Planting Perennials

Perennials are a mainstay of many gardens and can be enjoyed for many seasons without replanting. In addition to their longevity they also present the gardener with many choices in coloration as well as size and shape.

Whereas annuals must be planted anew every season, perennials can be left in the ground to bloom for several seasons. This makes gardening with perennials less costly and means that the perennial garden can be easier to maintain.

Typically, perennials are easy to grow and don't require much from the gardener. Much like annuals, they merely require the appropriate mix in the soil, adequate sun and water.

There are several important considerations with perennials, however, given the nature of their growth. Since perennials remain in the ground year after year instead of being started fresh every season, they are more prone to disease and insect infestation than shorter lived annual plants. This means that the gardener must be on the lookout for any signs of disease or unwanted insects, since an unnoticed infection can quickly spread through the entire garden.

The best way to avoid disease and other problems in the perennial garden is to make sure the plants are as healthy and robust as they can be. Healthier plants are naturally able to withstand disease and insects better than weaker ones, and an infection that would kill a weaker plant will be fought off by one in better condition.

The gardener should keep some fungides and insecticides around in case disease does happen to strike. Inspecting the perennials regularly for spots, holes or wilting will help to stop insets or disease before it an spread to other plants.

It is a good idea to get in the habit of checking for such problems every time the garden is weeded, watered or otherwise tended to. When watering perennials, it is generally best to water them deeply once a week instead of spraying them with a hose more often. It is important not to encourage standing water on the leaves, as this can leave the plants vulnerable to fungal infections and other problems. It is also important not to water the plants during the heat of the day, since watering then could cause tender foliage and flowers to suffer burns.

Watering deeply and less often is almost always preferable to watering more often and more shallowly. Investing in a good soaker hose or drip irrigation system is a great idea for any perennial grower.

Caring for your perennials properly at the end of the growing season will help them come back strong in following years. Most perennials should be pruned once a year, but it is important to pay attention to the specific requirements of each variety. While some perennials benefit from a radical pruning in the winter, others need less pruning. It is important to understand the exact requirements of your particular plants.

Choosing Roses
The rose is a favorite garden flower and has been for decades. They have many uses other than just in flower beds as they are great for cutting and adding to bouquets and keeping in vases.

Choosing And Planting Bulbs
Bulbs are great to plant in your garden and have the added benefit of blooming again and again for many years. Although many beginner gardeners are a bit put off about planting them, they are actually quite easy to plant and very hardy too.

Popular Bulbs
Read about some popular bulbs and their planting requirements.

Fungicides
Relaxing and rewarding, there is nothing like planting flowers and watching them thrive under your green thumb. But this soothing hobby can become stressful if your garden becomes infected with disease or pests. You can minimize the damage and your stress with a keen eye and proper use of commercial fungicides.

Dividing Bulbs Properly
Bulbs come in different types and therefore the methods of dividing them differ. There are 5 types of bulbs corms, tubers, true bulbs, rhizomes, and tuberous roots. If you plan to divide your bulbs, you need to identify which type you have so that you can divide them properly.

Caring For Your Annuals
With so many different annuals on the market, their ability to resist common plant diseases and insect infestations can vary quite a bit. While some types of annuals are virtually impervious to disease and insects, others require much more care to remain trouble free. Here's some tips on keeping your annuals healthy