April 28, 2021 Issue, Page 10 of 16

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10 April 28, 2021 4 tips for backyard How to care for perennials barbecue success indicates the how-to resource Tip Bulletin. Perennials should be watered deeply, especially during the first growing season. However, the soil should never be overly dry or wet. Most perennials do not need to be fertilized heavily. A single applica- tion in the spring typically is all that’s needed. When the weather warms up, the opportunities carding any items that have been sitting outside for Care along the way can include to enjoy more time outdoors increase. For many longer than two hours at room temperature. Items deadheading spent flowers so people that means firing up the grill to cook dinners should be moved indoors or discarded even more Perennials can add color and maintenance-free. Certain care is that plants can use their energy in the backyard and also to host friends and family quickly in especially hot conditions. vibrancy to any garden. One of needed to help perennials thrive, on seed production and rebloom- for outdoor gatherings around the patio. 2. Learn how to smoke. Grilling is one skill, and the more desirable components of and that starts with the soil. In ing. Perennials should be divided Barbecuing is enjoyed around the world and is smoking is another. As the popularity of food perennials is that they come back fact, soil is the single most impor- when they grow large, every three especially popular in the United States, where even smokers has increased, prices have come down. year after year, meaning home- tant factor for growing healthy to four years when the plants are presidents have touted the virtues of cooking out- Novices can visit barbecue competitions and talk owners do not have to invest in plants. Penn State Extension says not in bloom. Perennials produce side. Lyndon B. Johnson, Jimmy Carter and even to professionals about their tips for smoking foods, a gardenful of new flowers every most perennials grow ideally in fewer flowers or may look sickly Ronald Regan hosted barbecues with tasty grilled or year. That can add up to consid- well drained, fertile soil with a pH when the time has passed to or learn more by watching tutorials online. Smoked smoked food during their terms. erable savings. Perennials often of 6.0 to 7.0. In addition, organic divide them. Early spring often is foods take a lot of time to cook, allowing hosts an form the foundation of beautiful matter can improve soil texture Barbecues are especially popular in spring and opportunity to mingle with guests. a good time to divide perennials, summer. Memorial Day often marks the unoffi- gardens. and water-holding ability. advises The Farmer’s Almanac. 3. Keep things simple. Serve only a handful of items Annuals only grow for one season, When including perennials in the cial kickoff to the summer barbecue season. After A thick layer of mulch can help to cut down on the amount of preparation required. produce seeds and then die. How- garden, make sure you wait for Memorial Day weekend, the smell of barbecue often perennials to overwinter suc- can be detected on a nightly basis in suburban Two main proteins and maybe three side dishes is ever, perennials die back to the the right time to plant them. The adequate. Chips or other pre-made snacks can fit ground every autumn and their cessfully. Perennials planted in neighborhoods. Follow these tips to make backyard ideal time is during the spring or the bill. Condensing options also reduces how much roots survive the winter. So the containers will need to be trans- barbecues even more successful this year. fall. Perennials come as container- you have to manage. Be sure to have options for plants reemerge in the spring, ac- planted into the garden before it 1. Make food safety a priority. A successful barbecue grown perennials, which already is one in which everyone goes home sated and those with food allergies or intolerances when plan- cording to The Farmer’s Almanac. gets cold because most containers have been established in the soil. stuffed with delicious foods. However, ensuring ning the menu. Some perennials are short-lived, cannot thoroughly insulate peren- Bare-root perennials are just roots people don’t fall ill also is vital. Keep in mind that 4. Set up clusters of seating. Grouping sets of chairs meaning they will come back a nial roots. few consecutive years; others will that are often packed in peat the temperature outdoors impacts the rate of at tables around the yard encourages guests to Apart from these strategies, mingle. Also, it helps space out people for social last for decades. moss. In order to plant bare-root spoilage for raw and cooked foods. Always keep hot perennials pretty much take care distancing and avoids a bottleneck around the food. Though planted perennials perennials, soak the roots in of themselves. As long as sunlight foods hot and cold foods cold (place items on ice or in coolers). The Food and Drug Administration, Make the most of barbecue season by embracing require less maintenance than water for several minutes before requirements match plant needs, advises moving leftovers indoors promptly and dis- strategies to be successful hosts and hostesses. annuals, they are not completely gently planting in the ground, the perennials should thrive. 3105 W. 3rd Street, Suite 100, Elk City • 580.225.0150