Why Perennials by Andre Alves Rochester NY

Andre, why do you choose perennials over annual plants in Rochester NY? I have been asked that question a lot says Andre Alves from Rochester NY. The reason is very simple says Andre. We live in a very cold climate, Upstate New York is notorious for getting snow showers in April and perennials always come back during the spring and summer months.

The Rochester NY cold climate season starts in October and goes all the way to April or May, if you are planning in planting annual flowers in your garden, do it after Memorial Day weekend. I had cases where I planted annual flowers a week before Memorial Day and they died because of frost. Mentions Andre Alves from Rochester NY (Perennial Exchange) organizer.

Perennials can be expensive if you buy them from a local garden store supply, the average price for perennials are around $15-$30 per plant. The price depends on the type of plant you are buying too. There are many garden stores located in the Rochester NY area says Andre Alves.

There are a lot of people that sells perennials in Rochester NY, I met a couple master gardeners that really know perennials and also have an extensive plant selection. You can also grow perennials from seed, however you need to be patient.

Growing perennial plants from seed can take a while, some perennial plants can take up to 3 weeks to germinate. Another problem I noticed is that not all seeds germinate. Three years ago I decided to grow about 50 perennial varieties by buying seeds from an online retailer.

I ended up with about 40 different types of perennials mention Andre Alves from Rochester NY. I was very patient, I had to build a special enclosure to keep them inside since squirrels and other animals love to dig out the plants.

I grew them for almost 4 months and once the fall came I transplanted them to the desired areas. The year after they came back up after all the snow and ice we had in Rochester NY. On the second year is where they really get big and flower.

Andre Alves Rochester NY Perennial Guide

In the third year they start to multiply and start to get full. On the fourth year I usually split them up and get them up for trade. Trading established plants helps a lot the survival rate, since the plants are already established they have a better chance of surviving.

Another thing I like to mention says Andre from Rochester NY, is that you should reserve some parts of your garden and make it into a plant nursery. I usually select the shady areas next to trees where my new plants can develop and not suffer from excessive sun exposure and heat exhaustion.

Adding mulch to your flower beds help your plants roots, mulch help prevent root frost in the spring time and also holds water in the summer time when the temperatures are high. Mulch also will decompose in the Fall and Winter time with the rain and snow providing nutrients to your flower beds.

 

Call your local town or village office and find if they offer free mulch and compost. Most towns and villages offer them free of charge. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.  Happy gardening!