Hi, my gardenias are in pots, but I thought I'd let you know that they really love to get their leaves a little wet. I spray mine daily, in addition to watering. They like the humidity! (I'm in SD too).

Often enough and for a long enough time to keep the root ball adequately moist until the roots are able to extend into the surrounding soil. That's a slow process which can take 2 years.

I currently have my irrigation contoller set for 3 minutes drip every day. Do you agree with this setting? If not what would you recommend? I am new at this. I know that Gardenias are hard to grow successfully that is why I am so concerned and seek recommendations.

I don't find gardenias any more demanding at least as far as watering is concerned than other garden plants. A little experimenting with your drip system will be required. How much water per hour do your emitters, emit? Is your soil fast draining sand or moisture retaining clay? Use your fingers or a moisture probe to access whether you need to change your system settings. Al

Consider that 3 minutes is 1/20th of an hour. So, if the dripper puts out a half gallon per hour, you applied precious little water.

Then, too, where is the dripper placed? If beyond the rootball, the roots are dry.

Until the plant extends its roots into the surrounding soil, at least one dripper must be on top of the existing rootball.