As we get ever closer to spring, I know that some people are starting to get itchy fingers in eager anticipation of getting out into the garden to begin planting again. As we get closer to spring and further away from winter I’d like to take a minute and talk about how to make a proper site selection and planting in a way to get the most life out of your plants.
Deciding where and what you plant are probably the most important decisions that you can make regarding plant health. Planting the right plants, in the right place, with the right soil conditions can solve a host of other problems. These are especially important considerations when planting perennial plants because they will probably be around for five years or more.
Planting the right plant in the right place means choosing plants that are adapted to the microclimate where you are planting them. Try to think about varieties of plants that are resistant to diseases. There are many new hybrids available that have disease resistance. If deer nibbling on your plants is a concern for you then look for plants that deer dislike to discourage them from browsing your yard. For example, this could mean planting peonies instead of hosta.
It’s also important to think of spacing when planting. Putting many plants in a small space may give you lots of color at first, but down the road, you’ll run into issues with disease. Plants cramped into a tight space means that there isn’t room for airflow. Decreased airflow is going to increase humidity, leading to more disease taking place. Planting without working the soil to improve drainage can also lead to root rot diseases. Disease can make any garden wither away, and the climate that we have here with hot summers with high rainfall and humidity make disease a constant battle. Make that battle a little easier on yourself and space plants to allow more airflow. Pruning perennials is also important because it increases airflow too.
With perennials think about how the plant is going to grow. A Leyland Cypress may be small when you plant it but they’ll grow to be 120 feet tall. A tree that grows to be that size is going to need to have some space between the trees, or else the roots and leaves begin competing for space leaving the plant stressed and susceptible to disease.
The right soil conditions are also very important. Knowing which nutrients are in your soil and what your soil pH is, through a soil test, will help you grow healthy plants. Our heavy clay soil can be amended so that it is productive. It may take perseverance and time, but it can happen. Improving organic matter by using mulches, fertilizers, and reducing tillage will improve soil health. Knowing how much fertilizer to apply will help you grow more beautiful and more fruitful plants.
There are no guarantees when it comes to gardening. However, using some forethought will give you a better chance of success in the end. If you have questions about plant selection, planting, soil health, or taking a soil test contact your local Extension office or email me at Jacob.Williams@uga.edu.
We are hosting a free Radon Awareness seminar March 13 at the Union County Civic Center. It will be from 1 pm – 2 pm and we would love for you to join us in learning more about radon.