How to: Prep Your Garden Bed for Peonies
Whether you’ve already signed up for our Dig & Divide workshop or would still like to join us, the first step to peony success is preparing a good home for those roots. Peonies are long-lived perennials—once planted, they can thrive for decades—so it’s worth the extra effort to get their bed just right.
Choose the Right Location
Peonies are happiest in spots where they can put down roots and stay put. Look for:
Full sun: At least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a Sun Path App to see where the path will fall to help me decide plant placement.
Good drainage: Avoid soggy areas where water pools.
Room to grow: Leave 3–4 feet between plants for air circulation and big, healthy clumps.
Prepare the Soil
Healthy roots mean happy blooms. A little soil work now will pay off for years.
Loosen deeply: Work the soil 18–24 inches down.
Amend generously: Mix in compost or aged manure for nutrients.
Improve texture: If your soil is clay-heavy, add sand for better drainage.
Dig Planting Holes
Once your soil is prepped, create roomy holes for planting.
Depth: 12–18 inches deep.
Width: About 18 inches across.
Backfill halfway: Refill with your amended soil so it’s ready for planting.
Important: Peony “eyes” (the little buds on the crown) should sit only 1–2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deep is the number one reason peonies won’t bloom.)
If You’re Joining the Class
During the Dig & Divide workshop, you’ll be able to choose whether to:
Divide your clump into multiple plants (we recommend prepping three holes at home so you’re ready to tuck each division into place), or
Keep your clump intact and simply move a larger piece of Mountain Field Farm to your garden (in that case, you only need one hole prepared).
Water & Mulch After Planting
Once roots are planted, water thoroughly so the soil settles around them. Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to buffer against early frosts and help retain moisture.
Ready to Grow
Whether you’ve already signed up for the Dig & Divide class—or would still like to join us—you’ll be ready to take home fresh peony roots and tuck them into your prepared beds. With a little groundwork now, your peonies will be well on their way to rewarding you with lush, fragrant blooms for years to come.