As summer progresses, gardeners who have delayed planting due to busy schedules may wonder if it is still appropriate to introduce new plants at the end of June. According to Tim Johnson, senior director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden, planting during summer months is both feasible and commonly practiced, despite a widespread perception that planting should be limited to spring and fall.

Johnson explains that while many gardeners believe planting should occur only in the traditional seasons of spring and fall, this approach can be restrictive. At the Chicago Botanic Garden and local garden centers, planting continues throughout the summer to accommodate demand and ensure plant availability. Container-grown plants and balled and burlapped trees and shrubs are typically still sold and planted during this time.

However, there are limitations regarding bare root plants, which are generally planted in early spring before growth begins. These plants, often stored in cool conditions to prolong their viability, are not recommended for summer planting due to their lack of soil around the roots and their sensitivity to heat and dryness.

Water management becomes especially critical for new plantings during hot and dry summer periods. Johnson emphasizes the importance of keeping plants moist before and after planting to avoid stress and damage. Container-grown plants, in particular, may require more frequent watering because their lighter growing medium dries out faster than garden soil. Newly planted specimens might need watering multiple times a week during periods of high heat until roots establish.

For balled and burlapped trees and shrubs, ensuring that the root ball receives approximately one inch of water weekly is essential. Johnson notes that sprinklers may wet the garden bed while leaving the root ball dry, particularly in the case of evergreen trees, which can shed water away from their roots. Additional hand watering with a hose may be necessary to compensate for this.

Soil type also influences watering needs; sandy, well-drained soils lose moisture faster compared to heavier clay loams. Automatic sprinkler systems may not suffice for newly installed larger plants, underscoring the need for gardeners to monitor moisture levels and supplement watering as needed.

Johnson recommends mulching new plantings with shredded bark to improve moisture retention, suppress weeds, and enhance appearance. Gardeners who adhere to these practices can expect healthy plants, even when planting late in the season.

For additional gardening support, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Information Service can be contacted via email.