Out On A Limb / March 2007

Time to Go to Bed!

Choosing the right plants and planting them in the right place isn’t all that’s required for long term beauty in the garden. Successful perennial gardens start with thorough and thoughtful bed preparation. The first step is to eliminate perennial weeds before turning the soil. Second, gardeners must ensure a well drained soil that still retains enough moisture for good plant growth. Next, by composting or other means, they should provide for sufficient organic matter in the soil. For beautiful blooms throughout the season, additional fertilizer can be added as needed.

After the winter hiatus, gardeners can’t wait to jump into action, but the first step in soil preparation is to get rid of perennial weeds before turning the first spade of soil to plant new flowers. To establish new beds in formerly grassy areas or in areas of heavy weed growth, apply a non-selective, systemic herbicide such as Glyphosate (Round-up) to weeds that are actively growing, generally when temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees. Both spring and fall are appropriate times to practice weed control with an herbicide.

For new beds and to freshen old ones, outline the shape of the bed with a garden hose and spray within the outline. It will take 7-14 days before you will see the weeds are killed. After the vegetation is brown, the area may be tilled. Weeds that are particularly aggressive, may not be completely controlled with a single application. Leaving the bed unplanted for a few weeks will show which weeds are going to regrow and allow for a second application of herbicide. Gardeners who rush to plant without getting all the weeds under control end up pulling and fighting weeds that steal nourishment from their pretty new-growing perennials.

Well-drained soil is essential for all grow but most critical for overwintering perennials. Perennials are more often killed by soils that stay wet over the winter than by the actual cold temperatures. To ensure a well-drained site, avoid planting in low-lying areas. During bed preparation, add organic matter at a rate of about 25-30 percent by volume of soil. Achieve that by adding about 3-4 inches of organic matter on top of the bed and working it into about 10-12 inches of soil.

In areas that tend to have inadequate drainage can be improved by raising the bed with timbers, rocks, landscape bricks or similar materials. It’s extra insurance for growing and maintaining a perennial bed.
Check drainage by digging a hole 8-12 inches deep and filling it with water. Let it drain and fill it again. If the water drains in less than 1 hour, drainage should be satisfactory.

Organic matter is the key to improving less-than-great soils. Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy short cut or magic pill that can take its place. Organic matter helps to improve the physical and biological properties of soils as long as it is added in sufficient amounts and to sufficient depths.

It is an essential part of bed preparation. Organic matter improves the structure and aeration of clay soil and improves moisture and nutrient retention in sandy soil. There are a variety of organic matter materials that can be used depending on availability, preference and cost. Materials to consider would include compost, peat moss, composted barks, leaf compost, mushroom compost, and composted manure.

As a general rule, the fertilizer requirements for new beds are about two pounds of 5-10-5 fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden bed area, tilled in during bed preparation.

In their enthusiasm, gardeners tend to overlook the planning and designing stage of a garden. The sheer beauty of the plants can save the day, but preparing a perennial bed properly can improve soil structure and fertility for the years, encouraging new perennials to adapt easily. Perennials thrive in well prepared beds and borders, adding beauty to the view, value to the home and satisfaction to the gardener.

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