Comments on: Spring Lawn & Garden Prep Plus a Giveaway!

By: Heidi

Heidi — Wed, 13 May 2015 01:48:12 +0000

Thanks for the tips! Do you have any recommendations where to get bulk soil (for raised beds and landscaping) in the Twin Cities? I heard there’s some free compost stuff in the SLP area . . . but I haven’t found it yet (only a fairly pricey place so far). Any suggestions are hugely appreciated!

By: Keith swenson

Keith swenson — Sat, 09 May 2015 21:34:58 +0000

Greetings gardening friends and peony lovers! Thanks Paula for your email. The ‘mulching’ tips in our ‘Peony Care’ pages relates to the winter/spring protection of first year plants in USDA Zones 2-4. This is mainly done after 2-4 inches of frost is in the ground to protect the roots from heaving in the freeze/thaw cycles in late winter/early spring. Very similar in these zones to mulching Irises, tulips and other tuber, fall planted varieties. When we recommend ‘removing’ all the mulch, it literally means removing and discarding. Since we are the world’s largest chemical free grower, having anything left around the peony growing site is a no, no. Why? Decaying mulch does have a chance to harbor fungal diseases. With 18,000+ peonies on our farm, site cleanliness is paramount to their vigor and subsequent disease resistance. Now regarding mulch around established peonies, I’m not a fan of that unless the mulch is removed and bare ground is exposed at least 1′ radius around the center of the plant. Again why? Keeping the center/crown covered will harbor fungal diseases AND not allow the ground to dry out. Can you say possible death to your peonies? Yes dear peony gardening friends in particular, one of the main causes of deceased peonies is the site location is too wet! Happy gardening!

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 08 May 2015 18:24:00 +0000

In reply to Scoops.

I do not, but I emailed Swenson Gardens to find out. I’ll let you know! This is what I found on their website though. http://www.swensongardens.coms

it necessary to mulch newly planted bare-root peonies?
Yes, if you are in USDA Zones 2 to 4.
No, if you are in USDA Zones 5 to 8.

When is the best time to mulch newly planted bare-root peonies?
Mulch after the ground has two to four inches of frost. Mulching is required to prevent the roots from heaving in late winter to early spring while the ground is thawing and re-freezing.

When is the best time to remove mulch in the spring?
When tulips first appear, remove half of the mulch and the remaining mulch 10 to 14 days later. The new growth will be okay if the temp dips to 20 degrees F for three consecutive nights. If it is colder than that, re-mulch and remove when temp warms up again. During years of late frosts after the blooms are set, you may lose the blooms for that year, but the plant will come back the next spring.

By: Scoops

Scoops — Fri, 08 May 2015 16:28:41 +0000

In reply to Paula. Paula! Thanks for the tip! Question: do you know why the peonies don't like mulch? I'm so curious.

By: Scoops

Scoops — Fri, 08 May 2015 16:28:06 +0000

In reply to Mike. Yep! Can't wait to see what you've done to your yard this spring!

By: Scoops

Scoops — Fri, 08 May 2015 16:27:37 +0000

In reply to Kathy. You should do it!

By: Scoops

Scoops — Fri, 08 May 2015 16:27:25 +0000

In reply to Chloe joy. Hey Chloe Joy! I hope you're enjoying the outdoor projects and I'm sure your edging couldn't be that bad, right? Tell your BF to feel better soon!

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 07 May 2015 20:33:47 +0000

Hey Scoops, FYI you shouldn’t put mulch around your peonies. At least that is what the folks at Swenson Gardens told me. They are an awesome peony farm out the Delano way. I have gotten several beautiful peonies from them and they love peonies as much as I do!

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:27:30 +0000

Nice! Useful tips that I can apply in my own yard!

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:49:02 +0000

I have maybe yard tool envy, epically that mower. This may be the year!

By: Chloe joy

Chloe joy — Thu, 07 May 2015 10:50:10 +0000

Thanks, Scoops! Loved this post! My boyfriend usually handles the lawn but I had to take over after his knee surgery. My first edging job almost got me laughed out of the neighborhood,but I’ll be ready next time :)