I was wondering when you folks think it is not a good time to plant. It is a very general question- I know. I am thinking we could all benifit from many areas of experiance with a wide range of plant material. I am mostly interested about herbacous and woody perennials, shrubs, trees and vines, although all comments are welcome!
In my black sandy soil- I tend to plant mostly after fear of hard freeze or frosts but usually I push it a little and will start with more cool loving plants in end of April to mid May if weather allows, as I am eager to get started. I try to get it all together and moved and in before the end of June and at the latest- before too far into July and will start again when the weather cools a bit, end of August into September or when-ever that may be. I have lost more plants to transplanting in the hot weather of summer than I have from the cool weather of spring. Last year was the first year I noticed that my late perennial plantings in October had not fared well through the winter and several died, but the trees and shrubs all did well except 'Black Beauty' sambucus nigrens. Although I waited to plant the Willow and Redbud till this spring as I had read that they will transplant better at that time of year.
When is your general cut off date in the fall? For many plants that I believe have stored enough energy to make it through the process- early fall- September- is one of my favorite times to divide and transplant. Although I will go into October- if I feel we will have at least 3 weeks of "growing" weather. Except with Iris. I learned about Iris the hard way- I lost those to late plantings and now focus on June/July for those.
I am very curious to find out what has worked or not worked as the case may be- for others.
Thank you for your comments-
Julie