Are you looking for some help in getting your garden ready for spring? These simple gardening tips from landscaping Mashpee MA will help you get started as soon as the winter ground freezes.
Annuals for Planting
Some plants can grow during the warm months but then die when it gets too cold. These plants are called annuals and must be replanted every spring. Annuals aren’t a big commitment because the plants will die yearly and not come back. However, your garden looks its best for as many years as possible.
Tips to Plant Annuals
- Plant when it is most appropriate for your climate: If you live in cold-winter areas, wait until the threat of a late freeze has passed before planting warm-season annuals. Mid-spring is the best time to plant warm-season annuals if you live in a warm-winter region. It is best to plant cool-season annuals in the spring if you live in a cold climate. If you live in warm weather, fall is the best season to plant cool-season perennials.
- Give your annuals a strong start: If you are afraid of a late freeze but still want your annuals to grow, you can plant seeds indoors to transplant them later. You can purchase a nursery if you wait until the end of the season. For best results, choose small plants with healthy leaves.
- Water frequently: Although seedlings and transplants might need water daily, it is best to water them only when the soil becomes dry once established. Mulch can reduce evaporation and help prevent weeds from becoming established.
Replanting Perennials
Some plants can grow all year round, but they will die in winter so you can replant the roots every spring. These are called perennials. While you only need to plant them once, splitting them and replanting them each year is possible.
Reasons to Replant Perennials
- The plant is too big: If a plant begins to lean over a path or encroach upon neighboring plants, it’s best to remove some of it. This action will help restore the garden’s appearance.
- The plant is getting older: Perennials lose their center as they age and produce fewer leaves and flowers.
- The plant isn’t growing well: Over time, the surrounding trees and shrubs can overshadow perennials, leading to them becoming obscured or unable to produce. You can bring new life to your garden by replanting them elsewhere.
- You want to share your perennials: Perennials are great because you can divide them and replant them in other gardens.
Tips for Replanting Perennials
- Weather division: Although you can technically divide perennials at any time, it is best to do so in spring or autumn for the fastest reestablishment.
- Replant smaller sections: The offshoots from the original plant thrive and produce long-lasting flowers. You shouldn’t just divide an existing plant in half. Otherwise, you will need to split the plants and replant them next season.
- Replant the best pieces: Splitting and replanting plants that have succumbed to pest issues is an excellent way of saving them. You should look for disease in the plant‘s roots and toss these pieces out rather than replanting them.
