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Perennial Page                                                

As always, the signs of spring are the first green growth, of perennial flowers and
cool season grasses. When you see the first growth, this is the time to cut back,
the dead growth from last season. We like to leave the old growth of warm season
grasses, until they start to green up. This allows the birds to use the grass for
nesting and it also keeps the crowns from being damaged from late spring frost
or freeze.

Green growth is a sign that mulch can be pulled back to allow sun to warm the
soil, next to the plant crowns. If frost covers are used they may also be removed,
however keep them handy for those windy days and late frost or freeze.
Applications of new mulch should not be applied too early. Allow the soil the
warm and stay warm before mulching. By applying too much mulch, too early in
the season, the mulch can become an insulator and keep the soil cold and reducing
the vigor of your flowers. We prefer to apply thin layers of mulch multiple times
during the season. For example, apply 1 inch of mulch in the spring, and apply
another inch in late summer, that dresses up the beds, for the fall season.

Fertilizing with a side dressing of compost, is a great way to get spring growth, off to a good start. While applying compost, use a 3 tine cultivator or bow rake
to aerate and work the compost into the old mulch. Plants will benefit from the
oxygen and rain will be able to percolate thru the mulch much better. Granular
pre-emergent herbicide can also be applied at this time.

As the plants start to grow, scouting for pests also starts. Intervening before
insects or disease attack your plants, will reduce the amount of pesticide needed, to protect your plants. Remember that the weather is a cause of stress and that a
stressed plant, is susceptible to attack by insects or disease.

Of course spring is a good time to propagate new plants by seed and division. As a rule of thumb, fall and some summer blooming flowers should be divided in spring. A good indicator that a plant needs divided is that the center of a large plant is losing vigor, but the plant is growing well around the edges. However know the culture of each flower in question as they may need to be divided in another season. Cold and warm season grasses are both better planted in spring and into the summer. Although they are sold on the market in fall, success is much better with spring planting.

Check the irrigation requirements for each and every flower you grow. Too much water can be just as detrimental as not enough water. Also check your water source. If your water source is chlorinated, run water into a container and let it stand for 24 hours until the chlorine evaporates. If you have fluoride in your water you may want to consider a filter to remove it from your irrigation water. Always check to make sure your not using water from a salt softener. These sources can sometimes harm your flowers and grasses. Rainwater straight from the barrel is about the best we have found to use. Another good rule of thumb, as you plant your perennial beds, is to group plants by their water usage. This reduces the chance of over or under watering.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have and have a great growing season.
 

Stern’s Herbs ‘n’ Bloom
Brian and Susan Stern
2468 U.S. Hwy 27
Winchester, Indiana
(765) 584-3126
bsstern56@aol.com

Copyright © 2006. Stern's Herbs 'n' Bloom.  All rights reserved.
Revised: 02/12/08.