Perennialspre-planting & planting

Perennial pre-planting

Gypsum can be added to heavy clay soil to make it easier to dig in organic material.

garden and bed soil preparation

Ideally, soil preparation for the planting of perennial plants will be done in the fall. If this is not possible, however, organic material, such as compost or manure, should be worked into the soil in the spring. This will help the soil retain moisture, improve drainage, add oxygen and improve root growth.

 

perennial flower

 

Fall Soil Preparation

  1. Remove all garden debris from planting site, add to composter for future use.

  2. Spread layer of organic material several inches thick over area. Compost or manure is ideal for this.

  3. Turn organic material into existing soil using gardening fork.

    Note: Large lumps should be left in the soil at this point. Frost helps to break soil into a less dense soil structure, ideal for plant growth and moisture retention.

  4. Turn again in the spring, shortly before planting. Break down large lumps of soil with a garden fork.

Note: Slow release fertilizer can be turned into the garden at this point, if desired.



Spring Soil Preparation

  1. Remove all garden debris from planting site a few weeks before planting.
  2. Turn existing soil using gardening fork, breaking up lumps.
  3. Add 4-6" of organic material and turn over again.

Note: Gypsum can be added to heavy clay soil to make it easier to dig in organic material.

Planting Perennials:

Perennials can be planted anytime from spring to fall. If the ground can be worked you can plant.

 

annual flower

Your choice of perennial will depend on two main things, the size of the area that you wish to fill, and the reason you are filling that spot. When considering a plant for a certain area, be sure to consider the plant's ultimate size. Be sure not to plant too close to houses, garages, or other permanent structures.

Plant perennials anytime from spring to fall. If the ground can be worked, you can plant.

 

Perennial planting steps

  1. Dig a hole 1.5 times the width of the root-ball or the pot that the plant comes in and a little deeper

  2. Remove the plant from its pot or remove burlap if bare root and gently massage roots

  3. Plant the perennial in the hole at the same level it was planted in the pot

  4. Fill in hole with a mixture of topsoil and compost

  5. Water plant in well and fertilize with a transplant fertilizer (10-52-10) or myke

 

Note: Peat pots should be removed from all plants planted in the Calgary area, as they do not degrade quickly in our short growing season

Growing tips:

Lighting:

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Watering:

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