Remember that encouraging phrase, “Yes we can!”? Well, at least one thing we can apply it to right now is planting. Here is a list of steps you can take to ensure your success establishing new plants even in summer heat. We have tested all these ideas in-house and at home.
1) Before planting , prepare the soil by spreading a 2″ layer of compost and digging it into the top 6″-8″. OR spread 1″- 2″ of expanded shale with the compost, then dig it in. This will open clay soil, increasing both porosity (aeration) and water holding capacity.
2) When planting, inoculate the roots with mycorrhizae symbiotic fungi (dusting or wetting the roots). These beneficial fungi bring water and nutrients to plant roots, and greatly improve success in getting plants to establish. Water the hole before setting the plant into the soil.
3) It is often helpful to use soil to make temporary mini-moats around the plants to help hold water. It’s OK if these little structures disappear after the plants get well-rooted.
4) When temperatures are really hot, plant after sundown.
5) Plant smaller projects.
6) Check plants daily.
7) In July, apply DOUBLE the amount of water you normally use.
8) Water long and deep. Frequent light waterings waste water because much of it just evaporates; it also encourages plant roots to be shallow, making them more vulnerable to drought.
9) Erect temporary shade over new plants. Leave them for 2 weeks, or longer.
10) To know if you are watering enough or too much (too much water drives out the oxygen), use the 2-4-6 method: dig just outside the root system (ball) 2″ down. Is it dry, moist or soggy; then 4″ down, dry? moist? or soggy?, then 6″ down, dry? moist? or soggy? Do this before and again after watering. If it is dry on top and soggy on the bottom, you are over-watering; if it is soggy on top and dry on the bottom, you are under-watering. Soggy is OK the first day.
11) Mulch over the planting area with 1″-2″ fine wood chips, fine bark, straw, or dried grass clippings. Cedar and Redwood mulches repel microorganisms and therefore do little to add nutrition. Green material can burn small plants. Please don’t use weed barrier fabric – it prevents adding compost and organic granular fertilizer, and prevents earthworms from aerating and adding their rich castings. Fine gravel (squeegee) 1″-2″ deep holds moisture without rotting penstemons and other dry-land plants.
12) Really care for your new plants! Don’t plant them and then go on vacation! If you keep them alive for 4 weeks, the hard part is over.
And if you are wondering what will bring color, interest and pollinators to your garden in July, our long list can be found here.