Looking on the bright side the dull summer means we should not be troubled so much by the dreaded red spider mite which has been rather a scourge during the last few hot summers.  As our beloved fuchsias are not keen on being baked in strong sunshine, preferring dappled shade especially at the roots, they seem to be quite happy with the present conditions and are growing well.
Should the weather improve dramatically and dry hot sunshine become the norm (well, one can dream!!) we ought to remember to damp down the gravel benches and/or the floor of our greenhouses well, several times on really hot days if possible, to ensure a more ambient temperature for fuchsias, couple this with good ventilation to keep a buoyant air circulation. Make sure too that the shading in still in place, the thin plastic pots that are commonly used nowadays provide very little protection from the strong sun rays and roots can literally get cooked. A good way to avoid this is to heel one pot into another a size or two larger with the void between the pots filled with moist sand.

Watering remains a problem area. As the plants get progressively more potbound and dry out so much more quickly, watering seems a never ending chore. It is imperative to water your plants early in the day, before the sun gets really hot (well, where you live at least!), or late in the day when the heat of the sun is going down, however, watering late at night causes the plants to transpire, allowing water droplets onto the edges of the leaves which bright early morning sun could scorch. Water from below or trickle it onto the compost carefully, making sure to avoid splashing or wetting the leaves or stems as droplets left on the leaves can act like a magnifying glass in the sun's rays and will scorch the foliage. If you do accidentally splash water droplets onto the foliage, just give the plant a gentle tap to disperse the water. You could water the plants from the bottom, via the saucers or by dipping the pots in trays of tepid water. However, be sure not to leave plants standing in water - soggy compost spells certain death for your fuchsias. Check trays and saucers after a while and remove surplus water.

When your plants have been potted on for the last time this season (check your show schedule to ensure your intended show plants are indeed in the correct size pots) they will need supplementary feeding as normal potting compost only contains enough food for three to six weeks. Remember that, depending on which brand you use, especially the cheaper multi-purpose composts don't contain much by way of nourishment, though other composts might on the other hand contain slow-release fertiliser and sustain growth for a much longer period.

Those enthusiasts who are dedicated to growing for showing have some important jobs to see to now to get their plants into tip-top condition and full flower for the shows, like continuing to give the plants a quarter turn every other day to obtain an evenly balanced shape. To ensure no pots are missed out insert a label in each pot and check that they are all facing the same way. Space your plants out to get some airflow around them.  Getting the plants in 'just right' for the shows is now foremost in would be exhibitors minds and a host of hints and tips to ensure the count down to show time goes smoothly has now been added to the web site and reproduced on page 22-26 to assist our newer members and novice growers.

With all the jobs that need seeing to, don't forget that you are supposed to enjoy your fuchsias. Take some time to look at your plants just for pleasure, especially those new-to-you-varieties when they first start to flower, maybe not always living up to the glowing description but always a joy to see a different shape or colour for the first time. Some old favourites, Nellie Nuttall, Waveney Gem, Celia Smedley e.g. remain hard to beat for sheer flower power though!

Lots of jobs to see to later on this month but for now just go and enjoy the beauty of flowering fuchsias, at their best on these dewy September mornings.  If you are itching to do something though, empty your greenhouse and give it a thorough clean in preparation for overwintering.

more tips on next page