Planting

You now have a newly tilled and raked bed. What in life is more beautiful, more suggestive of the wonders and possibilities that lay ahead? Now the fun part begins, as you execute your carefully (or not-so-carefully) designed bed.

Before you dig in, it’s a good idea to place new plants, still in their containers, in their proper places around the bed. Double check that you’ve spaced plants properly. It’s tempting to squeeze small plants a little closer together, so be diligent, using a tape measure if necessary. Crowded plants won’t perform as well, are more susceptible to disease problems, and will need dividing and transplanting sooner than properly spaced plants. As we mentioned earlier, you may want to tuck some annuals into a new flower bed to help fill it out in its first season.

When to Plant

In most regions, perennials can be planted in either spring or fall, and each has its advantages. Think about what season is most stressful to plants (or even to you!) in your climate. For example, regions with very cold winters, spring planting gives plants an entire growing season to get established before facing the harsh winter. In climates where hot, sunny weather causes plants to suffer, fall planting gives plants the mild winter to establish strong root systems before the heat of summer.

Properly pampered, container-grown plants can be transplanted in almost any season, but spring and fall are usually best. Bare-root plants, on the other hand, need careful consideration, since they need more time to establish a strong root system. Nurseries selling bare-root plants should ship them at the proper planting time for your region.

The best planting day is an overcast, even drizzly day. Transplanting is stressful for a plant, and roots exposed to the hot sun for even a few minutes can dry out and overheat. If you must plant in hot or dry weather, plant in the cool of the evening.

Let’s walk step-by-step through the planting process for both container-grown and bare-root plants.