I am not going to bore you with a song for children, nor will I throw in the odd “Dear Liza” or “Dear Henry”, but I will tell you about the impending disaster in the garden. As I have mentioned in recent posts it has been rather wet in Sydney. The garden initially loved this, and much of it still does, however the cucumbers do not.
Basically the issue is that the soil has become water logged due to not enough holes in the tub. This was the first of the recycling tubs converted to sizeable planters. It has exposed a problem with the design. Basically I need to double the number of drainage holes in the tub to allow sufficient run off of excessive water.
The soil is now a rather wet sludge and if I was to attempt to pour the excess water out I am fearful that the entire soil structure will also float out. Now that would not be an issue given there is a spare, though rain water filled, crate that could be used to replace it once converted in the now proven design. However, I do not want to cause the plants even more shock by transplanting the cucumbers given they will also be suffering relocation stress due to their impending move to Wollongong.
Thus, I am in a pickle as to which way to jump. Do I transplant and take my chances? Or do I wait it out? I will be taking a look tomorrow when hopefully work pressures will be relieved. If there is still a pool I think my decision will be made for me and an emergency transplant will have to ensue. I will keep you posted.
I think if you transplant with that much water going on, there will be less ‘shock’ than usual.
Is there a place to put the whole tub under cover or put plastic over top like an umbrella to let it dry out some?
Plants have only a will to grow. If you really abuse them, they will do poorly. I think you will be ok with either the transplant or let it dry out some.
Another thought – can you drill holes in the tub with the cucumbers in it? That might be the best bet.
Pam Hoffman
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Hm, interesting puzzle. Can you drill some more holes from the outside?
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Definitely, drill holes from the outside. It should solve the problem. Although I guess, noticing the date of the post, you’ve already done something.
Plants have only a will to grow. If you really abuse them, they will do poorly. I think you will be ok with either the transplant or let it dry out some.