Latest time to plant


Zone 6- Massachusets. I live in a town where we are presently allowed to hand water from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. -ban will be over October 31.

Is November too late to plant a bush or perennial? I know it needs time to develop a root system before the winter.

I am aware that the best way to water a new plant is to put the hose next to the base of the plant and let it trickle-deep watering is best.

If I plant before November is hand watering going to be as effective as the trickle method?
I suppose I will be standing there for several minutes. Thank you!

Comments for Latest time to plant

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 22, 2016
 Plant away!
by: Jacki

In case you hadn't noticed, the days are a lot shorter now. This means that even if you are still getting some warm temperatures, there is less time for water to evaporate, so it will stay where it's supposed to, right next to the roots of your plant.

This means that you won't need to water for hours and hours. Depending on the size of your plant, watering by hand doesn't need to be a chore.

Are you allowed to fill a bucket? Place a large bucket with a small hole drilled in the bottom of it close to the base of the plant, and fill it once or twice a week. This should be sufficient for more types of soil, and keep the moisture level close to the newly planted bush high enough to stop it from stressing out too much. If it's cool, then you don't need to water. It's good for plants to have to search for moisture, as long as they have damp soil to do that in. They'll send out new roots towards moisture.

Other things you can do; mulch, with newspaper or thin cardboard, water it well, then cover that with something more attractive. That will stop any moisture swings, and also help it if the temperature drops.

If by chance you don't get to your scheduled watering in time, don't fret about it! Most plants have built in defenses to prevent damage from not getting enough and usually in the fall they go dormant anyway.

Plant now, don't delay!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Ask the Horticulturist.