How to Plant Herbaceous Plants

by Richard Sweeney

Overview

The basic structure of most gardens is made up of herbaceous plants and for good reason. Herbaceous plants are usually hardy and return from year to year, so, after the initial cost, the only cost is in maintenance. Most grasses and vines are herbaceous, as are most flowering shrubs. Of all the plants you can install in the garden, herbaceous plants require the least care with the most benefits!

Most grasses are herbaceous.

Step 1

Always prepare the soil first. Dig it deeply, remove weeds, and incorporate a fertilizer and garden compost if impoverished.
Step 2

Select your herbaceous plants. Your local garden center will have a large selection of herbaceous plants. Chose plants of varying sizes and textures for a dynamic garden display.
Step 3

Keep the plants in pots while designing your display. Most herbaceous plants are sold in pots, so space them out according to your plan. Change positions if associations don't look right.
Step 4

Firm the soil around the roots to remove any large pockets of air.
Step 5

Water the plant roughly about half an hour before removing the plant from its pot. Lay the plant on its side and gently press down on the pot until you feel the soil loosen.
Step 6

Remove the plant with a trowel. If the roots are wound tightly around the root-ball, carefully tease out a few of them first. Work methodically from the back of the border, or from one end.
Step 7

Always water thoroughly after planting, and keep well watered in dry weather for the first few months.
Step 8

Maintain your herbaceous plants according each plants instruction. If you want to increase you plants then consider propagating by cutting or cultivating the seeds.