In spring, we can plant all summer and autumn perennials, bearing in mind, however, that the substrate must be carefully prepared. In cooler parts of the country, the ground is still frozen, which of course makes it much more difficult for the seedlings to take root, and perennials tend to develop more slowly than in autumn planting.That is why it is so important during spring planting to prepare the substrate well and irrigate abundantly.
Perennials blooming in early spring can also be planted at this time of the year, although in this case autumn planting is better suited when the soil is warm and moist.In such conditions, plants get on well even before the onset of wintery.
Substrate preparation and fertilization
First of all, the soil should be cleared of all weeds and loosened by shaking the top layer so that the fine roots can take root more easily.When it comes to soil quality, most perennials prefer loose and humus soil.Feeding the plants will not be necessary if we spread and rake a 3-5 cm layer of mature compost in the bed and rake it with the soil.
Otherwise, the crop can be supplemented with organic fertilizer, e.g. hornmeal (this fertilizer has a long effect). Heavy clay soils are improved with coarse sand, and if the soil is acidic, add lime.
Planting perennials
Plants must not be placed too densely or too rarely. An interesting arrangement effect is achieved by combining perennials into groups. As a result, planting is compact, which reduces the development of weeds.Marking plantings with pots allows you to accurately determine the spacing of plants. Straight lines should be avoided.
Before planting, immerse the pots with plants in a container with water. We take them out of this bath when air bubbles stop rising to the surface of the water.
Planting wells should be twice the size of the pot. Take the perennials out of the containers and plant them into the ground together with the entire root ball (the roots should not be shaken off the soil).If the substrate in the pot is well overgrown with roots, the plant will catch on to the ground better.
A freshly prepared bed should be slightly kneaded with your hands or trampled on. It is necessary to close underground air corridors.Finally, irrigate the soil around the seedlings.In places where the ground subsides, an additional layer of soil should be sprinkled.
Summer perennials purchased and planted in spring from greenhouse crops are not hardened, so they should be mulched with spruce branches in the first season.
