(StatePoint) It69制片厂制作传媒檚 a common misconception that once fall rolls around, perennials simply go dormant and don69制片厂制作传媒檛 require maintenance until spring. But, fall is actually the perfect time to show perennials love.
In a recent video, the lawn and garden experts at Exmark give the lowdown on prepping perennials for cold weather so you can enjoy beautiful blooms come spring. Here69制片厂制作传媒檚 what to know:
The Benefits of Dividing Perennials: When plants become overcrowded, they compete for essential resources like water, air, and nutrients, which can hinder their growth. Dividing perennials helps distribute plants across your yard, maintaining a healthy size, preventing overcrowding, and reducing the risk of disease.
When to Divide Perennial Plants: Generally, fall69制片厂制作传媒檚 the best time to divide perennial plants that bloom in spring and summer. (Conversely, spring69制片厂制作传媒檚 the best time to divide fall-blooming plants.) But if you69制片厂制作传媒檙e planning on dividing in fall, don69制片厂制作传媒檛 wait too long! Get outside about four to six weeks before the ground freezes, or else your plants will be in for a rough winter. Careful! Not every perennial needs to be divided every year. Most need it every three to five years, and some don69制片厂制作传媒檛 need it at all. .
How to Divide Perennials: Make the necessary preparations to ensure your perennials properly take to their new homes. First, thoroughly water your plants a day or two beforehand and cut them back so you can clearly see what you69制片厂制作传媒檙e dealing with. Then, head out on a cloudy, dry day and get to work.
Dig up plants around the roots and gently lift them out of the ground, knocking away loose dirt and debris. For best results, dig outside the outermost part of plants that water drips from. You can either gently pull apart the roots with your hands, cut into them with a knife or spade, or use two gardening forks to wedge plants in half. Various perennials have different roots systems, so for the species.
You can typically get four to six new sections from a single plant. Just make sure each division has three to five shoots and a substantial, healthy root system. Afterwards, you69制片厂制作传媒檙e free to plant your new divisions, rearrange existing beds, or share new plants with family or friends!
Water and Cut Back: Even if you69制片厂制作传媒檙e not dividing your perennials, it69制片厂制作传媒檚 good to get one last thorough watering in before the first freeze. Leading up to that point, gradually wean perennials from regular watering to monthly watering throughout fall.
The general rule of thumb is to cut perennials back once they start to fade. However, there are exceptions. Some perennials should be left alone. Make sure you know before beginning.
Feeding and Mulching: Once plants are situated, it69制片厂制作传媒檚 time to layer up. Clear off old mulch so that the soil is exposed, and remove any weeds or grass peeking through. Then, spread on a 1-2-inch thick , followed by an equally thick mulch layer. The compost will gradually break down and release nutrients, promoting better root growth, and hardier plants come spring. The mulch provides insulation while protecting soil from erosion and compaction.
Be on the Lookout: Cold weather doesn69制片厂制作传媒檛 necessarily mean pests take a break from making a meal of plants. Many69制片厂制作传媒攕uch as slugs69制片厂制作传媒攚ill chow down on anything your garden has to offer, so stay attentive! Before mulching, lay down slug bait to send them packing.
To view the video, visit Exmark69制片厂制作传媒檚 Backyard Life, a multimedia destination that provides tips on everything from gardening to outdoor hosting at .
69制片厂制作传媒淧erennials make every garden pop, providing beautiful blooms year after year. Spend some time this fall making your springtime even brighter,69制片厂制作传媒 says Jamie Briggs, director of marketing at Exmark.
See what's going on in the Lakeway Area. New in town or just passing through? Find events, local attractions, cultural and historical places. See what Morristown, the Lakeway Area - and beyond - have to offer.
Commented
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.