Summertime Planting

Oftentimes, people say that planting in the hot summer months isn’t exactly the best time to get a plant off to a good start, but actually, plants can be planted anytime of the year; as long as you know the ‘hints and tips’ for the season.  While fall and winter is a good time to plant, summertime planting gives the plants several months to develop a root system before the winter sets in. 

At Covington Creek Nursery, our Gardeners have listed ‘hints and tips’ for Successful Summertime Planting.  When planting, just follow these few procedures.

Ø   Make sure you plant in the early morning (before 10:00ish) or in the evening (after 5:00).  The early, early morning is actually best when the plant takes up the most water, just before the heat of the day.

Ø   Amend your soil.  First, determine your soil type.  Is it clay or rocky? 

If your soil type is clay, amend the native clay soil with 50% compost, add a clay buster that doesn’t break down and creates an environment for root growth, add organic ‘jump start’ fertilizer that will not burn the roots and encourages healthy root development and throw in a handful of Polymer water retention beads.  That sounds like a lot, but this recipe is awesome for the plants root establishment and growth.

If your soil is rocky, amend the native rocky soil with 50% compost, add organic ‘jump start’ fertilizer and throw in a handful of Polymer water retention beads. 

Ø   Water the planting hole where the roots touch the soil, loosen the soil around the roots, place the plant in the hole and backfill with the amended soil.  Once the plant is planted, water again all around the base of the plant.  Continue to water regularly until the plant is established. 

Ø   Finally, top off your garden, or at least where you have planted with 2-3 inches of a mulch that contains compost and bark.  A mulch like this holds in moisture, feeds the plants and keeps down weeds.  It also insulates during the cold winter months.

At Covington Creek Nursery, our goal is your gardening success.  We provide environmentally safe and organic products and the expertise to help you with all of your Summertime Planting needs.