Perennial Flower Beds

As is the case with all other plantings a good deal of time must be spent in proper preparation of perennial flower beds prior to the installation of plants.

Soil Test: To start with, a soil test is a must and be sure that you deliver your samples to a good private laboratory for best results.

It is a good idea to inform the technician of the various varieties that you intend to plant and ask them to prepare a report to inform you of the products that you will need to add to your soil for optimum results.

Weed Control: Having already decided the location of the bed you should eradicate all unwanted plant life by applying an application of Round Up.

In approximately seven to ten days you will be able to tell where you are going to have good control on the existing vegetation and where you must make another spraying.

After all plant life has turned brown simply rake out the dead plants.

Soil Preparation: Now its time to turn the soil which can be accomplished with a shovel, spading fork or do it the easy way with a roto-tiller. Plan on digging down to a depth of eight to ten inches.

When the proper depth has been reached add at least four to six inches of organic matter in the form of peat moss, composted pine or leaves that you have processed and till again.

Soil Amendments: Having completed the above steps add the various products that the laboratory has advised you to use and I would suggest that you also make an application of Turf2Max. Turf2Max will improve drainage, aerate the root zone of your perennials and make plant nutrients more readily available.

Planting: Now let’s install the plants and using a bit of age old advice, place a $10.00 plant in a fifty dollar hole.

This means to dig a planting pocket for each plant that is at least a foot deep and wide. The previous dimensions are for perennials that are in containers no larger than a one gallon pot.

Then fill in around each plant with good loose soil and gently firm it in place. Water all planting thoroughly and do not allow the new plantings to dry out.

Please see an example of a FREE perennial garden design that we have created for you. Use it if you want or if you decide to create your own please be advised to lay it out on paper first which will help you to eliminate mistakes.