A Couple Of Probably Trivial Questions From A Relatively New Gardener

[Old_Geezer]

Hopefully the first is just confirmation that all is well and the warm weather is at an end. Got back home a couple of days ago to find some plants that I'd planted earlier this year, and which seemed to be thriving about 10 days ago, looking near dead. I've 3 blueberry bushes, different varieties, 2 of which have gone from healthy green to crispy brown. Was horrified at the change. Plus I noticed the cherry tree, also planted earlier this year, was also going brown. It then occurred to me it may simply be that they are deciduous (I looked it up, they are) but autumn doesn't start until summer ends on September the 23rd !

Can experienced gardeners confirm that there's probably nothing to be concerned about and that in 10 days they've just got off to an early start ? Or otherwise.

The other thing is that I've a timed automatic watering system in the back garden to ensure plants get some water whether I'm there or not. Last time I invested in something similar I turned it off over winter but left it out connected. Come spring I tried to turn it back on bit it just leaked out everywhere. Ruined; expensive. Clearly they aren't manufactured to a decent standard where they can cope with a little cold. So I reckon I must remove it completely at some point. My question is, when should the weather be such that the plants can be expected to sort themselves out until spring ? Now ? Later this month ? Xmas ?

TIA

[Chipchopper]

In my experience, most blueberry varieties are hybrids and are usually semi evergreen, one of mine is more evergreen than the others (sunshine blue) which fruited abundantly although small, this year.
They are acid loving plants, so I use a pine needle mulch and water with rain water only. They have suffered this year for lack of rain.

I would store hose equipment away from frost over winter to avoid damage, otherwise the washers perish (I've been down that road more than once!)PS good time to prune blueberries.

[Old_Geezer]

Thanks for the response.

They aren't big enough to prune yet. If they are semi evergreen, then that's more worrying. Perhaps a lack of rain of late is the cause. Was hoping it was natural this time of year. Hope they can be saved.

Is there a particular date or month to stop watering because the plants find it too much ? If the above is so, clearly not yet.

[woofgang]

While my tubs and pots are green and growing then I give water if it doesn't rain. Same with plants in the ground although they are less likely to need it as they can send their roots down for it. I may be able to offer some comfort over the browned leaves. Has it been very windy where you are? Several of my tub plants, most of my maples, my grape vines all got wind burnt. All I can say is wait till spring and see and don't give up hope

[Old_Geezer]

Having not been here for about 10 days I'm unsure how windy it's been. They are behind the fence though so should be affected less then other parts of the garden.

Presently extending the autowatering hose to water by them too. I just hope the tap can supply sufficient water.