We’ve heard it all. All the excuses to put off planting when the benefits are so great….and satisfying. Here are a few:
I don’t want to plant in the summer because….
“I don’t want to have to water this summer.” Once a week is all that is needed, which is not very often. Besides, if we don’t have 1″ of rain each week during the summer, any shrubs and trees planted within the past year will need to be watered during the summer.
“I’ll have to water every day if I plant now.” Actually, that’s the best way to kill a plant is to water every day. After the first two weeks, all trees and shrubs should be watered no more than once a week.”
“It takes so much water. It’s too expensive.” Has anyone considered the savings in heating and cooling bills with a well-planned landscape? Insulating with shrubs and shading with trees will cool as much as 20 degrees. The savings far out-weigh the water costs.
“It’s too hot!” How do you think the plant feels? It needs to get out of the pot and into the ground where temps are cooler. Do these plants a favor and plant now.
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The truth about summer planting is…..it is no different than planting any other time of year. Plants need to be thoroughly watered at the time of planting (for the first two weeks) and only once a week after that.
The secret is to water heavily on the scheduled water days. Base the amount of water for each plant on the root ball size. A 5 gallon tree should have 5-10 gallons of water every time it is watered. A 1 gallon perennial needs 1-2 gallons, a 2 gallon shrub needs 2-4 gallons….you get the picture.
This large volume of water soaks wide and deep around the newly planted root ball, As the surface of the soil dries, roots need to search out moister locations…usually deep. As the plant grows, the area to water needs to become wider.
Think of the typical Missouri summer rains, we get 2-3″ of rain dumped all at once, then to not have rain for days or weeks later. Heavy water, but infrequent.
A note about planting small items like annuals in summer’s heat – the root ball of these plants is pretty small so there is not much room for error. Forgetting a watering can be critical. We recommend watering every 12 hours for the first 3 waterings, backing off to once a day for 3 days, twice a week for two weeks, then resuming once-a-week watering for the rest of the summer. Again, heavy watering to inspire the roots to grow deeply.
During times of drought, it is critical to continue watering very large amounts but over a wider area, as dry soil nearby will suck the moisture away from your plant.
So, regardless of what time of year planting is done, Longfellow’s recommends watering 3 days in a row (the day of planting, plus the next two days). Then, back off to watering twice a week for two weeks (6 waterings in 2.5 weeks). Now, we are ready to resume our once-a-week watering schedule.
How much rain does it take to replace one watering? At a bare minimum 1/2 inch, preferably 1 or more inches. So, when we receive 1/4″, disregard and water thoroughly.
Why go through life without flowers….beauty….protection. If the mood hits, if the opportunity arises, GO FOR IT!!!
Plant Today!!!
