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 tall8-12 inches –12 to 30 inches tall15-24 inches –greater than 30 inches tall24-36 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 15 ft 25 feet x 15 feet = 375 square feet

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

10. Total Bed Area  If the bed is circular, the total bed area is 3.1416 x radius 2. 24 ft 3.1416 x 12 feet 2 = 452.39 square feet

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