Question
Hello there!
I am writing today to ask you about my patio that i am anxious to start getting ideas for once spring rolls around.
last year i noticed how hot it got with the midday sun and a bit of evening that i just got so frustrated because of everything wilting before i could catch it that i have potted mostly succulents on the patio. i have read a bit and know that the midday sun is not the best for plants, but loving plants and constantly wanting to plant things i have become so frustrated. i am curious if you could give me any plant suggestions for out there. this year i would like to try some herbs just for looks, tomatoes and possibly morning glories and clematis on my trellis. should i try to block some light from the patio at all? towards the door there is more shade and in the corners, but i know plants need light and i just feel if i block the sun out they will not survive.

do you have any suggestions or even books i could look into? oh and i live in southern california if that helps. :-)

thanks so much for your time.

Lauren

Answer
A key to knowing what will grow best where, is reading about where the plant comes from. If it comes from the Mediterranean, or Mexico, or Austrailia, chances are good that it will take hot, dry, conditions. These plants often look differant then plants that prefer moist, cool, conditions. They are often tougher looking, with woody stems and gray leaves, like lavender, rosemary, sage or thyme. As you can see, many of the herbs do well in those conditions. They have adapted because of the environment they originated from. The best book I could recommend is the Sunset Western Garden Book.
Next, it is important to know how to plant and maintain these plants. I use superabsorbent polymers, (a granular that turns to gel when it comes in contact with water.)mixed into a potting soil, that has peat and other moisture retaining additives in it. There are soil mixes that have everything already added. Be sure that the pot is the right size for the plant. If the pot is too large or too small, it will effect the moisture level. Using a layer of pebbles on top of the soil will retain moisture and shade the soil from the sun.
I would not plant tomatoes or morning glory, or clematis unless you can put them on the east side of you house, so that they are shaded in the hottest part of the afternoon. I have hot sun here as well, and I have had success with these plants by giving them plenty of shade from noon on.

bakerplanter