Gardening Question from Debbie:

I have this pot outside in my garden in a location where it receives morning shade but direct sun most all afternoon. It did well for a while; then all leaves dropped but coming back now as soon as I watered less.

How often should I water this pot?? and what do I fertilize it with and how often?

Answer from Pat:

Dear Debbie:

Water once a week. Fertilize throughout the warm months with Miracle Grow every two weeks according to package directions. (This feeding should replace watering.) I am an organic gardener and generally do not believe in using Miracle Grow, but in this specific case I know it works. Never use this product to fertilize any plants growing in the ground since doing so causes runoff into ground water and this product is not the right formula for western soils. I am recommending it for you since I have seen beautiful potted bougainvilleas that are fed this way. Clip back throughout warm weather after each wave of bloom, cutting off the parts that have bloomed. Bougainvillea blooms on new growth.