Garden Tips

One of the most recently asked questions.
Q: How late can I dig and divide perennials?
A: most of the digging and dividing should stop very soon, end of Aug. is stretching it.
some of the variables are:
1. how big are your divisions? the larger the better
2. how much soil is staying intact with the root system (more is better)
3. cut back the top growth by 1/2 to 1/3, certainly remove any flower buds
4. water well, and apply every week if no rain, even into November.
5. Apply straw or loose mulch like hay or pine needles AFTER the ground is
staying frozen, like end of November, most people cover way to early and plants
can rot. Tree leaves stay to wet and compacted, so NOT good for covering perennials

Q: How late can I plant potted perennials?
A: As long as the soil is workable. Important to keep the rootball intact.

Q; How late can I move plants?
A; Thru Sept is likely okay as long as the rootball stays intact, so dig your new planting hole first.
FYI if your plants are taproot, you shouldn't move them if they are established, you are likely
to destroy the root system, like Baptisia. If not sure search the web for the answer or email
me!

Q; What is meant by rootball intact?
A; That all the plants roots are surrounded by soil and held together, if all the soil falls off, then it is just like planting a bareroot plant. (if late in the season this can be a problem) So...water a little day ahead time to help keep it together. Loosen all the way around and lift the whole plant on the shovel at one time, carry to planting hole and gently place in ,disturbing as little as possible.

Q: How late can I plant bareroot iris?
A: Before the end of Aug at the VERY latest........so pick yours up!
Planted this late will lessen their chance for bloom next year and survival!

Many customers think that irises are supposed to be planted in the fall. Not so with rhizomatous iris. Yes, some stores (usually big box) still sell them into November....shame on them.....yes, they know better, I 've told them a time or two.