Question From: NEW YORK
Q: I lost all of my impatiens to downy mildew last year. I planted them in several flower boxes, terra cotta pots and around trees (in the ground). Should I not use the same soil this year (boxes and pots)? Should I clean the boxes and pots out with something stronger than water? What about the ground dirt? I plan on growing torenia in my boxes and other flower that do tolerate some sun in my pots.
A: The spores for impatiens downy mildew are plant specific, so as long as you don't plant impatiens walleriana in it, your potting soil and ground soil are good to go.
Best and Happy Yardening, Nancy
