Summer Gardening Advice from The Plant Detectives

I would like to introduce you to Art Laster, an expert on plants and the owner and president of Plant Detectives Nursery and Garden Center in Chester, New Jersey. The 10-acre site showcases a diverse stock of plants and gardening materials. If I have any gardening questions or am curious about anything in the horticultural-world, I seek Mr. Laster's advice. And now, he's sharing it with all of you.

I asked Mr. Laster what his recommendations are to customers about planting and maintaining a garden through the heat of the summer. Here's his answer.

 "In the world of gardening, the traditional school of thought is that spring and fall are the two optimal times to plant. But- with a little extra care there is no reason why summer plantings cannot be done with great success. The main drawbacks in summer planting are the potential limited availability of nursery stock, the lack of natural rainfall, and of course the heat. So if you can handle the heat, your plants surely can survive with the proper care!"

Here 4 of his tips to get the best results out of this season - if you can take the heat out in the garden yourself! Thanks again, Plant Detectives!

1. Location, Location, Location, and Sun.
Naturally the successful garden starts with proper planning. More plants fail in the landscape due to improper placement than any other reason. Consider carefully the exposure where you want to plant (ie. full sun, heavy shade, high winds, dry soils, etc) - and choose plants accordingly. Of course a nursery will be able to advise you on which plants make good matches. Be sure to consider the space and ultimate size of the plants you will be putting in.

2. Start Strong and Fit.
Most reputable garden centers will carry a good mix of plant materials during the summer. They will also be able to order many items not in stock. When selecting plants, keep in mind that many balled and burlap-covered trees and shrubs were dug up in the spring. Look for signs of stress on the plant: are there yellowing leaves, or wilting? The goal is to start out with the healthiest plants available.

3. Schedule Proper Watering.
Take stock of your summer schedule and factor in your potential plantings. If you have planned a two week vacation, it may not be the best idea to plant. Watering is the key to your success during these dryer months. Newly installed plants will probably need to be watered 3 times a week for the first several weeks. Be conscious of rainfall and temper waterings as necessary.

4. Root a Good Foundation.
The first year is all about the roots. Mixing a good compost with your existing soil will help retain moisture around the roots, and give your plants a good base. Additional soil amendments (roots, Terrasorb, and a high phosphorous fertilizer) will help promote root growth.