Transplanting Perennials During Growing Season

When it comes to planting and transplanting perennials I prefer to plant in the fall or spring months. The weather is more suitable in the spring, cooler days and the rainy season provides the hydration that newly planted perennials need to develop a strong root and to grow into healthy plants.  That is not to say that you cannot transplant or plant in the summer.  It can be done but the summer plants need tender loving care.  

Today I received word that all of my foundation plants needed to be moved; Hosta garden with fern and toad lilies.  My black-eyed Susan and my rose garden also need to be moved 10 feet away from my home's foundation. In the front I have my Liriope border grass also needs to be transplanted, presently it is growing next to the sidewalk and is in the line of fire from construction workers. 

My yard and garden have been set for the last several years and now I need to transplant 30 hosta, 12 ferns, 24 liriope, 12 toad lilies, 6 roses and a 10 x21 square feet wildflower garden and all plantings must be completed by the end of June or they will be trampled by excavating equipment and foot traffic.

The first thing that I did was look over my preexisting garden to see if there was any room for perennial transplants.  There was enough room in the back garden to transplant the wildflowers.   

The hostas would be moved into a garden that will encircle an oak tree. Rose bushes will be planted in clay pots and the border grass will be given to my neighbor so they can plant along their walkway.

Planting:

When it comes to planting in the summer I prefer to transplant in the late afternoon or on a cloudy day.  This will reduce transplant shock. 
  

I also think it is a good idea to plan to transplant on a day when rain is in the forecast.  Tonight there is a 40% chance of rain so I am transplanting perennials.

TLC

A perennial that is planted during the summer months requires tender loving care.   I recommend planting in well-drained soil that has been amended with compost.  Break up the clumps of soil so that the soil is loose and mix with all-purpose of continuous-release plant food.  

 After perennials have been planted apply 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch.  This mulch will aid in keeping the roots cool and retain moisture. 

Set up a soaking hose to keep the soil evenly moist.  A faucet timer is helpful as transplants in summer need a lot of hydration.  I water for 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the late afternoon. (soaking hose is s a  slow drip and will keep the roots of your plants hydrated

Check the soil around the perennials daily to make sure it is evenly moist.  


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Attracting Birds with Backyard Habitat

Attract birds to your backyard by providing a habitat of perennial flowers, shrubs, trees and reliable water source.  If you provide the birds with their needs then you will develop a following of feathered friends.

When the birds visit your yard and garden for water or to feed from your plant seeds you will find that their visits are enjoyable, however the birds will be also providing you with a valuable service as they are a natural way to rid you yard and garden of insects.

Feeding Birds

Keep the birds happy by providing nourishment.  Buy wildlife shrubs and trees that that are fruit or nut bearing.  Also choose flowers that are high in nectar as well as flowers that produce seeds; sunflower, black-eyed Susan and coneflowers to name a few.  

Providing a Water Source

Consider a stone bird bath with a ledge for perching.  This will allow the birds an area where they can land and drink easily.  Before using a bird bath clean it with antibacterial dish soap and rinse well.  Let it air dry in the sun.  

1. Install a water source in a safe area in your yard that is away from human foot traffic and cats; however the bird bath needs to be in an area where you can watch the birds from a distance.  I would recommend setting the bird bath in the center of a garden where the plants will conceal the birds from a cats view.
2. Maintain the bird bath by changing the water daily.  Empty the water from the bird bath daily.  
3. Clean the bird bath by removing the feathers, bird droppings, mosquito larvae or algae.  
4. Rinse well with a garden hose before refilling the bird bath with tap water that has been treated with Aqua Safe to remove chlorine or fill the bird bath with purified water.   
5. Another way to fill the bird bath is to collect rainwater in a barrel, then use this natural water.

Tips

1. Choose an area for the bird bath and then install it.  Leave the bird bath in that location and refrain from moving it.  It will take a few days for the birds to notice the water source.
2. Hang peanut and suet feeders throughout your yard to attract woodpeckers, wrens and chickadees.

Learn how you can create your own wildlife habitat in your yard by viewing this You Tube video: 

Attribution introduction image: http://mrg.bz/qUd5n0

Harvesting Herbs (How to)

Many people grow herbs in gardens both indoors and outdoors. These herbs are grown for their ornamental properties and for culinary and medicinal usage.  If you enjoy using herbs for your recipes then they should be harvested throughout the growing season.

Learn the parts of the herb plant that are needed for usage; tea, cooking, soaps, potpourri or sachets to name a few uses for herbs.  The herb leaves and stems are used for cooking and for crafts. For medicinal usage you would harvest the seed, flowers and roots.

Harvest your herbs in the morning.  I prefer to pick the leaves and flowers when the dew is still noticeable on the leaves.  I use my herb scissor to cut herb springs two inches above the soil line or I will remove the leaves from the sprig.   When you harvest the herbs in the morning the oil in the leaves is more concentrated and thus your recipes will be more flavorful and if you are making wreaths or potpourri with the herb flowers then they will be more aromatic.

View this video for tips on harvesting indoor herbs: