Growing perennials takes a little bit of work ahead of time. In order to prepare the perennial border for planting, we need to spade or rototill the bed two or three weeks prior to planting to give the soil time to settle. In addition, incorporate a bucketful of peat moss or compost per square yard, or spread about 1-3 inches of the material over the entire area before spading. Also, sprinkle a complete general-purpose garden fertilizer over the area prior to spading. Use fertilizer in amounts specified on the package.
Just before planting, rake the area to break up any large clumps of soil and to level the surface.
Drawing a plan to show the approximate location of each perennial is a good idea. A large piece of graph paper works well for this project. Outdoors, use label stakes to mark the location of plants before setting them out.
Perennials can be planted almost anytime the soil can be worked. Spring is the most popular season, but fall is also excellent. In cold regions spring planting is probably safer; all planting must be done early so that plants become established before winter. Apply mulch after the ground has frozen, to prevent alternate freezing and thawing, which heaves plants up out of the soil and exposes roots to the air and the hazards of drying.
Container-grown perennial plants establish themselves readiy even when in bloom and can be planted in summer if they are kept well watered.
Dormant perennials, either bare rooted or in small pots, may arrive by mail several days befoe it is convenient to plant them. Open the package, water if necessary, and keep in a cool place indoors or in a shaded place outdoors away from drying winds. The sooner they are planted, the better are their chances of survival. Always water plants well after planting.
Be sure to set the plants at the proper depth. In most cases this means that the point at which roots and stems meet should be at the established soil level. If planted too shallowly, the roots will be exposed; if too deep, the crowns can rot.
Following the planting plan, draw guidelines on the bed with the corner of a hoe. In a large bed the guidelines are easier to follow if they are marked out with sand. These will remain even if rain should postpone planting. Work on one section at a time; or do the back first, and work toward the front. Space the plants to allow for the eventual spread of the foliage. The best effects are obtained when three or more of one kind of plant are set together.
For plants with small root systems, use a trowel to make holes; for large root systems, use a spade. Make holes large enough to accommodate the spread-out roots. Set the plant up-right in the center. Firm the soil around each plant and water.
Barbara Volkov and her husband Gene are a retired couple who enjoys the at home time and also tinkering around in the garden. We are always learning new things to do for our garden and enjoy sharing the information with others. Check out our website www.gardenersgardensupplies.com for more interesting tidbits on gardening. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/giving-perennials-the-right-start-1038301.html