Why Summer Is A Good Time to Plant
Were you aware that many people think you can only plant trees and shrubs in the spring or fall? This used to be true but that has all changed due to updated and modern growing practices in nurseries.
Many of us have heard about the best time to plant trees and shrubs in the landscape being in spring or fall. There are reasons for planting some things in the various seasons we have here in Ohio. But like the old saying goes "things are different today than in your grandmother's day." Tree and shrubs production has shifted from being grown in the ground and harvested by digging them when they were dormant, to year 'round supply. Yes, there are still some larger plants that are still dug but the majority are "container grown" and that is a huge plus! When plants are available from nurseries in plastic or metal containers the plants do not suffer any root loss because all of their roots are right in the container. We benefit because now we can install them whenever we need to, even in the summer months.
Years ago when nurseries had to dig their plants out of the ground, many of the roots were left behind and it required harvesting the plants when they were not actively growing. Now nurseries can offer their trees and shrubs all 12 months of the year and we can plant any time the soil can be worked. Actually there are several advantages of planting in the summer months:
• the soil is warm and the plants are actively growing so they keep on developing.
• garden center staff is not rushed like they can be in the spring.
• plantings at the nurseries are maturing and new varieties may be becoming available now that were not there in the spring.
• when plants are planted, during the growing season- summer, you can pick up almost a year of growing time and purchase a smaller plant, a true savings.
• garden centers may offer special pricing to sell plants when the season is not as active.
All the planting techniques are the same whenever the planting takes place - the hole is the same size, adding good amounts of organic matter like compost or peat moss amends our heavy clay soils, using a "starter" fertilizer and water thoroughly doesn't change. One thing that needs to happen with summer planting is to be sure the root ball of the new plant does not dry out even when the soil around it is damp. This may require daily watering during hot, dry spells.
Making gardening easier and more enjoyable, let's take the "work" out of it and enjoy our creator's beauty. If you have questions let us know- info@meadowview.com.
30 years of Growing
Meadow View Growers
New Carlisle, OH
www.meadowview.com