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 Even
the toughest perennial plants need a little extra care during their first
growing season. Remember, they need to settle in and establish a strong
root system before they face their most challenging season -- whether
that’s the harsh winter cold or searing summer heat.
Watering
The number one reason
for a newly planted perennial’s failure to thrive is lack of water.
At the nursery or garden center, plants are watered frequently -- sometimes
twice a day -- because their roots are confined to their container, and
dry out quickly. Once planted, it takes time for new roots to venture
out into surrounding soil. The plant’s roots are still, in effect,
confined to the shape of their container, so you’ll need to provide
them with plenty of water until new growth can reach out and gather moisture
from a larger area of soil.
How much water is
enough? A rule of thumb for established plants is an inch of water per
week. However, new plants may need watering every day for the first few
weeks. Instead of relying on a schedule, visit your new plants and stick
your finger into the soil. Water small plants when the soil is dry down
an inch or so; water larger plants when the soil is dry to a depth of
two inches.
Water plants deeply
-- don’t just sprinkle the surface. Make sure the soil is soaked
to the depth of the bottom of the root ball. Frequent light waterings
will encourage roots to grow near the soil surface, where they’ll
be susceptible to drying out and overheating. Deep waterings will encourage
nice, deep root growth.
Weeding
A mulched perennial
bed should need only occasional light weeding. Remember that you should
keep mulch at least an inch away from the plants' stems to minimize disease
problems. This unmulched area around each plant is a likely spot for weeds
to sprout.
Fertilizing
If you amended your
soil with compost or other organic matter, or you added a slow-release
fertilizer at planting time, you probably don’t need to fertilize
your perennials during their first year. If you didn't amend your soil
or add fertilizer at planting time, one or two applications of a properly-diluted
soluble fertilizer early in the season should be plenty. Perennials don’t
benefit from frequent feedings the way annual flowers and vegetables do.
In fact, over-fertilizing can lead to disease problems, inhibit flowering,
and interfere with hardening off.
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National Gardening Association. All Rights Reserved.
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Garden
Maintenance FAQ
I'd like to
have a garden, but don't have much time to maintain it. Should
I plant wildflowers, and, if I do, will they need any maintenance?
Answer
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Straw mulch keeps weeds down in the paths in this cutting garden.
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