Trying to cover a lot in one post:
Soil... add as much organic matter as possible. I will take this opportunity to pass along some advice I got from my visit to Tim Bell's daylily garden. Now if any one can grow beautiful daylilies in this area, it is Tim Bell. He told me the most important thing I would ever add to my soil would be pine fines...the reason was that it will keep the soil from compacting. I have zero pine fines in my garden. I would love to find a good local source with reasonable pricing on small loads. He also recommended something I have never done, but might should do, and that is get a soil test. In this area it seems almost all the soil needs lime, and he said it made a huge difference in his garden.
Fertilizer: Once again let me pass along Tim's suggestions to me. In this area he said to fertilize twice a year, Feb. and again in Oct. using a high nitrogen fertilizer with a lower middle and last number, something for example like 16-4-6, he did not say those exact numbers, but this area is always very high in phosphorous.
Mulch: I did observe that in Tim's gardens pine straw was the most popular mulch I saw used, and it is the favorite in my garden, I just can't find enough of it for free (try not to have to buy it). I also use oak leaves and grass clippings and they work very good, but don't look as neat to me.
Saving pitiful plants: I think Tim pretty much said in so many words, if the plant doesn't do well, I replace it. I know that sounds harsh, but if other plants do well with the treatment you give them, I would not waste a lot of time trying to make one plant do what it genitally is not capable of .
Soil for seedlings: I think we need more info, how to you grow your seedlings: direct sow, indoors, outdoors?
Best watering: Here it is natural rain, but having almost zero for the last month I have resorted to hand hand spot watering and overhead sprinklers. I have had no luck with drip and soaker hoses.
Getting water to not run off: Terraces, getting the soil improved so it soaks up the water, and mulch, plus lots of beautiful plants to control erosion, daylilies are great for that I have been told.
Where do you get your pots: Plants bought in pots, pots thrown out by nurseries and people in the neighborhood, online.
I was so impressed with Tim Bell and his garden, I wanted to be able to pass along some of the tips he gave me. You can't visit his garden and not know that he is very knowledgeable about daylilies. A very entertaining and nice person to visit with.
