Planting Shrubs?
Question:I see that all the home stores have out the orntimental shrubs and small tree's, is it ok to plant them now if I keep them well watered? I live in Eastern KY. Thanks
Answers:
I own a garden center in central Arkansas and we carry these types of things year round. If you are desperate or on a deadline, then planting now will be ok - but like you said, make sure you keep things very well watered as we are fastly approaching the scorching summer sun.
What I tell my customers is that now is acceptable - the plants will live if well maintained, but it is EASIER for the plants and for you if you wait until the fall. October is the ideal time to plant trees and shrubs as the upper portion of the plant is getting ready to go dormant for the winter and they can spend all their time and effort into establishing roots before they hit their growing spurt in the spring. You will not have to water nearly as much since the upper portions of the plants will not be needing as much water to support green growing leaves and blooms.
If you do plant them now, then do not fertilize until next spring. You do not want to encourage new growth as much as you do root establishment. Make sure to purchase a root stimilator to help quickly establish feeder roots so watering won't be such a chore.
Good Luck! Planting now is not a crime, just a little extra work and worry. Happy Planting!
Yes, the very fact the store is carrying them should be a good indicator that it's the perfect time, or they wouldn't be carrying them. Have fun.
Good advice from Concerned Mom. If you don't think the same plants will be available in the fall, you could always buy now and wait to plant. Keep them in an area that is partly shaded and make sure they are watered regularly throughout the summer. If you do plant now, make sure you dig a large hole at least twice the diameter of the root ball and amend the soil with plenty of compost or leaf mold to hold in moisture around the roots.
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