Planting When It's Hot: Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Plants Alive

Although we are quickly heading into the summer months, that doesn’t mean planting is over. You can continue to safely plant flowers, trees and shrubs throughout the hotter summer months. The trick is to pay attention to watering newly transplanted plants. Adequate soil moisture ensures that leaves and branches can replace water lost to hot, dry air. Being vigilant is key.

The initial watering when planting is critical. Be sure to really water plants in well. Meaning, you should apply water, wait a little bit, and apply water again, maybe even a third time to be sure the water penetrates deeply down into the soil. Check again about 1 hour after planting and watering to be sure the water soaked in deeply enough. Water should soak down about 6” for annuals and perennials. At least 12” for trees & shrubs. Use a trowel, shovel, or spade to check. Especially until you know more about your soil and how it adsorbs water.

Planting during the hotter summer months is best in the evening or early morning, or choose a cloudy day. That allows the plant more time when it’s cooler to adjust and acclimate. Signs of stress from under-watering are wilt, or leaf edges can curl or brown.

All newly planted plants – especially those that you are planting for the #PlantSomethingCO photo contest – will need to be watered more often than what an established plant will need. For most annuals this means more often for the first 2 weeks, for perennials that means for the 1st couple of months and for trees or shrubs for about 2 years. You can use a soaker hose or hand water newly planted plants that are mixed in with established plants. Drip systems or soaker hoses work best to thoroughly wet the soil (and not wet leaves). This cuts down on foliar diseases it’s the roots that need the water not the leaves!

Mulching is always helpful to retain moisture in the soil and has other benefits like reducing weeds and keeping the soil temperature more even. Use 1-3” of mulch around your plants but keep it pulled away from the stems slightly.

Depending on the type of plant, species and variety the amount will vary. Ask at your favorite local independent garden center for specific information. In New Mexico or Colorado, go to coloradonga.org for a list of members that have knowledgeable staff and can give you good advice. Many of which have Certified professionals who have met rigorous guidelines.