Hey everyone! I'm new to patio gardening in Zone 9A and need some guidance on caring for my plants. My patio is mostly shaded, so I have to move my plants into the sun each day. Since I'm in Texas, I know the sun can be pretty intense!
How long should my plants be in full sun each day? I usually shift them around between 7:15 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. depending on my work schedule. Also, I'm curious about how often I should water them. Right now, I do my watering in the morning, but I've heard some folks say it's good to water at night too. Some plants say they only need watering every few days.
Here's my veggie list:
- Banana peppers
- Green bell peppers
- Green beans
- Lettuce
- Strawberries
- Summer squash
- Cucumbers
Any tips or advice on sun exposure and watering would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
1 Answer
In my experience down in Zone 10A (Central Florida), your veggies usually need about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Right now, the sun rises around 6:30 a.m. for me, so I have my plants getting full sun by 7 a.m. That typically gives them about 6 hours by peak UV time around 1-2 p.m. After that, I move them to a shadier spot on my patio until around 5-6 p.m. for a few final hours of sun. Also, be careful about sunburn—my tomatoes learned that the hard way!
For watering, I usually check the soil first. I water in the morning, and since I use mulch, it helps retain moisture. I generally water every 3-4 days depending on how dry it feels. Just remember to trust your instincts and check the moisture level!
I understand the struggle! I checked mine today and some were barely moist while others were soaked. I feel you on second-guessing everything as a fellow gardener with ADHD!