Annual or Perennial?

With Spring in full swing, it’s time for us to get back out into our gardens!  Whether your garden is on your property, in a community garden space, in pots on your porch, or in containers on your windowsill, it’s important to know what your plant is going to do over the season.  One of the most important things to know about a plant is if it is an annual or perennial.

What’s the difference?

  • An annual plant has a life cycle of one season or year.
  • A perennial has a life cycle of multiple season or years and will “come back” each spring after winter.

A trick to remember this difference is that annuals need to be purchased annually.Why is this important to know?

Cucumber Sprouts.jpg

Once Fall has come and the first frost begins to wither our plants, it is important to know what plants will give us seeds for next year, what can be composted, and what should be winterized.  If you’re not sure if your plants are annuals or perennials, here are a few common herbs you may have in your garden:

  • Basil, Borage (most varieties), Calendula, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Fennell, German Chamomile, Parsley, Stevia, Terragon.
  • Catnip, Chives, Echinacea, Fennel, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Marjoram, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint, Thyme, Roman Chamomile, Summer Savory, Lovage, Sorrel.

Happy gardening!

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