34 Basic Perennial Garden PlantinG & Maintenance
Organic matter
If you remember only one thing from this discussion of soil preparation for
perennials, I hope it will be the importance of adding organic matter to the beds
in sufficient amounts and to sufficient depths. Organic matter improves the
physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. Research has shown that
the application of organic matter can increase plant growth by anywhere from 20
to 100 percent while maintaining higher-than-average survival rates. The main
focus in preparing soils for perennials should be improving soil structure, which
is the capability of the soil to form aggregates (the natural grouping together of
individual particles of sand, silt, and clay to form larger units). In clay soils,
organic matter creates structure and increases air space. In sandy soils, it
increases moisture and nutrient retention, reducing leaching. Organic matter
also increases the availability of all necessary nutrients, and the microbial and(top) Preparing the soil during
renovation of sections of the
back gardens at Hiddenhaven
required time and hard work.
The areas were tilled and soil
amendments were added,
based on calculations for the
size of each area. There was
no “shooting from the hip” or
rushing the process.
(bottom) Plants were placed
once the beds were prepared.