Question
Hi, My husband and I recently built a wood planter for our front patio.  Its about 6 inches deep and 4 or 5 inches wide and about 8 to 9 feet long, its built to fit our patio wall which is an L shape.  SO planter aside.  We live in San Diego and my patio is in the sun 90% of the day.  When I went to get the flowers for our planter I made sure that they were all meant for FULL SUN, since the last batch I had in Hawaii burnt up because of to much sun.  I have given them fertilizer spikes, I have sprinkled plant food pellets into the soil, I have watered them thoroughly at least every other day, but they are still drying out and the flower petals feel like the tissue you would use in a gift.  its crumbly and the petals break off.  I mostly have Marigolds planted since those came in the most variety of color.  My question is what am I doing wrong?  They are slowly dying.   Any advice you can give me is greatly appreciated.  We spent alot of money and time building the planter I would really hate not to be able to use it :(

Answer
Tom,

Watering them every other day is keeping them wet constantly. I believe that you may be overwatering them. They are not swamp plants. I reccommend you go to Lowes or Walmart and pick up a water meter. They cost $5.00 - $10.00. That will tell you when the plants are getting into the dry zone. Thatis when you need to water them. Plants roots need to breathe in carbon dioxide through their roots and breathe out oxygen through their leaves as part of the growing process. When the soil is constantly wet water replaces all the carbon dioxide in the soil and they cannot get what they need. Then the roots begin to rot and you have the exact problems that you are having. Pick up that water meter and that will help solve your problem. You might also try some geraniums with your marigolds. They look good together and they can also take full sun. Good luck.

Darlene