Question
Hi C.L.,

This question may bore you, as my plant is not unusual, I hope that you don't mind.  

We have several large Geraniums on our deck that are not doing so well.  Since, they began blooming more and more leaves are dropping (yellow -> brown), thus thinning out the entire plant.  Even the baby leaves on the stems are browning.  In additon to the leaves dropping, some which I understand is natural, the stems are rotting then drying out.  Specifically, the leaves fall off, there is no new growth, then the stalk/stem becomes hollow.  

Last summer these Geraniums were gorgeous and full.  We were careful to protect them from frost and I hope that I can keep them for a long time.

Some Info:
1. They receive morning and afternoon sun (almost full sun)
2. We water everyday because of the heat.  But, not excessively.  (Texas 90-100F).
3. I fertilize 2-3 weeks with a rotation of Miracle Gro (basic and bloom boost)

It rained for almost the whole month of May, but other than that the nothing has changed since last summer.

I have some digital pictures that I can send to you to assist in identifying the problem.  Any help or assistance is greatly appreciated.  I would like to care for these plants in the correct manner and keep them healthy.  


Thank you in advance,
Courtney  

Answer
Courtney,
The answer to your geranium problem is contained in your statement that "It rained for almost the whole month of May..."  this is the kiss of death for geraniums.  They like to go dry before watering, and they HATE constant moisture and having their leaves kept damp.  Such conditions cause just the symptoms you describe.  At this point, you could take cuttings from the tops of the plants that might still be good, but these would take a couple of months to root and fill out.  It might be faster to buy new plants, and put them in new soil, if your old ones are too scrawny or dead.  OR you could cut them back if the stems haven't rotted.  If you keep the old ones, let them go dry (but not wilted) before you water, and give them some time-release fertilizer.

Let me know if you have other questions,
C.L. Fornari
www.gardenlady.com