We have put together some tips and instructions you can use to help ensure your perennials rebound in the spring. While perennial plants can be quite hardy, even the toughest ones can struggle after a harsh winter.
A good first step is to clean up your garden beds. Remove any dead leaves, branches, or debris that accumulated over the winter. This will help your plants get more sunlight and fresh air, which will help them grow more quickly and healthily. HINT: Don’t start this process before the pollinators who have made their homes in your debris have a chance to awaken. More on that here.
Next, inspect your plants for any dead or damaged stems. Prune these back to healthy tissue, as they can cause problems for the rest of the plant if left unattended. For roses, prune canes back to about one-third of their height. Make sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid spreading diseases. Clean your shears often, especially immediately after cutting away diseased canes or stems.
Frost heave occurs when the soil freezes and thaws repeatedly, causing the plant to rise out of the ground. This can be damaging to the plant's roots, so check to see if any of your plants have been affected. If you notice any plants that have lifted out of the ground, carefully push them back into place and tamp down the soil around them.
Check the moisture level of the soil in your garden beds. If it feels dry, water the plants thoroughly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once a week, rather than shallowly more often.
Apply a slow-release fertilizer to your garden beds to give your plants the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. Follow the instructions on the package carefully, as over-fertilizing can be just as damaging as under-fertilizing.
Finally, mulch your garden beds with a layer of organic material such as shredded leaves, straw, or compost. This will help retain moisture in the soil, prevent weeds from growing, and protect your plants' roots from temperature fluctuations.
By following these tips and instructions, you can help ensure that your perennial plants rebound in the spring after a hard winter. With a little care and attention, your garden can be thriving and beautiful once again.
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