How to Choose Plants for Late Afternoon Sun
Plants grown in afternoon sun receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. Because this time of day generates the most heat, choose plants that will not dry out. Find out how much sun each area of your yard receives. Some areas may become shaded by your home or other vegetation. Draw a diagram of the yard to track sun exposure. Pick plants that are able to withstand the afternoon sun and provide adequate irrigation to minimize potential damage. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Stick a sun calculator in a container filled with soil to measure sun exposure. Wait 24 hours to get the results of the calculator.
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Choose a landscaping design. Various types of cacti, full-sun perennials or herbs like rosemary thrive in late afternoon sun. Decide if you want the area to blend with the rest of the landscaping or stand on its own. Rock gardens with succulents offer tranquil space in any yard.
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Find out how much moisture you have in your soil. Soil type determines what can grow in an area. Conduct a soil feel test by grabbing a handful of soil and squeezing. Soil that releases droplets of water is too wet, soil that breaks apart is too dry and soil that stays malleable in the hand has adequate moisture and drainage. Plant according to the moisture content of your soil or amend the soil with irrigation.
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Pick plants that fit your schedule. If you can't water in in the late afternoon, choose a plant that won't wilt without water, such as cacti. Be sure you can maintain the watering schedule required for the plants. Some plants can be watered once a week while other plants need constant moisture. For those who travel frequently, choose a plant that does not need to be watered often.
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Decide if you want to plant in containers or in the ground. Planting in containers gives you the freedom to move plants to the shade if you won't be there to monitor them. Planting in the ground allows you to use an irrigation system to water the plant.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask a nursery about a plant's preferred pH range, watering requirements and sun exposure.
Avoid watering plants in the morning to prevent water evaporation though out the day.
