What Is A Perennial Plant?

Perennial plants refer to those plants which you need to plant once and can harvest for several years. Plants such as Asparagus, Banana, and Artichokes are few of the examples of these wide ranges of plants. In this article, we will try to bring out reasons why a Gardener should be thinking about planting more and more perennials in his/her garden. So let’s look at some of the inherent advantages of growing perennials.

Why Grow Perennial Plants?

Low maintenance:

In contrast with the annual vegetables, once a perennial vegetable got established in your garden i.e. if the weather and soil suit its requirements, there is hardly anything you need to do. They are much more resistant to pests and other diseases and are much more self-sufficient in terms of watering and also in weed protection.
Great for improving soil quality:

As they live for many more years than the annual vegetables, they tend to improve the quality of the soil by providing organic materials (decomposed roots and leaves) over the time period. It is generally found that the soil nearby to the perennial plant is much more fertile in comparison with the annuals.
Prevents soil erosion:

Tillage is one of the main causes of soil erosion. Loose soil erodes very quickly by wind, rain etc. Tillage also harms and kills many beneficial worms in your garden soil. Once you shifted from annual to perennial vegetables you don’t need to till the soil every year.
Helps in maintaining a proper balance of the Ecosystem:

Perennial plants generally provide a natural habitat for a wide variety of animals. Many of them are essential to your gardening success. Perennial trees make an area much cooler by providing shade and releasing moisture into the air. A large set of these types of trees can change the climate of your area locally.
A far longer harvesting season:

In most of the cases, a perennial plant will offer you vegetables more times a year than your annual vegetable. When it coupled with a long-lasting lifespan, its benefits doubles. It provides food during the time of the year when there is very little to get from any of the annuals.
Miscellaneous Benefits:

Some of the perennial plants are ornamental. They will provide attractive landscapes with edibility features. Some of them are nitrogen fixative in nature which will not only help them to generate their own fertilizer but also help other plants in the garden.