A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 Still need Ajuga help

Update on the Ajugas:
I planted some more about 3 weeks ago.
Some were starting to look like they were dying
already last weekend.
I read that planting them too deep or having them in soil that is not well draining is the most common problems.
I dug up half of them, added peat moss and tried to plant them not as deep.
I'm getting really frustrated because I don't know what I'm doing wrong & I'm wasting money in the process.
Could the problem just be that my soil is not good??
I think I need to hire someone who knows what they are doing to come help me.
Tammy

It seems like my ajuga took a few years to really look good and take off. Might leave them be at this point, and see what they do next year. ???

I planted like 12 of them last spring and this year nothing came back, so I added peat moss and fertilizer and planted more this year.
They are already starting to look like the ones I planted last year.
Tammy

some of mine are in some really poor soil& others are in richer soil,they do better with sun,but can thrive in shade.I can't say I always use good garden manners either......Just days ago I was digging some hibiscus seedlings to relocate and an ajuga plant came'unearthed' I kinda rudely stuck shovel in spot wiggled a space shoved plant back in& stepped on it and have keept that spot watered.Now I got some baby off sets off some I planted in a bed which the whole bed actully ain't too happy,but the ajuga moved there is just sitting looking the same,(But I kinda think that beds soil is like concrete& will likely be doing another plant move-about from that bed to revamp it)
So hows your soil texture wise?I have a 4 way analizer to check my soil,but it don't help me nutrient wise.just PH/Fertilizer& moisture& lighting.
Describe their look of death,leaves shrivleing or drying or turning colors.
Besides adding peat to bed you can add organic mix or mushroom compost its just a $1 a bag or they'll have an azealia mix for acid plantings or a landscape mix.

The soil is probably not very good.
I noticed when I was planting there wasn't many worms.
Even though I already planted, can I still fix the soil?
For my next project, I will be sure the soil is ready first.
Anyways, this is what they look like.
The pic was taken at night, so it didn't turn out so good. Ajuga

Ajuga............Needs Well Drained acid Loom soil........
However it doesnt like real dry either.

dodge

"acid loom soil"

Dodge,
I'm a beginner, so could you please explain.
Tammy

Young transplants need to be watered daily until they get settled in, especially if they are planted in the sun. Once they are established, they aren't really picky about conditions. I have them in full sun, part sun, full shade, etc. and the soil is different in all the beds. But they are all thirsty critters. Could you possibly take another picture that shows more detail and isn't washed out from too much sunlight? In the picture you posted, the plant appears to be in a rock bed\garden???

Acidy Loom soil..such as clay soil.

Like for instance Azaleas like acidy soil.. You can do that by puttin teaspoon of vinegar to a gallon of water..

Make any sense?

dodge

TulsaRose,
I will take a new pic tomorrow.
The other was taken at night.
This is the area where the ajugas are trying to grow, as border.
front yard
Tammy

Tammy, that bed is beautiful...really nice job! Just be patient with your Ajugas and as I said before, be sure they don't get too thirsty but not water-logged. When they eventually take off, your border will look terrific.

planting newb

WOw your sure a good newbie......did you lay the block yourself?

dodge

Dodge,
My other half did the blocks, he's more of a perfectionist.
ajuga
ajuga 2
You might be right, maybe I didn't water them enough.
I also amended the soil this time, last time I did nothing but water.
I'm learning.

Plantingnewb

That is great ...Family harmony........ajuga, I thought looked like a primrose...

Dont worry too much of it ....Some plants are just down right stubborn.....Lots die for me ..
Just when you think you know what your doing , mother nature deals a suprise..

Keep gardening.

dodge

Dodge,
Thanks for the encouragement!
Tammy

Well, Tammy, at this stage, looks like Time and Mother Nature will determine how your Ajuga makes out. I would give it a diluted fertilizer drink about once a week for awhile and hope for the best. Mine are so old and established, it's hard to remember when they were tiny plants like yours. :-) Don't give up!!!

I have always neglected mine and they have seemed to flourish. This spring I have started moving it to under our deck. So far, so good...

Dianna

Dixie

Perhaps it is a shade lover.....SOme are and some arent.

dodge

TulsaRose,
I will try the fertilizer drink and see what happens.
My problem is that I am very impatient.
Thanks
Tammy