Summer is never the best time to move plants, but we can't always wait for the best time. When the choice is move it or lose it, I choose move it. At least you stand a chance of succeeding.
With a bit, (OK, a lot), of TLC, summer transplanting can be done. Water and shade are the 2 key components to successfully reestablishing your plants. Water the plants before you dig them and keep them well watered for the rest of the season. With less of a root system, it could take only a day for your plants to desiccate and die after transplanting, so be diligent. Whether you're moving a whole garden or just a few plants, here's how to transplant perennials in the heat of summer, with all the whatnots and wherefores of watering.
Learn more: Quick Tip for Keeping Roots Moist | Transplanting Trees & Shrubs
Photo: © Marie Iannotti
Comments
Ever hear of a product called Rescue Remedy? It’s a vibrational treatment in liquid form originally made for people (specifically for emotional or physical shock) but you can use it on plants and animals as well. It’s 110% safe. In the case of a transplant, I’d water before and after digging/planting using 5 drops of Rescue Remedy in a bucket of water. I’d repeat if the plant looked unwell. Amazing stuff, no matter the species!
Search “Bach Flower Remedies” for info. Most health food stores carry it and many books on the remedies are available online.
How do you know when to trim roses? It is rainy here,but tempertures are 90 to100 with humidity! Awful!
8myveggies, I looked at Rescue Remedy, but I didn’t see anything about using it on plants. Do you have any links to articles that talk about using it in the garden?
Mary, We’re having a long stretch of miserable humidity, too. Plants don’t like the additional stress of pruning, when they’re already stressed by the weather. But if they are well acclimated and seem to be growing well and taking the heat in stride, it’s fine to dead head.
@ gardening – I know that I’ve read about using Rescue Remedy for plants several times in my flower remedy books however we’re doing a lot of remodeling at the moment and the books are packed away. I did a search for “Rescue Remedy for plants” and there were a number of links listed, so check that out if you’re interested. Fascinating subject, imo. I’ve used Rescue and a number of their other flower remedies on my animals with great success as well. (I’m a veterinary technician.)
Thanks, Karin. I’ll definitely have to look into it. I have a cat who drives me to need some rescue remedy, so the plants may have to share.