Can You Still Plant in July? Summer Planting Tips

"Is it too late to plant?" is a question that Nature Hills Nursery gets quite often throughout the growing seasons!

Late springs, early hot summers, vacations, life in general … There are many reasons to miss the prime planting window in your area. But all because it was the 'best' time to plant doesn't mean you still can't enjoy a successful planting!

As the season changes, so do our care suggestions for the types of plants being delivered during the heat of the summer. Water is crucial for plant survival right at the start, regardless of the time of year they are being shipped - or planted!

At the nursery, they are getting watered once, maybe twice each day! Including a cool-down watering during the hottest parts of the day! These container-grown plants need to be completely saturated and if you take the time to do just that, the success rate is incredible!

Best Time To Plant
Is Summer Too Late?
Finger Test Watering
Tips Reminders & Important Info
Garden Year-Round!

So When Is The Best Time To Plant?

Planting can be done at any time during the growing season as long as the soil can be worked (not frozen!). Is there a best time to plant? Well, here at Nature Hills, we always like to take advantage of spring and fall. This way you can take advantage of the cooler weather and plentiful rainfall.

The success of any newly transplanted plant will depend upon careful attention to watering! By making sure the soil does not get too dry, or the plant is not sitting in soggy soils - you'll ensure a successful new plant installment.

Fall Planting

Fall is an excellent time to plant as the soils are warm. This encourages new roots faster. When the air is cool it can reduce the amount of water needed to get the plant established too. As long as the ground isn't frozen, your plant's roots are busy at work establishing themselves. Also, some plants - especially bareroot plants, trees and shrubs - prefer fall planting to get established, so by the next spring, they are ready to rock and roll!

Spring Planting

Some plants may not be available in the fall so they may only be shipped in spring. Many perennials, summer bulbs and herbaceous shrubs get shipped in spring as soon as temperatures are safe to do so. You'll still have plenty of time to get these established before that oppressive summer heat kicks in.

In spring you take advantage of the cool air, and more soil moisture in many areas (although cold), which gives your plants a jump start with a longer season by early planting so when the season ramps up the summer heat - they are ahead of the game!

What About in the Winter?

If you are lucky enough to live in an area where the ground does not freeze in winter, you may find that we can still ship to your area. Dormant bareroot plants or fall-planted spring bulbs are an excellent way to make more time for you during the growing season by getting a jump on planting in the off-season.

Here too, the same applies - soak the roots on arrival, plant at the correct depth, soak the roots and surrounding soil again very well to eliminate any air pockets, and then check the soil moisture daily to get to know just how often you may need to add more water to the roots of your newly planted plants.

So Is It Too Late To Plant and Transplant in The Summer?

The short answer is NO!

Planting year-round is possible because our production team does a great job growing our plants in containers so that we are able to ship plants all throughout the growing season. The key to a successful transplant is water! Check the soil moisture frequently after planting to get to know how often your plant will need additional water.

Completely saturate the soil in the pot on arrival and before planting. Soak it in a bucket of water if able and submerge it until the bubbles stop coming up. Then take the pot out of the water and let the excess drain away just before planting.
Carefully remove your plant from the container your new plant was shipped in.
You can carefully wash some of the soil from the roots or break up any circling roots and then plant it at the same depth it was grown in its container.
Simply check the soil moisture frequently at the start, adding water to the soil as needed.
We recommend the finger test, check with your finger below the soil surface and if it's wet, check the next day. If it's dry - soak it!
Mulch with 3-4 inches of Arborist Bark Chips to help retain moisture and insulate the roots. This is a huge way to combat summer temperatures and evaporation! And to prevent soil-borne disease on the leaves.
Continue checking on moisture levels throughout your new plants' first year in the ground, even through winter if applicable.
Lastly, water the soil, not the leaves of any plant. Watering the soil and keeping the leaves dry lessens the chance of leaf spotting, foliar disease, or bacteria on the plant.

Soon your plant will grow roots into the surrounding soil and find food and water on their own, becoming less dependent upon you for all of its water. Be ready with the hose during extreme heat and drought.

Remember that temperature, wind, and soil type will all affect how quickly a new plant dries out!

The Finger Test Watering Method

Get your hands dirty, or grab yourself a water meter, but watering by touch is so easy! Using your fingers or a tool, gently make a hole a few inches under the soil and mulch surface and feel if the soil is dry.

Stick your finger into the soil up to the 2nd knuckle right at the roots.

If it feels moist - skip watering that day.
If it feels dry - water thoroughly!

Word to the Wise!

Rain does not usually generate enough moisture unless it was a soaker!
Sprinkler systems are designed for lawns - which have shallow root systems. Your trees and shrubs have deep roots and need DEEP watering!

So soak until you see the water pooling, then let it soak in. If you see water drain immediately, water until it pools again until it soaks in slower.

Poor soil may look saturated on the surface, but just a mere inch below it can be bone dry.
When soil becomes over dry, it can actually become hydrophobic and just let the water slip past or run right over the surface.
Cracked soil quickly whisks moisture away and does not allow it to soak in.

In these instances, incorporating organic matter, working compost into the soil and regular, slow, consistent waterings are needed to rehydrate the parched ground.

Container Plants

When working with container plants - if the pot is small enough, just lifting it will tell you if you need to water. If it's heavy - it's good, if it's light - water it thoroughly until water runs out the bottom. If there is a wide gap around the outside of your container between the pot and soil - consider submerging the entire container and letting it soak. Your soil may be so dry it's become hydrophobic!

Garden is a Year-Round Love Affair!

Planting continues all season long with high-quality container-grown plants and tough bareroot plants from Nature Hills! That's half the battle and quality plants are your start to a successful planting - any time of the year!

So get your fingers dirty and have the garden hose at the ready to plant beyond the usual planting 'window'!

Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you plant in July to get the best results before summer ends?

July planting can absolutely succeed if you commit to a strong watering routine. Focus on container-grown trees, shrubs, and perennials that are already well-established in their pots, since these handle summer transplanting better than bareroot stock. Water deeply enough to fully saturate the root zone, and consider a midday cool-down watering during peak heat to reduce transplant stress. Choose your plants, get them in the ground promptly upon delivery, and stay consistent with watering until roots are established.

Is it too late to plant trees and shrubs in July?

Planting trees and shrubs in July is absolutely possible, though it does require extra attention to watering since the summer heat puts more stress on newly transplanted plants. The key to success is keeping the soil consistently moist without letting it become waterlogged, which means checking soil moisture daily using the finger test and watering deeply to fully saturate the root zone. At Nature Hills, container-grown nursery stock ships and establishes successfully all summer long when given proper care. Focus on thorough, frequent watering during the hottest parts of the day and your new trees and shrubs will establish well before the season ends.

Can you plant shrubs in the summer heat without losing them?

Yes, you can successfully plant shrubs in summer heat as long as you commit to a rigorous watering routine. Container-grown shrubs from Nature Hills arrive already accustomed to once or twice daily watering at the nursery, so replicating that schedule is critical during the first few weeks after planting. Saturate the root zone completely each time you water, and consider an additional cool-down watering during peak afternoon heat to reduce transplant stress. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, and your new shrubs will establish well even in the height of summer.

What flowers and perennials can you still plant in July?

July is absolutely not too late to plant flowers and perennials, including coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, daylilies, hostas, ornamental grasses, and salvias, all of which establish well when planted during the growing season. The key to summer planting success is deep, consistent watering, since container-grown plants need to be fully saturated and may need watering once or even twice daily during peak heat. Focus on keeping the root zone moist but not waterlogged, and give new plantings a midday drink during the hottest spells to help them settle in. Choose your plants, get them in the ground, and commit to a diligent watering routine for the first few weeks and you will be rewarded with strong, established plants heading into fall.

Can you plant trees in July and expect them to survive?

Yes, you can absolutely plant trees in July and expect them to survive with the right care. The key factor is water: container-grown trees need to be thoroughly saturated at planting and monitored consistently throughout the summer heat, using a finger test to check soil moisture before each watering. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but do not allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil either. Plant during the cooler parts of the day, water deeply and regularly, and your new tree will have every chance to establish strong roots before fall.

What vegetables can you plant in July for a fall harvest?

Fast-maturing vegetables are your best bet for a July planting aimed at a fall harvest. In most USDA zones 4 through 8, you can direct sow crops like bush beans, beets, carrots, kale, spinach, lettuce, and radishes, as they typically mature in 30 to 60 days. Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage transplants started in July will be ready to harvest before the first hard frost in many regions. Count back from your average first frost date to confirm you have enough growing days, keep the soil consistently moist during germination, and shade cool-season seedlings during peak afternoon heat to give them the strongest possible start.

How do you help newly planted trees and shrubs survive summer heat?

Newly planted trees and shrubs need deep, thorough watering to survive summer heat, meaning the root zone should be completely saturated rather than given a light sprinkle. During the hottest parts of the day, a cool-down watering can help reduce stress on the plant. Check soil moisture regularly using the finger test, pushing a few inches into the soil near the root zone, and water whenever it feels dry. Focus on consistency and never let the soil dry out completely during that critical first establishment period.

Can you transplant established plants in July without stressing them?

Transplanting established plants in July is possible but carries higher risk due to heat stress, so you'll want to take extra precautions to improve success. Water the plant deeply the day before moving it, transplant in the early morning or evening to avoid peak heat, and plan to water thoroughly every day for at least the first two to three weeks. Applying a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base will help retain soil moisture and keep roots cooler during the hottest parts of the day. If possible, provide temporary shade cloth for the first week or two while the plant recovers and reestablishes its root system.

Should you plant shrubs and bushes in July or wait until fall?

You can absolutely plant shrubs and bushes in July, as long as you commit to a diligent watering routine throughout the establishment period. Container-grown shrubs handle summer planting well when kept thoroughly saturated, which may mean deep watering every day or two during peak heat. Fall is often the preferred season since warm soils encourage faster root development and cooler air reduces water demand, but waiting is only necessary if you are unable to keep up with summer watering needs. If you are ready to plant now, go ahead and do it, just plan to water deeply and consistently until the roots are well established.

How often should you water plants planted in July?

Plants installed in July need deep, thorough watering that fully saturates the root zone, ideally once or twice daily during the establishment period. During the hottest parts of the day, an additional cool-down watering can help stressed plants survive peak summer heat. Use the finger test to check soil moisture before watering, ensuring the soil is neither bone dry nor waterlogged. Keep this intensive watering schedule consistent for the first few weeks until roots begin to establish, then gradually taper frequency while maintaining deep saturation each time you water.

What Can you Plant in July? Is it too Late to Plant?