Planting in Prepared Beds

1. Planting in Prepared Beds Herbaceous Plants

2. When to Plant Annuals • Plant annuals in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. • Around mid-May in our area.

3. When to Plant Perennials • Spring is ideal because of predictable rains and it marks the start of the growing season. • Summer is acceptable providing you have irrigation.

4. Planting Perennials in the Fall • Fall is also acceptable. In fact, you can plant right up to the time the ground freezes. Fall planting tips: • If possible, select plants in larger containers. Plants in larger containers have more extensive root systems and have a smaller chance of frost heaving. • Water the plants in after planting. • Provide winter protection in the form of a mulch. Winter mulch application prevents soil freeze/thaw cycles. Use 3-4 inches after the ground has frozen.

5. Spacing • Annuals • Spacing between plants can vary from 4 - 24 inches depending upon the container size and finished size of the plant. • The label that comes with each flat of annuals will provide spacing recommendations.

6. Spacing • Perennials (DiSabato-Aust, 1998) • less than 12 inches tall 8-12 inches • 12 to 30 inches tall 15-24 inches • greater than 30 inches tall 24-36 inches • 15 inches seems to be the “average” spacing for perennial plants.

7. Determining the Number of Plants Required • In order to determine how many plants are needed to fill a bed you need to know… • The area of the planting bed in square feet. • The desired spacing between plants.

8. Total Bed Area • If the bed is square or rectangular in shape, the total bed area is simply the length x width. 25 ft 25 feet x 15 feet = 375 square feet 15 ft

9. Total Bed Area • If the bed is triangular shaped, the total bed area is equal to 1/2 (base x height). 30 ft 1/2 (20 feet) x 30 feet = 300 square feet 20 ft

10. Total Bed Area • If the bed is circular, the total bed area is 3.1416 x radius2. 3.1416 x 12 feet2 = 452.39 square feet 24 ft

11. Number of Plants Needed • Once the area of the bed has been determined, the next step is to select a suitable spacing. • After a spacing has been selected, use a spacing chart to determine the number of plants needed.

12. Spacing Chart

13. Number of Plants Needed • A rectangular bed measures 15 ft. wide by 28 ft. long. • Desire to plant Rose Periwinkle at a 6 inch spacing. How many plants will you need to fill up the bed? Area = 15 ft x 28 ft = 420 square feet At a 6 inch spacing you need 4 plants per sq ft. 420 sq ft x 4 plants per sq ft = 1,680 plants

14. Planting Depth • For containerized annuals and perennials: • water thoroughly before planting • plant at the same depth at which they were growing in the container

15. Pot Bound Plants • If the containerized plants are “pot bound” or “root bound”, use pruners to cut the root mass in 3 different places. • The cut roots will form branch roots which will grow out into the bed.

16. Mulching • Mulching the bed after planting provides the following benefits: • weed control • moisture retention • moderates soil temperature fluctuations • protects against erosion and soil compaction

17. Mulch Depth • Apply a maximum of 2 inches of mulch to the bed (DiSabato-Aust, 1998). • Avoid applying mulch too heavily around the crowns of the plants. • Applying too much mulch will cause your plants to rot.

18. Mulching Materials • For annual and perennial beds I recommend using an organic mulch. • There are many materials to choose from: • hulls, cobs, shells • compost • wood chips • bark chips, etc.

19. The End