Perennial Power Yearly Growth
Perennial Power Yearly Growth
Rhubarb: A Resilient and Versatile Crop
Rhubarb is a hardy perennial that thrives in cooler climates and requires little maintenance once established. Its broad leaves provide natural ground cover, reducing weed growth and moisture loss. Once mature, rhubarb is highly drought-resistant, making it both resilient and a low water user on your acreage.
Tips for Successful Planting
• Select a sunny or partially shaded location with welldrained, fertile soil.
• Plant rhubarb crowns in early to midspring, spacing them 2 to 3 feet apart.
• Water consistently during the first year to encourage strong root growth.
Berry Bushes: A Sweet, Sustainable Investment
Berry bushes like blueberries, raspberries and blackberries provide delicious fruit while improving biodiversity by supporting pollinators and beneficial insects. Their root systems prevent soil erosion, and mulching around them enhances soil organic matter, leading to better moisture retention and fertility.
Tips for Successful Planting
• Select berry varieties suited to your climate and soil conditions.
• Space bushes appropriately— blueberries need about 4 to 5 feet, while raspberries and blackberries require more room to spread.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Comfrey: A Multi-Purpose Powerhouse
The wildcard in this list is comfrey, an invaluable perennial for homesteads that’ s known for its deep roots, rapid regrowth and multiple uses in soil enrichment, animal forage and medicinal applications.
Comfrey is a dynamic accumulator, drawing up essential minerals like potassium and phosphorus to enrich the soil. Its nutrient-dense leaves can be used as green manure, a compost booster or turned into liquid fertilizer, known as“ comfrey tea.”
Bonus: It also attracts pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers and can even serve as a supplemental livestock forage when fed in moderation.
Tips for Successful Planting
• Plant comfrey root cuttings or crown divisions in well-drained soil with full to partial sun.
• Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart, as they spread vigorously. Consider choosing Bocking 14 varieties of the plant to prevent unwanted seeding.
• Harvest leaves multiple times per season by cutting them back to the base to encourage regrowth.
Plant This Spring, Harvest for Years
Spring is the perfect time to establish new perennials on your acreage. But before planting, don’ t forget to:
• Test your soil to determine pH levels and nutrient needs.
• Prepare planting beds by loosening the soil and adding compost for improved fertility.
• Choose disease-resistant varieties suited to your growing zone.
• Water thoroughly after planting to help young roots establish.
Start planting perennials this spring to enjoy seasons of effortless harvests, healthier soil and a thriving landscape. A little effort now will ensure fresh asparagus, juicy berries and lush rhubarb return every year.
32 AcreageLife April 2025 AcreageLife. com
AcreageLife. com April 2025 AcreageLife 33