Drawing by Jane Gates

In many areas the sun can become intense in summer months. This does not mean you can’t still plant new plants in your garden. But if you want the highest rate of success, take a few extra steps when planting.

• Set out your plants — still in their pots –  for at least several days in the exact location where you will be planting them. Unless you know for sure that the plants you bought came from a local grower, there is no way to know how different the conditions were for your new plant before you brought it home. Plants are grown all around the world – many in highly regulated greenhouse environments and they can often use a little time to adjust to the light and humidity difference before their roots are stressed out by planting.
• Mix in amendments to the soil where you are planting if your soil is not compatible with the plant’s native growing medim.
• Water the hole well before planting, then water again after planting so the soil is inviting for roots to grow both outward and downward.
• Shade your new arrival for the first few days after planting. Hot sun will encourage the plant to transpire faster often making foliage droop. Let the plant work in gently to its new quarters by making the transition as minimally demanding as possible.

These tips should reduce stress when planting in a hot climate in the summer. A less stressed plant will settle in faster and grow stronger than one that has to deal with more stress.

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