Hey everyone! I recently set up a mini pond and have a small area that I'm hoping to use for a planter with some bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia). I've read that these plants prefer moist soil, and I'm trying to figure out a creative way to keep the soil in a planter (approximately 70 cm long, 20 cm wide, and 25 cm high) moist without having to water it daily.
Here's my question: Would using thick, short lengths of rope to draw water from the pond through capillary action work? And do you think that would provide enough moisture for the rosemary? I'd really prefer not to put the planter directly in the pond, and I'm looking for any suggestions or experiences—please feel free to share!
1 Answer
That's a neat idea, but keep in mind that a planter that small might struggle to retain moisture consistently. You could think about extending the bog area instead—maybe using a larger liner or something. What kind of soil do you usually have?
My soil is pretty neutral, around 6.5 pH. I thought about using the planter to help achieve the acidity the RHS mentions, but I guess I’m feeling a bit unsure if this is the right route. I just want to utilize that area instead of just leaving it bare!
You might want to check out some bog garden resources. You could skip the planter and just have a raised edge to separate it from your pond for better moisture retention!