Planting in Summer

We plant year-round at Rutgers Nursery for 40 years with success— even in the Summer! Our nursery-grown perennial plants can be successfully planted anytime… just add water! Remember our nursery stock is not an annual garden crop, our plants will last a lifetime, given the right care.

Summer planting should not be avoided because of the temperatures and drier conditions; with a little extra attention, planting during this season can be very rewarding. It’s true that plants lose moisture more quickly in summer; these challenges are very manageable with consistent watering and thoughtful care. In many ways, summer planting is about reducing stress and helping plants settle in comfortably. What can be more rewarding? New plantings often have more time to establish strong roots before facing their first Winter!

Here are a few simple tips for successful Summer planting:

• Water in the morning or evening whenever possible. Watering during the hottest part of the day can lead to faster evaporation before moisture reaches the roots. Early or late watering allows more time for deep absorption. While watering 3 days/week is standard, during stretches of extreme heat or drought, plants may need watering more frequently, sometimes even daily for newly planted material.
• Before planting, thoroughly water both the planting hole and the root ball. Very dry soil, especially clay soils common in our area, can actually resist absorbing water at first. Pre-moistening the soil helps water soak deeply where it’s needed most.
• Apply mulch around new plantings to help hold moisture and regulate soil temperature. Mulch acts like a sponge, slowing evaporation and helping keep roots cooler during hot weather.
• Water slowly and deeply. A gentle trickle from a hose over 30 to 45 minutes is far more effective than a quick surface watering. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward where moisture lasts longer.
• Avoid adding extra stress to newly planted material. Consistent watering is the most important factor during establishment. We also recommend waiting 8–10 months before applying fertilizer, allowing plants time to settle in naturally.
• Container plantings will dry out much faster than plants in the ground, especially in ceramic pots that absorb heat. These will require more frequent watering during the summer months.With a little attention and a good watering routine, Summer planting can be every bit as successful as Spring or Fall, and your landscape will thank you for it!