Garden Notes
Summer Planting
Planting in June, July and occasionally August (I check ahead for really difficult weather and try to avoid) is an option for those who have a GOOD Watering Plan.
If the below seems overwhelming, we can hold off until Fall for planting!
Check Hose Bibs: are they working? Note, it is usually not too expensive to add a hose bib to an area that you need it! Let me know if you’d like to have a plumber check and estimate if this is needed!
Assess area for use of sprinklers: What shape? Quality ones are worth the cost! Or there are drip methods that might work. Look up Drip Works for example or drip hoses on occasion.
Timers! Very Helpful. I have liked the non electronic, no battery manual type and caution those who wish to use electronic controls while home or traveling as they require the hose bib to be left ON and the water held under pressure at the timer.
Things to expect:
Soil… we use a ‘no till’ method to preserve the soil structure. We amend as we plant with leaf gro compost; if further fill or grading is needed, that will be done. Often we will then use a biodegradable landscape fabric (ie. newspaper or cardboard) around plantings where possible. This helps in many ways—keeps moisture more constant, composts in existing organic material, excludes most weeds and sets the garden up for a relatively ‘clean slate’ for 3-6 months.
Mulch… post planting, we will finish with mulch. In some locations we must use the shredded hardwood mulch to hold on slopes or convert dense areas; also good when we use newspaper/cardboard. Our preferred mulch over time for gardens is a pine bark and fines mix that lasts about a full year plus; and has the best chemistry with our clay centered soils to bring the most natural fertility and texture to the garden soil. So subsequent mulch should be pine.
Plants… new plantings can experience shock even with wonderful care!
Do not worry if you see wilting, leaf loss, thin, mottled or other foliage effects. Some plants may drop all leaves and will leaf out again. Don’t neglect watering because you think they are ‘dead’! Do let me know if concern.
Timing… due to the multiple layers of plantings, your planting might take place over the course of several weeks and even into the next season if necessary for certain plantings. We might deliver plants late one week and plant the following week. This allows us to gather everything and then focus on your garden. I do not expect you to water but it will do no harm if you wish to water the plants over the weekend.
Establishment watering… watering especially attentively in the 2-3 weeks post planting. If we are still hot and rain is not weekly, watering mid week or weekend is helpful: trees get a dribbling hose for 20-30 min; shrubs need a couple gallons of water; and perennials need occasional watering to about 2” deep. Monitoring through the summer months is essential.