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Posted: Apr/13/2006 1:46 PM PST
Hi, Brand new to gardening and trying to figure out what I'm doing... Obviously all flowers have guidelines on spacing. When you make a purchase, you're given guidance on how far apart to plant them from each other. What are these rules based on? Is that because the root structures need a certain amount of space, or because the foliage needs that much space, or both? I guess my question is, if two different perennials bloom at totally different times, it is safe to plant them in close proximity, since they won't actually ever both be in bloom and simultaneously competing for the same resources? Many thanks for any advice. Very glad to have found this forum! |
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Posted: Apr/13/2006 2:06 PM PST
First Welcome here!!! I am a new gardener as well and everyone has been so helpful!!! the guidelines are based on how big the plants get. For Perennials, the space also includes if htey are self seeding, you put a bit more room between them. For annuals, it's just how big they get. |
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Posted: Apr/13/2006 2:08 PM PST
Thanks for the reply! So as long as they're not in bloom simultaneously, it's safe to plant closer than the guidelines indicate? |
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Posted: Apr/13/2006 2:21 PM PST
I don't know if spacing affects growth and whether the timing of bloom matters--I've never heard that theory but it's an interesting one. I think the biggest drawback to planting too closely is having to move the plants when they outgrow their space. It's not fun for me and probably not fun for the plants either. It seems that I always plant closer than I intended to because after it's in the ground, I step back and realize "That's not two feet!" As your garden beds get full, it's a real pain to have to find new space for the plants. I've expanded my beds as a result--not such a bad idea after all! |
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Posted: Apr/13/2006 2:23 PM PST
If they are annuals you can probably plant then closer than recommended. But for perennials I'd say stick with the recommendation so like sweetlebee said you don't have to transplant them when they outgrow their spot. |
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Posted: Apr/13/2006 4:02 PM PST
I plant everything about 6-12 inches apart. If something outgrows its spot..thats ok..I am the queen of moving plants around anyway : ) |
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Posted: Apr/13/2006 4:51 PM PST
Kat, that's ok. when you are youthful and that was what I always did too but not now. I'm too old to be shuffling them around every year. I have two beds that are overgrown so I have to expand them. My new way is to give the perennials lots of room and if I need to, fill in with annuals for a year or so. |
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Posted: Apr/14/2006 10:43 AM PST
Thanks for all the advice. It's very helpful and much appreciated. RON - so if I understand correctly... In your opinion it's okay to crowd early-blooming bulbs with late-blooming root-based perennials (I'm thinking perhaps daffodils and hardy mums), but otherwise the spacing rules should be respected? Is that an accurate assessment? |
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Posted: Apr/15/2006 10:54 AM PST
hanna spacing plants was the rule that I didn't follow when I first started gardening and Ii am still paying for it. It is so hard to visualize a tiny little plant needing 3ft of space ,so I grouped them all much closer together and they looked good the first year , the next season they were a little crowded and the third year my garden was a mess. I had to pull plants out and find new homes for them and rearrange , it was alot of work . So follow the guides as they aren't lying . Welcome to GG, you will get a lot of help from the long time gardeners here and will have some fun to. swindyi |
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Posted: Apr/15/2006 2:51 PM PST
Glad to have you hennagaijin. |
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