Why are some of my plants discolored?

[Ridgerunner]

I think you figured it out, that clay soil is staying too wet. If marigolds can't make it then it has to be bad. So yes, lots of organic material and/or compost. Look at your drainage too. Can you help yourself with some type of drainage trench or ditch?

I also suggest you get a soils analysis, your county extension office should be able to help you with that. That will tell you the pH, which is very important, and should identify any nutritional shortage or excess. An excess of one can block the absorption of another.

 

[EKYHomesteader]

So, plot twist... I am leaning more towards fertilizer burn. I am going to take my plants to the extension agent tomorrow to get them checked out. So, of my plants in the same rows look great.

IF it is fertilizer burn, I am going to replace the plants. Any idea on how long to wait before replacing them?

 

[catjac1975]

You are going to replace them because of that tinge of purple color? Are they all they same variety or are the purple colored ones a different kind?? I grow around 20 different varieties or more. They grow at different rates and look all different in many ways..

 

[EKYHomesteader]

You are going to replace them because of that tinge of purple color? Are they all they same variety or are the purple colored ones a different kind?? I grow around 20 different varieties or more. They grow at different rates and look all different in many ways..

I'm replacing the plants that have died. I am pretty it was fertilizer burn.

 

[ninnymary]

Did the leaves start getting crispy around the edges? Do you fertilize heavily? With what and how often?

Mary

 

[flowerbug]

So, plot twist... I am leaning more towards fertilizer burn. I am going to take my plants to the extension agent tomorrow to get them checked out. So, of my plants in the same rows look great.

IF it is fertilizer burn, I am going to replace the plants. Any idea on how long to wait before replacing them?

just mix the soil in that location again and replant into there. my rule of thumb when using chemical fertilizers in the past was to use only a little and to only apply when the plants were actively growing. now i just use worms and put it down only for the plants that are the heaviest feeders and then i rotate plant through that area for a few years after before having to reapply.

 

[EKYHomesteader]

just mix the soil in that location again and replant into there. my rule of thumb when using chemical fertilizers in the past was to use only a little and to only apply when the plants were actively growing. now i just use worms and put it down only for the plants that are the heaviest feeders and then i rotate plant through that area for a few years after before having to reapply.

Typically, I don't use them. I utilize compost, manure, and manure tea during the season and outside of the season. However, this year I am returning to the garden after a three year sabbatical. So, I was rushing things...

 

[EKYHomesteader]

Did the leaves start getting crispy around the edges? Do you fertilize heavily? With what and how often?

Mary

Yes, very crispy. Triple 10. A hand full per plant.

 

[ninnymary]

Yes, very crispy. Triple 10. A hand full per plant.

A whole hand full! Yikes! Yep, they are burned from too much fertilizer. I sprinkle very little in each whole when I plant them.

Mary

 

[catjac1975]

Yes, very crispy. Triple 10. A hand full per plant.

I am a big proponent of reading directions.