Dry soil is not a problem - it is the preferred habitat of some of the showiest plants alive. Knowing the habitat of your plants is one of the most important rules when gardening. 🌸Flowers That Thrive on Neglect and Dry Soil: - Lavender — Fragrant spikes intensify in dry, lean soil; overwatering causes root rot and leggy, weak growth. (Boy do I know this one from my many failures with it.) - Black-eyed Susan — Prolific golden blooms on tough stems in dry ground; rich moist soil produces floppy plants with fewer flowers - Yarrow — Flat-topped flower clusters hold strong in drought; wet soil leads to mildew, crown rot, and sprawling stems - Sedum (Stonecrop) - Succulent leaves store water and deepen in color under stress; irrigation causes mushy growth and bloom failure - Coneflower — Tall sturdy blooms attract pollinators all summer in dry soil; overwatering weakens stems and invites fungal disease - Blanket flower — Non-stop red-and-gold blooms in poor dry ground; rich wet conditions shorten lifespan dramatically - Russian sage — Silvery stems and lavender clouds thrive in heat and drought; moist soil causes flopping and root death - Catmint — Dense purple spikes rebloom hard after cutting back in dry soil; wet feet cause dieback and sparse flowering - Lantana — Vibrant color clusters bloom heaviest in hot dry conditions; too much water promotes leaf growth over flowers

I would really like to know what everyone is hoping to gain from this course. I want everyone here to know that I am going to do my best to get you there. So drop a comment below, and let me know what your goals are.

Module 6 is dedicated to the effects of the sun and how you as a producer map out your vaults. This is a perfect example of different types of sun exposure that determines which vegetables thrive and which ones bolt, burn, or struggle! - Full sun beds with 8+ hours of direct light are perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and squash-they turn all that energy into delicious fruit! - Partial sun with 5-7 hours are great for root crops like carrots, beets, and turnips that focus their energy underground. - Partial shade areas with 3-5 hours work well for leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula that can bolt in too much heat. - Dappled shade under trees with 2-3 filtered hours can still nurture shade-tolerant herbs like mint, parsley, and chives without them becoming leggy. Remember, sunlight is the key factor that decides whether your plants struggle or thrive!

I have a confession to make. We all have that one plant that humbles us, and for me, it’s Bupleurum. Honestly, Bupleurum is notorious! It’s the "Student" that refuses to graduate no matter what I do. Even seasoned flower farmers treat it like a temperamental houseguest that won't leave, but also won't help with the dishes. Since we talk a lot in this group about the "Sprinters, Students, and Marathoners" concept, I’ve officially labeled Bupleurum the ultimate "Special Needs Student." It has such a specific set of biological triggers that if you miss even one, you’re left with a tray of dirt and zero germination. I’ve tried the deep freeze, the total darkness, direct fall planting and the cool soil tricks... and yet, my graveyard is full of them. Now I want to hear from you: 1. Who is the "Special Needs Student" in your garden? That one plant that requires a 5-page manual just to get it to sprout? 2. Or, has anyone here actually conquered Bupleurum? If you’ve managed to get this one to graduate, please drop your "Soil Fixer" secrets below and save me from my own frustration! Let’s troubleshoot our most stubborn plants together. 👇

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