving and dividing Daylilies isn't tricky, and you have a high success ratio.
Question:
I'm going to recycle my indoor water to water my plants. Will I have to add any additional chemicals to the water? I vaguely remember something about zinc and iron.Answer:
- It's not necessary to supplement Greywater with any additives when using it to water outside plants.
- Greywater is defined as "Untreated wastewater from clothes washers, showers, bathtubs, bathroom sinks, and laundry tubs." The untreated wastewater from kitchen sinks, dishwashers, or toilets, referred to as Black Water, is prohibited.
- Most home plumbing systems can be modified to capture Greywater, but you'll need to check to see the requirements in your local area.
- Vegetables can be watered with Greywater as long as the water doesn't contact the edible parts. You will have to change the laundry and bathing products you use to those that are plant-friendly.
- You need to avoid bleach, dyes, bath salts, cleanser, shampoos with unpronounceable ingredients, and no products containing boron.
- Greywater needs to be used quickly, as it's recommended that you don't store it for more than twenty-four hours. Watering basins around plants is desirable as it minimizes runoff and acts as a percolation basin.
- The utilization of Greywater is advantageous for sustainable ecosystems, but it's not right for everyone. Also, I'd check with your local water district as they should have information posted on their website.