Prior to filling a container with soil, wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist. If water runs off soil upon initial wetting, this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think. Quality soils (or soil-less medias) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet. The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen. A mesh screen, broken clay pot pieces(crock) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out. All containers should have drainage holes. Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay. Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container. If growing more than one plant in a container, make sure that all have similar cultural requirements. Do a little homework some perennials do have a preference.Ĭontainers are excellent when used as an ornamental feature, a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in, or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior. Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall. Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant. By dividing the root system, you can make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away. It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials. This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed.Īs perennials mature, they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant. As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant that is, to remove spent flowers before they form seed. Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed. This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants, and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew. One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor.Īs perennials establish, it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally. Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant. Once you plant a perennial, it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance-free gardening. How-to : Pinching and Thinning Perennials Besides, this is not something that is easily done later, once plants have been established. This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now, but will greatly pay off later. Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials. The more, the better work deep into the soil. No matter if your soil is sand or clay, it can be improved by adding the same thing: organic matter. If soil composition is weak, a layer of topsoil should be considered as well. Clear weeds and debris from planting areas and continue to remove weeds as soon as they come up.Ī week to 10 days before planting, add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage. Check soil drainage and correct drainage where standing water remains. This will help you determine which plants are best suited for your site. Use a soil testing kit to determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil before beginning any garden bed preparation. It is better to water once a week and water deeply, than to water frequently for a few minutes. The first two years after a plant is installed, regular watering is important for establishment. Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season, but take care not to over water. Normal watering means that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly, as conditions require. Watering Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor Plants For organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, follow label directions as they may vary per product.įull Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day. Controlled, slow-release fertilizers are worked into the soil ususally only once during the growing season or per label directions. Water soluble fertilizers are generally used every two weeks during the growing season or per label instructions. organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers or 3. Plant Care Fertilizing How-to : Fertilization for Annuals and PerennialsĪnnuals and perennials may be fertilized using: 1.water-soluble, quick release fertilizers 2.
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