06/30/2026
Let’s discuss the elephant in the garden: heat., and planting in such weather.
I apologize for the lengthy post, but I take my job seriously in helping your gardens flourish. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment or reach out to me, and remember, we are here and available for you to come visit the nursery Tues, Wed, and Thursday of this week.
Can you still plant trees, shrubs, and perennials in the middle of summer? YES.
You see, most plants thrive during the longest days of the year. They love the sunshine, establish, grow rapidly, and flourish. This is their time to truly shine…provided their needs are tended to, of course. New trees, shrubs, perennials, they all need the same thing—time to establish their roots before the onset of winter. So yes, summer plantings are fine.
I have a few trees I intend to plant in my garden just as soon as I can get to it over the next few days or so.
🍀 When you get your tree or shrub, choose an evening to plant it, after the heat of the day has passed.
🍀 Dig your hole, place your rootball firmly, and fill the hole with a minimum of a gallon of water (more, depending on the size of your plant).
🍀 Then you may backfill with soil, tamping down to make sure the soil is packed around the rootball and covers the base.
🍀 Give your plant another good drink.
This method helps prevent transplant shock. Check on all new plants for watering needs.
🍀 Depending on the plant, a thick layer of mulch is beneficial, just do not pile new mulch around the crown of the new plant—give it a few inches of breathing room.
Here are a few suggestions on tools to help you, and your gardens, flourish despite the heat.
🍀 If you have a favorite plant showing signs of heat stress, give it an umbrella. If you don’t have a patio umbrella, they make all kinds of adorable umbrellas specifically made to shade your plants in the garden, or potted planter. I kid you not, this is a thing, and they are cute! (Thinking of getting a few, myself).
🍀 The water tripod, like the one we use at the Lucky Nickel, can be used for gardens. It attaches to your hose, is adjustable, and covers a broad area in watering. They are affordable at “the jungle”.
🍀 Mulch (as I said, ALWAYS give your plant babies a few inches breathing room, not up against the plant’s crown).
Once your plants are established, they require far less worry and hassle, even in the heat of summer, and offer you joy and beauty for years to come.
