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I am a huge fan of perennials.
Perhaps it is my thrifty nature that hates to get rid of a plant after only one season.
After the initial investment, I can count on them for years to come.
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Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and lower humidity.
Get perennials in the ground at least six weeks before the first frost.
Preparing for Planting Perennials
Selecting Perennials
There are perfect perennials for everyone and every garden.
The key is selecting thebest plants for your garden.
Look for colors and textures that work well together.
When grouping perennials in one bed, select plants that have compatible light and watering needs.
Consider the mature size of plants to prevent overcrowding.
Always look for healthy, disease- and insect-free plants to bring home.
Soil Preparation
Since perennials typically spend many years in the garden, they deserve a good start.
Take a soil sample for testing to determine fertilization and additional amendment needs.
Considerraised bedsif preparing the soil properly isn’t possible.
If not, now is the time.
Place the containers of the perennials in the bed before you begin digging holes.
Walk around and view the bed from all angles.
Think about how plants grow in natureseldom in a straight rowin irregular, curved, or staggered groupings.
Once you’ve decided on a design, it’s time to dig holes.
More width allows roots to spread easily.
Refill the hole, firming the soil around the plant to avoid air pockets.
Water the new plant thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
You may have seen others adding water to the bottom of the planting hole.
That’s not a good idea, especially in areas with clay soils that compact and harden.
Wait to water until you’ve filled the hole with your newly tilled, nutrient-rich bedding soil.
New perennials must receive plenty of water the first few weeks after planting to thrive.
Water slowly and deeply so the water reaches the roots.
