Plant Care 101 – Summer Watering
It’s hot out there and your plants are thirsty. Watering your plants, flowers, trees and shrubs is crucial during these hot and humid months because this is when they need you the most.
Every plant has different needs when it comes to watering, so you may be asking yourself a few questions.
How often should I water them and how do I water them?
Don’t overdo it. Most plants die by over-watering vs. under-watering. We recommend watering in the mornings so the plants have enough moisture to handle the hot afternoon sun. This also ensures that any moisture left on the leaves has time to dry before the hot afternoon sun.
Always water underneath the leaves at the base of the plant. Don’t water the leaves as it can cause burning and the plant can’t absorb water through the leaves.
Annuals
- Newly planted annuals in the heat should be checked and watered every single day.
- If your hanging basket is in a place that gets a lot of wind or sun then we recommend watering everyday.
- If your hanging basket is hung in less sun or in the shade then water it every other day.
- You can tell if it needs water by lifting it. If it is too light – it’s thirsty. If it’s really heavy – it’s okay.
Perennials
- Water daily for the first 2 weeks if it is newly planted. After it is established then water 2-3 times per week.
Trees and Shrubs
If you have a newly planted tree or shrub in the heat then we recommend watering three or four times a week for the first two weeks. Newly planted trees and shrubs don’t immediately establish themselves in the soil so they need you to water them. After the two weeks, the roots will begin to establish in the soil so they can begin feeding up the water and nutrients from below.
Supplemental watering is still required throughout the first year of being planted. This is especially true during periods of drought.
Your tree or shrub will prefer a long, deep soak once or twice a week when it is established versus a short drink everyday. The deep soak will also promote growth and the spread of their roots.
What if I’m on Vacation?
Summertime most likely means you’re taking some much needed time away from work, home and school and hitting the roads to a new destination. While you’re planning your vacation, don’t forget about your plants. Nobody wants to come back to a yard full of wilted and dried out plants.
Here are some tips for caring for your plants while on vacation.
- Call your friend, neighbor or a family member and have them plant sit while you’re gone. Have them stop by to check up on your plants and give them a drink of water. If you just own a few hanging baskets, drop them off at your friend, family member or neighbor’s house and have them watch it for you while you’re away. This should be pretty easy since they don’t even have to go to your house.
- Consider garden globes. You can fill them with water and it will trinkle out as the plant needs it.
- Installing a sprinkler system could be a long-term solution for you and can come in handy if you’re gone for long periods of time over the summer months.
If you’re in the process of shopping for a perennial, shrub or tree but you’re about to go on vacation, don’t worry! Wasson Nursery can hold onto your paid items for up to 30 days. This ensures that it will be taken care of and still alive when you get back.
Plant Care 101 – Fertilizing
If you fertilize your plant, it will grow up big and strong. Just like humans, plants need to be fed in order to get enough nutrients. Fertilizing may sound intimidating but it is an easy step to add to your watering routine. When you fertilize your plant there will be a noticeable difference in the growth and the blooms. You will see there are more and it will appear fuller.
Not all fertilizers are made the same and some plants may require different amounts. We sell granular fertilizer in our garden centers; this is a powder consistency and will break down slower than liquid fertilizers. Here are three we recommend:
- Bio-tone Starter Plant Food is a light fertilizer that can’t burn the plants. It promotes bigger blooms and stimulates roots. It is also organic and can be used for flowers, trees, shrubs and vegetables.
- Miracle-Gro Plant Food is widely-known and easily recognized by its green box. This fertilizer should be used once per week and is water-soluble. The formula is safe for all plants, and is guaranteed not to burn when used as directed.
- Miracle-Gro Shake n’ Feed is available in a green jug and should be applied every 2-3 months. It contains natural ingredients to feed microbes in the soil.
Each fertilizer will do the job and make your plants happier and healthier.
Free Liquid Fertilizer at All Locations
Each Wasson Nursery location offers free liquid fertilizer when you bring your own jug. We also sell jugs if you need one. We recommend applying liquid fertilizer once a week or if the plant is struggling.
We’re here to help
Whether you have a green thumb or this is your first plant, we are here to help provide tips for caring for your plants. The summer is one of our favorite times of year because of the bright blooms but they can quickly turn brown if you don’t care for them. Watering and fertilizing your plants all year long is a great habit to get into.