The Longevity of Perennials

If you’re like most people, you probably think of perennials as plants that come back year after year. While this is true, it’s not the only thing that makes a perennial a perennial. In order for a plant to be considered a perennial, it must have a life cycle that lasts more than two years. This means that there are perennials and there are annuals – and knowing how to prepare soil for perennials is key to getting the most out of them!

The first thing to remember when preparing soil for perennials is that they need a lot of space. This means that you’ll need to till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. If you’re working with an existing garden bed, this may mean expanding the bed or adding more soil to it. Either way, make sure the soil is loose and easy for roots to penetrate.

The second thing to keep in mind when preparing soil for perennials is that they need plenty of organic matter. This means adding compost or other organic matter to the soil before planting. If you’re not sure how much to add, a good rule of thumb is to add enough so that the soil is about 50% organic matter.

Once you’ve got your beds prepared, it’s time to plant! When choosing plants, look for those that are native to your area. Not only will they be better suited to the climate and soil, but they’ll also be more likely to thrive in your garden.

When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Once the plant is in the hole, backfill with soil and water well. Be sure to mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.