Spring is such an exciting time in the garden. After the long winter, there’s nothing quite like seeing green shoots poking up from the soil, promising a burst of colour and life in the coming months. Last spring, I was especially eager to get my perennials in the ground—visions of lush blooms filled my head, and I was ready to go! But in my enthusiasm, I made a few mistakes that, looking back, I wish someone had warned me about. If you’re gearing up to plant perennials this spring, here are the common slip-ups to avoid, and a few lessons I learned along the way.
1. Planting Too Early
I’ll admit, I’ve always been a bit impatient when spring arrives. I’d start planting at the first hint of warmth, thinking my perennials would appreciate the head start. But planting too early is a big mistake, especially if frost is still a risk. A late frost can damage or even kill young plants, leaving you disappointed (and your garden empty).
Now, I wait until the soil warms up a bit more, and I always check the forecast. If there’s a chance of frost, I hold off or cover the plants just in case. As they say, patience is a virtue—especially in gardening!
2. Ignoring Soil Quality
When I first started, I figured my perennials would grow just fine in whatever soil I had. But it turns out perennials are pretty particular about their growing medium. I learned this the hard way when some of my plants struggled to take off and looked sad all season.
Now, I make sure to amend my soil before planting. A quick test can reveal if it’s lacking in nutrients, or if it needs compost or organic matter to improve drainage. It’s amazing how much happier (and healthier) my perennials look with just a bit of prep. Trust me, a little soil TLC goes a long way.
3. Overcrowding the Plants
Last spring, I crammed as many plants into my garden as possible, thinking it would create that full, lush look. Well, it did—until they started competing for space and nutrients! Some of my poor plants ended up stunted, and others just didn’t get the airflow they needed, leading to mildew and disease.
This year, I’m giving each plant room to breathe. Perennials spread out over time, so I’m keeping their mature size in mind when I place them. It’s hard not to overfill, but giving them the right space to grow will save a lot of frustration later on.
4. Neglecting Sunlight Requirements
I used to pick plants based on looks alone, not paying much attention to their sunlight needs. I’d put shade-loving plants in sunny spots or sun-lovers in shady corners, only to wonder why they weren’t thriving. It turns out, they’re a bit picky about their light needs!
Now, I pay close attention to where the sun hits different areas of my garden throughout the day. I’m much more selective about which plants go where. It’s made such a difference seeing my perennials happy and blooming where they belong.
5. Skipping the Mulch
In my early gardening days, I didn’t bother with mulch, figuring it was just an extra step. But I soon learned that mulch does so much more than just tidy up a garden bed. It helps retain moisture, regulates soil temperature, and even suppresses weeds. After I started using it, I noticed my plants were much healthier, especially during dry spells.
I now make it a point to add a layer of mulch around my perennials. Not only does it help them thrive, but it also saves me time weeding and watering. If you’re tempted to skip the mulch, don’t—you’ll thank yourself later.
6. Forgetting to Water Properly
Spring is often rainy, so I used to assume my perennials were getting enough water without my help. But those early weeks after planting are crucial for root establishment, and young plants often need a bit more attention. Neglecting to water deeply and consistently was a big oversight on my part.
Now, I give each new plant a good soak when I first plant it and continue to check on them in the weeks that follow. If rain isn’t reliable, I make sure to water them myself. Deep watering really helps them settle in, and it’s made a noticeable difference in their growth.
7. Not Adding Fertiliser Right Away
This one surprised me—I assumed that since perennials are hardy, they didn’t need any help from fertiliser. But just like us, plants need a boost, especially when they’re settling in. My first few perennials struggled because I skipped the fertiliser, thinking they’d manage on their own.
These days, I give my perennials a gentle feed when I plant them, either with a slow-release fertiliser or some organic compost. It gives them a little extra energy to establish strong roots and helps them bloom beautifully. Skipping this step is a mistake I won’t make again!
Final Thoughts: A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Gardening has a funny way of teaching us as we go, and each mistake is just part of the learning process. By paying attention to these little details—like timing, soil, and spacing—you can help your perennials get off to the best possible start. And, honestly, it’s so satisfying to watch them thrive, knowing you’ve done everything to set them up for success.
If you’re planting perennials this spring, take it from me—give them a bit of extra love and patience. Your garden (and your future self) will thank you! Happy planting! 🌸