The advent of spring awakens the gardener's desire to get into the soil. Even though the frost date for your planting zone may be weeks away, the one area you can safely delve into now is perennials. In fact you are encouraged to do so.

Perennials are that group of plants that continue to live year after year. Many multiply by expanding their mass through underground root development. Others such as shrubs and trees just mature with age. Perennials enter a dormant or semi dormant stage as the ground freezes. Some loose their above ground foliage during this time. Others carry a minimal short growth of leaves to continue winter photosynthesis like poppies, evergreens, and grape hyacinths. Late fall and early spring provide the best conditions for planting, transplanting, and dividing this group. Rule of thumb is: If the ground can be dug, perennials can be planted.

Perennial Vegetables

There are several perennial vegetables that can be established in the garden. Most notably are asparagus, rhubarb, and Jerusalem artichoke. Establishing perennial vegetables may take 2-5 years but the rewards are considerable, notably to your pocketbook. Due to maturity time, harvestability, and space requirements, cash crops demand the top prices.

Planning is essential. Note soil requirements, sun and shade as well as space. These plants will be with you a long time often expanding human generations. One asparagus plant can eventually form a 3'-5' patch through root development. Rhubarb when fully grown takes up a 5' space. The taproots grow thick and deep. Jerusalem artichoke grows 10'-12' tall and spreads through the very tubers for which it is grown. It also self-seeds readily.

As all perennials will call their patch of soil a permanent home, you want to initially prepare their soil with the proper pH and nutrients they require to get established. After that, they will adjust to their surroundings naturally requiring low maintenance.

Perennial Herbs

Planning your herb garden is also essential. Established herbs can grow like weeds on steroids. Mints especially spread rampantly through their extensive root system which can develop over a foot deep and run 30'-50' feet from the original planting. Containing such spreaders can be accomplished by lining their space with barriers that go down 1 1/2 feet into the soil. They can also be potted in large metal tubs or pots and sunk into the soil up to their rim. Yearly maintenance includes policing above ground pot jumpers. Some herbs will root their low growing branches. Harvesting herbs such as thyme, oregano, and chives keeps them in check. Dividing plants and removing flowers before they seed will keep your herb garden under check. You also want to allow space for your annual herbs and not so hardy herbs like rosemary that you can overwinter indoors.

Shrubs and Trees

Shrubs and trees do best when planted during their dormant stage. Dig a hole twice as deep and wide as the root ball. Mix the removed soil with amendments such as peat moss and fertilizer. Place plant in hole and position with top of root ball just above surrounding soil level. Back fill with half of soil. Water well and let drain. Fill with rest of soil and water well again. This helps prevent air pockets in soil. Mulch around plant leaving a 3" space around trunk. Continue watering once a week for the first year to get trees and shrubs established.

Dividing Perennials

Loosen the mass of perennial plant and lift from the soil. With a small saw, serrated knife, or shovel blade cut though the mass leaving a crown with some roots on each piece. Amend soil before replanting. Share extras with family, friends, and neighbors. Pot up for selling or plant swaps.