Yes, I have that kind of systemic now and still find the granular a little cumbersome as I have almost 200 assorted ceramic, plastic, terracotta pots to spoon the grains in every 8 weeks... Just wishful thinking here about easier way to apply with water since I have to water anyway...

I don't do mine once winter arrives, if the containers are outside.
Wow, 200 containers.

Well, even the 2 inch and 4 incher plastic pots needs their protection. Remember, I don't have anything in the ground anymore and the one huge 23 inch diameter pot that's housing my shade plants has been burrowed into by some animal/creature preparing a hibernation tunnel/nest. So in keeping with this thread theme, this is my semp growing experience for this year in Oregon...

Oops, sorry. Didn't mean to laugh at the critter antics.

My summer experience with the semps has been extreme drought conditions. Worst we have had since I can remember. But cool weather is hear now, and all we need is a little rain. NOTICE I said 'A little rain'. Not torents. I do not want to be greedy.

Bev, I can't belive you have so many pots! That means I can still fill more pots and still have a way to go before I catch you!

There may be some options for a liquid systemic, but I haven't tried them. One is very expensive. Zylam is $170 for 32 oz (gulp). It is strictly a systemic insecticide. Two others are more reasonable and are a combo of insecticide and fungicide. They are Scotts Miracle Gro Rose Clear Ultra for approx $24 for 8 oz, and Ferti-lome 2 in1 Systemic drench for $22 for 32 oz. I think I'll try this last one. These prices include shipping on Amazon.

Thanks to both of you for this idea.

Just be careful of using something that has fertilizer in it.
Also a good drench is/spray is hydrogen peroxide. I got rid of fungus gnats in my indoor containers one year. Worked great.
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/u...

JKing said:Bev, I can't belive you have so many pots! That means I can still fill more pots and still have a way to go before I catch you!

Judith, these plant combos were what I had to dissemble, condense and/or pull out of the ground to pack when I moved from CA to OR and then put all into pots for placement in my two balconies:

Bev, beautiful pots. It must have been quite an undertaking. I'm going to tree- mail you about your move with semps. I need some tips.

I know I am not making many friends by saying this. Plants that are being attacked are not at their best and can be dealt with by health. Toxic chemicals only address the symptoms and not the problem. When you apply chemicals that kill things...... they do just that. I have not seen even one Monarch this year. Sorry, I know this will not go over well, but it is something to think about. Also look up who makes these poisons. War and lots of deaths have occurred in the name of these products.

Audrey, I appreciate your bringing this up, and I think you are right in most instances. Even though I am not anti-all chemicals, I think they should be used sparingly and as a last resort. It's important to keep informed on these products and their impact on the environment.

Thankyou for putting up with my rant. I tend to go overboard with that subject I cant seem to be able to stop myself from going there.

Not a rant at all Audrey, but a concern. It is very important to follow directions for the chemical, and only use it as a last resort. We need people to keep reminding us as to the dangers that might exist.
Thank you for doing that.

with Lynn! I usually use wintergreen oil alcohol and sharp dental tool (a tool that gets in between the semp leaves better) as my 1st, 2nd and 3rd defense. Then I start going to the store...

Yes, I think most of us follow that line of defense. It is when all else fails that I resort to the chemicals. And even then I don't treat anything that is in bloom, that way the only pests affected are those that feed on the plant.

Trying to revive my poor semps..got some chicken grit finally! Glad our local Ace hardware finally carries it! My first time to use it
This one made some babies woohoo!

Repotting it:


And the rest of them:the one above is the third one this photo:



Just adding grit on these bonsai containers:



This container fared better, so nothing much to do but to remove some old leaves and those that have bloomed and died:

They should all be much happier.

Tarev I started using chicken grit as a top dressing on all my succulent plants - tender inside plants as well as the outdoor ones, it has made a big difference!

That is really good to know Greg..I still have other succulents here that will surely enjoy chicken grit as top dressing! When I bought this chicken grit, I also saw they were selling crushed oyster shell..I was thinking were I can use it..seems really good as calcium additive. Still thinking about it..

The problem with crushed oyster shells is that they may contain a fair amount of salt.

Those semps look so happy in that chicken grit tarev. How is your weather now?