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The intensity of our summers can be very variable, and the duration questionable. When we do get a good spell though remember that our beloved fuchsias are not keen on being baked in strong sunshine, preferring dappled shade especially at the roots and if you can provide adequate shelter they are must happier grown outdoors. So, if you have not already done so it is not to late yet, they particularly enjoy the late summer period with the dewy mornings. Select a sheltered area in dappled shade. If your situation is somewhat exposed make sure you use heavy clay pots or secure your plastic pots with hooks so your plants don't blown over. Some enthusiasts go to the trouble of putting their prize assets out during the day but bringing them back into the shelter of the greenhouse for the night. Wind can play havoc with baskets too, not only damaging the foliage and later flowers, but also drying the baskets out very quickly as the season progresses, again select a semi-shaded rather than sunny position for the best results.
Should the weather improve dramatically and dry hot sunshine become the norm 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 boyant 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 last 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 they will need supplementary feeding as normal potting compost only contains enough food for 3 to 6 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 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 be added to the site - especially useful to the novice growers.
With all the jobs that need seeing to, don't forget that you are supposed to enjoy your fuchsias. Take 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 glowingdiscription 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!
SEPTEMBER 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, empty your greenhouse and give it a thorough clean in preparation for overwintering.
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