Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Hens and Chickens

Q. I have acquired some hens and chicks and need info on how to take care of them. Like how much water and feeding they need. What about winter time care?

A. Hens and Chickens are so easy to grow. The mother sends out stems and little new plants start growing from them. They also form roots and anchor into their bed. They are a sedum, a succulent, similar to a cactus in that they store water in its fleshy leaves. It can go quite a long time without water, and actually will tend to rot off if kept too wet. Outside you could just count on normal rainfall supplemented with watering during dry periods. Also, make sure that the soil is well-drained, so that puddles of water do not sit there.

Fertilizer needs are low. I recommend a general outdoor food once a month, at a tablespoon per gallon water. To fill in spaces, break off some of the chickens and root in the holes. Keep them moist until rooted. Remove dead and yellow leaves to keep tidy.

In the fall, if you experience winter frosts, cover with some leaves to insulate them during the winter. They will poke out and start growing with the spring rains and warmer temps.