The heat of summer creates a constant cycle of water evaporation, and can cause a lot of unnecessary plant stress. That's why planting in the fall is the optimum time to plant.
From early fall through most of November is one of the best times of year to plant spring-blooming bulbs, cool-season annuals and vegetables, as well as many trees, shrubs, and perennials.
Because of fall's cooler air temperatures and predictable precipitation, plants are able to grow stronger with minimal stress. It is more likely to rain in the fall, which means plant roots will absorb more nutrients and require less watering. Nitrogen spurs vigorous, leafy growth and rich color.
Peak sunlight and searing heat are added stressors on young plants with small roots, not to mention, summer soil tends to be drier. The best way to counteract these complications is with regular watering.
Transplants might wilt soon after summer planting, but if they're watered right away and kept damp, they should bounce back quickly. The appearance of new little leaves is a good sign. You'll lessen wilting and increase your odds of success by planting in the evening or on a cloudy day – especially before a rain.
The books are right – planting in the summer when it is hot and dry is not the best time to move new plants into or around the garden. During a particularly bad heat wave it can be hard enough to keep the soil hydrated, let alone provide ample moisture for plants that are establishing new roots.
So, how hot IS too hot for plants? The general answer is around 90 degrees F, with some exceptions to the rule.
August is an ideal time to plant seeds for a second gardening season that can be as productive as your major early spring plantings. Late summer is perfect for a delicious fall vegetable and herb harvest.
You can plant in your garden every single day in the month of July to take full advantage of the long, sunny days of summer. While I'd love to give you a hard and fast rule for what you can still plant in your raised bed kitchen garden in the middle of summer, it will vary depending on where you live.
During spring and summer in Southern California, she suggests drip watering three times a week for 18 minutes, then adjusting from there if the soil is too wet or dry. Don't know how to tell? Stick your finger in the soil. If it's consistently moist 2 inches down, your plants are fine.
October is a great time to plant those fall flowers. There are many varieties that can be planted this fall and start blooming early spring. Garlic (Zones 5-10): Garlic is a vegetable that can be planted in the fall for a larger and earlier harvest this coming spring.
Fall is Good for Root Growth
Warm soil temperatures encourage root growth – more so than in the spring when the soil is still warming up. Plus, with the shorter days and cooler air temperatures, plants spend less energy on growing foliage and flowers and more on building a strong root system in preparation for winter.
Those flowering bulbs are calling! Don't put down those garden gloves for the year just yet! Believe it or not, October happens to be one of the most fruitful times of year to plant spring-blooming bulbs, hardy vegetables, and shrubs of many varieties.
Although each plant's needs may vary and some will be more winter-hardy than others, in general about a month before the last fall frost is sufficient in giving the plant enough time to establish itself and take root.
The most vigorous growth of plants will be in the summer when the sun is up and out the longest. During winter, the sun is neither as high in the sky, nor in the sky for as long as it is in the summer. For your plants, that means less light. For some plants, this may trigger dormancy.
Fall is a great time to plant perennial herbs, which come back year after year and thrive in either pots or planting beds. Plant herbs such as thyme, oregano, mint, and sage any time from summer to mid fall, and you'll be able to harvest now and up until a hard freeze.
Grass seed, trees and vegetables can all be planted as summer days shorten. AMES, Iowa – Seeds germinate fast when the soil is already nice and warm, which makes late summer a good time to rejuvenate lawns and plant fall vegetable crops of spinach, lettuce, peas and kale. Or plant a new tree.
After harvesting early-maturing vegetables such as salad greens, radishes, peas and spinach, gardeners can plant other crops in midsummer for fall harvest. You can successfully grow some root crops, greens and other vegetables from late June, July or August plantings.
Let's look at plants that love to be in warm soil and warm air, which is just what we need in July and early August: Bush beans, pole beans and lima beans like the heat and are great choices. The beans are easy to freeze or can for winter use.
Some fast growing fall crops like lettuce and radishes can be planted into late September, but many desirable fall crops like broccoli and carrots need several months of prime-growing conditions to mature before frost and low light levels set in. When in doubt, plant your fall crops a little early.
The latest time to plant for most vegetables would be the second week in June with a short harvest time. If planting crops that mature within 50 days, you could plant those as late as the last week in June, but keep in mind the weather will be turning cooler, especially at night. Cool crops are best for late plantings.
Vegetables to plant in September: Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kohlrabi, leaf lettuce (plant in the beginning of the month), onion sets, spinach and turnips.
Light freeze - 29° to 32° Fahrenheit will kill tender plants. Moderate freeze - 25° to 28° Fahrenheit is widely destructive to most vegetation. Severe or hard freeze - 25° Fahrenheit and colder causes heavy damage to most plants.
Signs Your Plants Are Too Hot
The leaves dry out. Excessively hot plants will dry out faster. The leaves turn yellow. One of the causes of yellow leaves is excessive heat, so this is one thing to consider!