When learning how to plant perennials, it’s important to remember that establishing the plant in the ground its first year is most critical to its long-term growth and development. Perennials have the ability to weather some abuse and neglect in the garden once the root system has established itself in the soil and adapted to the surrounding environment.
Initially, however, they require a bit more maintenance and care in order to survive.
The soil must be properly prepared to minimize transplant shock, the roots should be loosened to encourage spreading outwards into the soil and water must be provided in the correct amounts.
The critical period for perennials, shrubs and trees is immediately after planting. Soil preparation is an important part of helping your plant get the best start in your yard.
Select the appropriate location
What are the lighting requirements for the plants you have chosen? If they require full sun, you will need to ensure that the location that you’ve chosen will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Without the required amount of sun, your plants will not perform at their best, and may have difficulty flowering or producing healthy foliage. The same is true for plants that require shady locations, such as hosta. Plant these plants in full sun, and the foliage color will drain and the leaves may become scorched from the sunlight.
The worst case scenario is that a plant that is incorrectly placed will die. Obviously, selecting the appropriate location is critical to your plant’s long term health.
Clear the area
Remove any old mulch, weeds, debris, stones, etc. from the area you wish to plant. Rake it clean so that you are only dealing with the soil underneath. Weeds should be disturbed as little as possible when being removed, as they can scatter seeds which will germinate more weeds for you in the future. Using a pre-emergent herbicide after planting may reduce the problems with weeds, as will placing down a healthy layer of mulch.
Dampen the soil
Tilling soil that is bone dry can be difficult. The area being tilled in this picture received rain a few days prior, so no extra steps to dampen the soil needed to be taken. You want the soil “damp” as opposed to “moist” Ideally, it should have the moisture content of a new package of potting soil.
Till the soil
The soil you are preparing should be loose and easy to work with. This will help the young root system embed deeply in its new home. Air and rich organic nutrients should be turned into the soil at a depth of several inches. Any debris that has been brought to the surface of the soil, such as roots and stones, should be removed.
Add compost material
Composted manure (make sure that its “composted”) is a good organic ingredient to add to soil before planting perennials. If you regularly collect compost material in your yard, it is beneficial to add that as well. Compost can be purchased from your local garden center. Adding these organic components to the soil will help build up the nutrient matter and feed your newly planted perennials. Once all ingredients have been worked into the ground, rake the soil smooth.
Dig holes to specified depths and widths
Plants purchased through a garden catalog or from your local garden centers will specify planting instructions, which includes how deep and how wide to make the hole before placing the plant in the ground. It is recommended that you follow these instructions to the letter. When ordering online, don’t be discouraged when your plant arrives and looks “dead.” These plants are dormant and their roots are well-established. They only need to be placed in the ground and tended to in order to come alive!
I know many people who have great success with ordering plants online, and I personally have had good luck with bulbs, perennials, trees and shrubs through garden catalogs and online companies. Two such recommended companies are Jung Seed and Stark Brothers. While the plants may look pathetic when you receive them (they'll often come as bare root) they will often grow faster and healthier than those purchased at garden centers. Remember, the larger the plant is at planting time, the more "transplant shock" must be endured.
Loosen the root system and water the hole
Once the plants are removed from their pots, the root system should be loosened or partially cut through, depending on how “root bound” it is. You can try loosening it with your fingers, however if that does not work, take a knife or cutting shears and cut the roots about 1/3 of the way up the root ball on at least 2, and up to all 4 sides, loosening the root system before placing in the ground. Also, be sure to fill the hole with water before placing the plant inside. Then, water again with the hole half way filled up with soil, and again once it is completely filled up with soil. Be sure to somewhat firmly pack the soil around the root of the plant.
Mulch the area
Prior to laying down mulch, place several layers of newspaper over the soil. This will help prevent weed growth, and the newspapers will naturally decompose, adding to the organic material in the ground. If you prefer, you can lay down landscaping fabric, however this material can be problematic in the future when you have a desire to remove it, as it will not decompose over time.
These are a couple of our favorite mulches.
- Includes 10lb block of Back to the Roots compressed Coconut Husk Mulch that expands to over 2 cubic feet of mulch. Use it for gardens, raised beds, pet bedding and more
- Expands to over 2 cubic feet
- Peat Free OMRI Listed, assuring organic production, handling, and processing
- 100% Organic & Peat-Free: Our organix mulch mix is 100% organic & peat-free. Peat is one of Mother Nature’s most important stores of carbon. Instead of imported peat, the base of our soils is made from upcycled plant matter or wood fines from the United States!
- Intended for use in Mulch Soil: Our unique soil blend is ideal for nurturing herbs, vegetables, and fruits planted in a raised bed. Its nutrient-rich composition provides the essential elements for promoting robust growth, vibrant flavors, and bountiful harvests. It’s also proudly made in the USA.
- Better Moisture Control and Water Absorption: Our unique soil blend incorporates yucca extract for moisture control, dolomitic limestone for pH balancing, and gypsum for better water absorption.
Place several inches of mulch around the plant, being careful to prevent the mulch from coming in direct contact with the trunk of the tree or base of the shrub or plant. Mulch that restricts the air flow around the base of a young plant could lead to mold and rot.
Be sure to provide ongoing water to your new garden additions. A couple of times a week is generally sufficient, with slow tapering off of your watering schedule over the first 6 weeks. After the first couple of weeks, allow the plant to dry off between watering's. This will encourage the roots to dig deeper into the soil to find water, and will serve to develop a healthy root system. Be careful not to over water! Young plants can die from over watering just as easily as under watering.
I am VERY careful with newly developed plants for the first month, and cautious with them throughout the remainder of their first season. Once they’ve made it through the first year, perennials are not quite as fragile and can handle receiving less attention.