environment daily news
|
 plan now for next year's
perennial gardenStarting plants from seeds can be one of the most fascinating and frustrating parts of gardening. There are many reasons why flower and herb seeds that you buy in Springtime might never produce the beautiful flowers promised on the brightly colored packets. A primary reason for failure is that, left to human hands, the seeds are often sown at the wrong season. Take a lesson from nature and sow seeds for perennial herbs and wildflowers at the same time that the plants drop their seeds naturally. For many, that time is now. To create optimal conditions for seed germination, very lightly work the soil in the flower bed, adding dried, decaying leaves. Scatter the seeds over the bed, and, again, take a tip from nature and do not cover the seeds with soil. Instead cover the area with a thin layer of very light mulch material. More decaying leaves may be used, but pine needles make the very best cover as they keep seeds in place, allow plenty of moisture to penetrate (a must for proper germination), and do not blow away in winter winds as readily as other light mulches. Seeds of many perennials plants require a period of cold before they will germinate. By getting your seeds sown at the same time the plants would naturally drop them, or certainly no later than November to early December, you are keeping them on a natural schedule that will make allowance for such a requirement and, thereby, contribute to optimal plant production from the seed. After your perennial seeds are scattered in late summer, you can just sit back and wait for nature to work its magic by producing those beautiful plants and flowers that you dreamed of when you saw the colorful pictures on the seed packets in Spring. Some seeds that you can sow between now and November to enjoy next year are parsley, lemon balm, oregano, lambs ear, rue, chamomile, mugwort, and most indigenous and introduced wildflowers, including bachelor buttons, coreopsis, mountain mint, purple coneflower, clasping coneflower, blackberry lily, asters, yarrow, and daisies. Four Simple Steps to Perennial Seed Success 1. Between late Summer and middle to late Autumn lightly work soil in flower bed and add dried, decaying leaves. 2. Water the loosened soil. 3. Scatter seeds over the prepared bed. 4. Cover with a thin layer of light mulch material, such as pine needles or decayed leaves. Do not cover with heavy soil. That's it! Most plants started in this manner will make their appearances long before those pretty packets even hit the store shelves in Spring. When the weather begins to warm next year, you can thin the new plants if needed or, when they are of adequate size (several inches in height with a sturdy stem), transplant them to other locations and share extras with friends. |
|
