The Secret to Planting in the Summer

While it is no secret planting in the spring and fall is a great time to establish new varieties in your garden, it may be a surprise that planting in the summer can also be done successfully, especially those classic shrubs like our Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush. If the threat of frost is more than six weeks away, you can add plants to your landscape at any time.  

Why Summer Planting? 

Plants love to establish and grow their roots when the ground is warm. It is especially great for spring bloomers. Since they have already flushed out their flowers for the season, they can concentrate on developing their roots for long-lasting growth. Likewise, for those plants that are just getting ready to bloom, like Lavender Chiffon® Rose of Sharon, you can take the opportunity to give them a nutrient-packed home before they really put their energy into flowering. Once they are done, they will continue to establish their root system to survive the coming winter.  

How to Plant in the Summer 

Now that you are ready to put your gardening gloves on and color up your yard with Rose of Sharon and Butterfly Bushes, let us go over how you can ensure success with your plant additions. While many people think of plants as delicate, that is not necessarily true. Some plants need extra care in the beginning, but if you choose plants that are well suited to your area, they are a lot tougher than we may give them credit for. However, it is still better to give your plants the best start you can. 

1. Place your plant, still in its original container, in your planting bed or landscape area. Once you are happy with the placement, dig a hole that is about double the width of the container, but of the same depth. 
2. Amend the soil by adding Proven Winners Premium All Purpose Potting
   
   Soil. This adds optimal nutrients for your plants with a blend of Premium Canadian sphagnum peat moss, process softwood bark, and horticulture-grade perlite. Mix it in with the soil you just dug from the hole, then add a little bit of the mix to the bottom of your hole.  
3. Remove the plant from the pot by rolling the container or squeezing the pot to loosen. Place the plant in the hole and cover with the leftover soil mixture. Gently pat the soil in place to not leave any pockets of air in the soil.  
4. Using any leftover soil, form a ring of dirt around the outside of the plant to stop the water from flowing away from the plant. You can also add mulch to keep water from drying up in the sun.  

Water, Water, and More Water 

Now comes the most important part...watering your plant. When first establishing a plant in the summer, it is important to give it a big drink of water. Use a hose to water your plant for 10-15 seconds, and if using a watering can, feel free to stretch that even longer. Do not worry about overdoing it because it is really hard to overwater in the summer, and your plant is going to appreciate the hydration!  

After this, water your plant daily for the first week or so to make sure the heat of the summer does not deter it from establishing its roots. Again, make sure you are giving it a good amount of water just as you did when you first planted. Make it a morning or evening habit to take a stroll out to your garden and reflect on the day. Watering plants can be relaxing and meditative, which is great for your overall health. After a week or two, water your new plants just as you would any other plant in your garden.  

And there you have it! The secret to planting in the summer includes giving plants a great start with nutrient-packed soil and watering deeply and consistently for at least the first week. If you have given the plant the nutrients it needs to thrive, it will be successful and flourish in your garden for many years to come.