Spring is everyones favorite time for flower gardening and planting perennials. Planting early, just after killing frosts have passed, is better than planting later in the spring, as the plants have more time to adjust before warm weather arrives. Large plants that are container grown will be blooming the first year. Starting perennials from seeds in January or February will reward you with small perennial plants in late spring. These can be planted in early spring. Be aware, that you may not get much if any bloom the first year.
Although spring is when we all seem to be full of flower garden ideas, fall is also a good planting time in the South. As a rule, plant at least 6 weeks before hard-freezing weather occurs. Fall planted perennials have the benefit of a several months of root system production before hot weather ever arrives.
Don’t short change the benefits that proper soil preparatin has on being successful when growing perennials. One of the best things you can do for your soil is to regularly add organic material to make the soil easier to work and make your plants thrivve.
Loosen the roots before you plant if you find container grown perennials are pot bound. Cover and firm the soil lightly around the plant. The base of the plant should be positioned at or just above ground level, never lower. After planting, don’t forget to mulch the plant with around four inches of mulch.
If you are careful, most perennials can be moved from one spot to another in your garden. Transplanting is usually safest in the early spring when growth starts or in the fall once the foliage dies back.
Two important secrets to growing perennials successfully are watering and controlling weeds. Don’t be stingy with the water after planting, give them a good long drink. Your newly planted perennials will need to be watered every couple of days to help them become established. Never allow the soil to totally dry out.
Agressive weeds can smother your perennials and make your gardens unsightly. Mulching and hand weeding are the best ways to combat weeds. After planting your perennials, mulch to hold moisture in the ground and combat weed growth.