* Succulents have shallow root systems and are easy to divide. When removing them from the nursery pot, be sure to shake the roots loose.
* This container garden is going to need six hours of sun each day, and don't water it more than twice a week. (This compares favorably with other container gardens that are going to require water twice a day before this summer is over.)
* You can under-water a succulent. You will notice that the plant will stop growing and there might be brown spots on the leaves. Conversely, soft, discolored leaves indicate over-watering.
* Succulents are more cold-tolerant than people think, but they will not winter-over in a pot out of doors. Bring it inside and sit it in a cool spot - succulents like a dormant cycle. It can go a month or more without water. Or, you can transfer the plants to the ground.
Succulents will have one more advantage come August: When gardening fatigue sets in late in the season, they can take care of themselves.
Contact us
For a story on canning vegetables, Susan Reimer is looking for someone who is an old hand at this summer tradition - or someone who is going to attempt it for the first time. Pickles, beets, beans, tomatoes? Those of you buying Mason jars this summer, step forward and e-mail susan.reimer@baltsun.com.
