FREE In-store Pick Up. Delivery Rates vary (determined at checkout).

Perennials, Seminars

Plant Focus: Perennials Part Two

Posted on by Brandi
Plant Focus: Perennials Part Two
29
May
Hey friend!

How’s the garden coming along? What do you have growing right now? Annuals? Perennials? Veggies? Shrubs? A majestic apple tree? I hope you are having a blast and being safe out there with your SPF and sunglasses.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Perennials webinar this morning. There was a bit of confusion due to technical errors but we have checked the next webinars and will not be running into the same issue. We hope you can join us for some exciting topics coming up like birding and watering.

This week, we expanded on perennials and went into detail about care, transplanting, dividing, and touched on some common myths you hear surrounding them (that part is my fav!).

If you missed our webinar, it is now available on YouTube and you can grab Colin’s PowerPoint here: GA Webinar – Plant Focus: Perennials Part 2 Return of the Iris Here’s a recap: What is a Perennial:
  • A herbaceous plant that lives more than two years (including weeds!).
    • Example: Echinacea, Ferns, Hosta, Sedum, Spurge, etc
    • Weed Example: Dandelion, Creeping Bell Flower, etc.
Purpose of Perennials (Colin Term: Purposennial?)
  • Pollination
  • Soil Support
  • Year-round growth for established gardens
  • Water conservation
  • Sustainable
Perennial VS Annual Transplanting
  • Process of moving a fully germinated seedling (or mature plant) and replanting it in another location for the growing season
  • Do this:
    • Early spring for summer/fall flowering perennials
    • Early fall for spring-flowering perennials
  • Procedure:
    • Dig and prep the plant’s new home. You don’t want roots exposed for too long.
    • Use a clean and sharp shovel to dig around the plant.
      • A good rule: Ensure you’re not disrupting roots too much. Start digging a little wider than the plant
    • Lift as much of the root ball as possible and plant right away.
    • Backfill with quality amended soil – 50/50 or 33/66 ratio.
      • Amended soil combines compost like Sea Soil with existing topsoil.
    • Give the newly planted perennial a good drink of water.
    • Fertilize with root booster or transplanter fertilizer.
      • Look for a high middle number like 5-15-5.
      • IMPORTANT: Follow instructions on your specific fertilizer.
Dividing
  • Process of lifting the perennial and cutting the root ball to multiply the plant
  • Do this:
    • Early spring for summer/fall flowering perennials
    • Early fall for spring-flowering perennials
  • Procedure:
    • Dig and prep the plant’s new home. You don’t want roots exposed for too long.
    • Use a clean and sharp shovel to dig around the plant.
      • A good rule: Ensure you’re not disrupting roots too much. Start digging a little wider than the plant
    • Lift as much of the root ball as possible and plant right away.
    • Cleanly cut the perennial as evenly as possible. 
      • A clean cut will ensure the plant recovers quicker… kind of like when we get a cut. a cleaner wound will heal faster.
    • Backfill with quality amended soil – 50/50 or 33/66 ratio.
      • Amended soil combines compost like Sea Soil with existing topsoil.
    • Give the newly planted perennial a good drink of water.
    • Fertilize with root booster or transplanter fertilizer.
      • Look for a high middle number like 5-15-5.
      • IMPORTANT: Follow instructions on your specific fertilizer.
Perennial Myths

Myth: Peonies require ants in order to bloom.

Busted! Peony is a high production plant. They present BIG blooms which require a lot of energy. Peony’s get that energy from sugar which is why it looks sticky. The ants are attracted to sweet things and so that’s why you see ants around peonies. Thinking about this: If you cut peonies to display in your house, do you bring ants inside too?

**************

Myth: Perennials need to be divided every three years!

Busted! You don’t need to put your perennials on a division schedule. You can divide perennials when/if you need to improve their growing conditions due to changes in the yard, or if your plant is super healthy and you want to see it showcased in more of your yard! You could even divide a perennial as soon as you buy it from the store! You do not need to divide perennials though.

**************

Myth: Perennial beds require no maintenance!

Busted! Maintenance is still needed for even the most established perennial gardens! Your garden bed may still need some weeding, soil amendment, etc.

**************

Myth: Perennials live forever!

Busted! I wish this was true… Although perennials are enjoyed year after year, they still have a life span like everything in life. For example, daffodil bulbs have a life span of around 3-7 years. whereas grasses can survive for decades.

**************

Myth: Shrubs are low maintenance; perennials are high maintenance!

Busted! Perennials and shrubs vary on maintenance! It’s not one size fits all. Disease, environmental factors, nutrient deficiency all play into how much maintenance a plant requires.

**************

Myth: Perennials require full sun and lots of water!

Busted! Just like maintenance, perennials require different conditions! Plants like Hosta’s require a shadier place in the garden and less water than the sun-loving ones. With so many options, everyone can have a perennial!
Translate »

Calcium Nitrate:

Mix Ratio: Apply ¼ teaspoon per 2 litres once a week. I full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended preventing blossom end rot and calcium deficiency in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchinis, and cannabis. It is also highly beneficial for all leafy greens and cruciferous plants (cabbage, Brussel sprouts, broccoli etc.).

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Iron Chelate

Mix Ratio: Soil drench – apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix ratio: Foliar spray - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 4 Litres of water once every 4 weeks. A full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended for correcting iron deficiency in a variety of plants grown in high pH soil. Iron deficiency is diagnosed by the yellowing or pale colour of the plant leaves, especially in young growth.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

High Drainage

Moisten Thoroughly before use: (optional) Peat moss can be water-repellent. Before use, thoroughly wet the soil.

Potting:

Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Fill the pot with the moistened soil, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more soil.

Firm the soil gently.

Watering:

This is crucial! Water frequently, especially during hot weather.

Check the soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger into the soil.

Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is low in nutrients, fertilize regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Consider Amendments:

For plants that prefer more moisture retention, you can add a small amount of coco coir or vermiculite to the mix.

Important Notes:

Overwatering: While frequent watering is necessary, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Plant Selection: This type of soil is well-suited for seed starting as well as plants that prefer well-drained conditions, such as cacti, cannabis, succulents, and some tropical plants.

Adjustments: You may need to adjust your watering frequency based on the specific plant and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, sunlight).

Alberta Blend

Moisten the Peat Moss before use: (optional) Peat moss can be hydrophobic (water-repellent) when dry. Before using it, thoroughly moisten it. You can do this by placing it in a container and adding water, then squeezing out any excess.

Mixing: (optional) Our Private Label Alberta Blend comes ready to use, expertly formulated for your plants, either indoors or outdoors.

If you're using this mix as your own base, combine it with worm castings, volcanic dust, vermiculite, etc. to improve nutrition, drainage and/or aeration.

Potting:

When potting your plants, ensure that the pot has drainage holes.

Fill the pot with the moistened potting mix, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more potting mix.

Lightly firm the soil around the plant leaving ½ inch to an inch of space at the top for watering.

Watering:

Because peat moss retains water, be careful not to overwater.

Allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is nutrient-poor, you'll need to provide your plants with regular fertilization.

Use the correct fertilizer according to the plant's needs.

20-20-20 Houseplant Complete

Mix Ratio: For all houseplants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week once every week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

It is highly recommended to start your houseplants on a fertilizer regime, but only while they are actively growing. Houseplants tend to have a period of dormancy (normally winter, however poinsettias, Xmas cacti etc. are exceptions to this rule) and whilst dormant they should not be fertilized.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

22-6-15 Plus Herb and Leafy Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all herbaceous and leafy vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This fertilizer is ideal for all leafy vegetables and for herbs. This product can be used year-round if you grow herbs indoors.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

20-12-28 Tomato and Fruiting Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all fruiting vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Use this fertilizer on planting day and push right through until the plant either stops producing or reaches the end of season. In the case of transplanted seedlings this fertilizer should be used after the 2 feedings of Js - Jump-Start & Transplant.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

10-52-10 Jump-Start & Transplant

Mix Ratio: For outdoor summer plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Normally two applications, one at the time of transplanting, the second application can be done one week later from the initial fertilizing. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix Ratio: For seed starting - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Do not over water seedlings, feed every 2 weeks until transplanted outside. Feed them at the time of transplanting outdoors, then one more feeding a week later. After that start using the correct fertilizer for type of plant. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

 e.g. Vt Vegetable: Tomato and Fruiting for tomatoes, F3 Flower flower flower for bedding out/annual plants.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

4-5-28 Perennial Complete

Mix Ratio: All perennials (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks from spring to late summer. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your perennials. For existing perennials, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. new shoots etc.). For new perennials we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

28-14-14 Plus Trees and Shrubs - Fruit and Flower

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water per week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

14-7-21 Tree and Shrub Leaf & Needle

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your evergreen/coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

15-10-30 Flower, Flower, Flower

Mix Ratio: Outdoor plants (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water twice a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your annual plants. We recommend starting to fertilize at time of planting outdoors and go through to first frost.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.