While it is not essential to understand all of the terminologies of gardening to be an accomplished grower, it is important to understand the difference between Annual and Perennial. Whether you are planting seeds, seedlings, or just planning your garden these words will pop up everywhere and make the difference between long-term success and temporary growth.
So what’s the difference?
DEFINITION: A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives more than two years.
DEFINITION: An annual plant is a plant that completes its life cycle from germination to the production of seeds, within one growing season, and then dies.
Which should we plant?
While many of our wonderful annual vegetables provide us with an abundance of food it is always important to incorporate perennials as much as possible into every system for the many benefits they provide the ecosystem.
BENEFITS OF PERENNIAL
- They do not require replanting (saves a lot of time and money)
- Preserve Garden moisture (water efficiency)
- Established Root systems (can bring water and nutrients t0 other plants)
- They have opportunity to grow up into established shade for other plants. (natural structure)
How can we in cooperate perennials?
Focusing on perennial doesn’t mean that we need to sacrifice our wonderful annual vegetable crop like tomatoes and carrots but we can pair them up with their perennial friends. When planting try to incorporate perennials evenly throughout your garden leaving spaces for your annual crops.
LIST OF SUGGESTED PERRENIALS
- Rhubarb
- Artichoke
- Echinacea
- Comfrey
- Asparagus
- Kale
- Bay tree
- Fruit and Nut Trees
- Majority of Herbs
….. and the list goes on.
Lets get our perennials in and have our gardens thriving for year to come.
Written by @alexandria.permaculture