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formerly RGG

I know everyone complains in the Spring about cold and rainy weather & how Carolina Cross plants don't like to grow much in these conditions. I know the soil has to be warm to be more biologically active and that photosynthesis probably is faster in warmer temps. However, I think strong sunshine is the key ingredient in making these plants grow. Many of us have problems with leggy plants in the Spring and that isn't because there isn't enough heat. Indeed, too much heat is often part of the problem. The plants want to grow fast when there is plenty of heat but get leggy when there isn't enough light for leaf growth to keep up with stem growth. So, HID lights & or lots of sunshine & this problem will never be a problem for you. If you will look at entry 23 on my diary, you may be able to notice I have taken small new branches that are being shaded by large leaves and propped them up between the lobes of the large leaf above. This allows them to get direct sunlight and I have found they will grow much faster this way and get out from under the shade of the large leaf. If these new branches are in too much shade for too long they may languish there for a lot longer & never develop to their full potential. I know this is a lot of trouble & not everyone has time to do this but perhaps for a crazy few fanatics like myself it may be of some use.

5/27/2010 9:22:43 PM

Western PA

Great tip, and I have the time.
Lee

5/29/2010 5:18:50 PM

formerly RGG

The thing is you have to be careful as these newly forming runners are very tender and snap easily.If you get them too young they're not long enough to fit and also the wind will blow them out of place sometimes. They grow fast and won't need to stay in that position for more than a day or two. This does work for me though and I like to think I'm doing everything I can to do as good as possible.

5/29/2010 5:55:45 PM