first time growing these

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Resonate, Feb 7, 2012.

  1. Resonate

    Resonate Gardener

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    i have planted some agapanthus yesterday the white and blue one,
    i also planted some lily of the valley,

    I have purchased a Astilbe and did not realise it say they like heavy soil or clay neither of which i have can i still plant it?
     
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    • PeterS

      PeterS Total Gardener

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      Hi Resonate - yes, of course you can. Most plants are pretty versatile. They may do even better on heavy soil - but I am sure they will do OK with you. They like the soil to be reasonably damp - which is probably why they like heavy soil. So find the dampest corner.
       
    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      What sort of soil have you got? Usually just mixing in some compost into the planting hole will help.

      I take it you don't have all this snow and ice? Our ground is frozen solid right now.
       
    • Kristen

      Kristen Under gardener

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      I wouldn't have said that Astilbes want heavy clay soil - they need a soil that is permanently moist, but you can achieve that by incorporating plenty of compost / leaf mould into the planting soil. Or build a nice big pond and plant the Astilbes as marginal plants :heehee:
       
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      • Resonate

        Resonate Gardener

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        Hello Again

        JWK: i have the snow and ice, and yes my soil is solid as a rock i have planted the Agapanthus and lillys in pots in one of for tier plastic grenhouse things in my laundry room wich is quite cool but free from frost i have a thermometer in the plastic greenhouse and it dont get below 10C.

        Kristen: i have a small fish pool about 3ft wide but it is raised.

        I dont know what to do now, as i live in a raised area and my soil dries out realy quick in the summer so its very good drainage, my soil is sandy soft.
         
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