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Many gardeners think Spring is the only time to plant, but August can be one of the best months to add trees, shrubs, and perennials to your landscape. As Summer temperatures begin to moderate and the soil remains warm, plants can establish strong root systems before Winter arrives.

 At Zema’s Nursery in Stephentown, gardeners will find a wide selection of healthy trees, flowering shrubs, and late-season perennials that are well-suited for late Summer planting. With proper care, August perennial and tree plantings often experience less transplant shock and are ready to flourish the following Spring.

 August Planting Tips

• Choose the right plant for the right place. Consider sunlight, soil conditions, mature size, and drainage before planting.

• Plant in the cooler parts of the day.  Early morning or evening planting helps reduce stress on new plants.

• Prepare the planting hole correctly. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. Plant at the same depth the plant was growing in its container

• Water deeply. Newly planted trees and shrubs need consistent moisture. Water thoroughly after planting and continue watering regularly during dry periods. After initially planting, water every day for the first 2 weeks, then every other day for 2 weeks, and then every third day for 2 weeks.  By the end of September, water once a week through October.

• Remember to do supplemental watering on trees and shrubs for at least 3 years after planting - if there is a period of extreme drought. 

• Mulch wisely.  Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds. Keep mulch a few inches away from trunks and stems.

• Avoid heavy fertilizing. Late Summer is the time for roots to establish—not for encouraging tender new growth that could be damaged by frost.

• Previously established perennial beds can be fed a balanced fertilizer in late September, early October - feeding the root system as the top of the plant goes dormant. 

 Perennials such as daylilies, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, sedum, and ornamental grasses are excellent choices for August planting and provide beautiful late-season color while developing strong root systems for next year.

Some favorite plants for pollinators and more drought-tolerant landscapes include:  

•  Pycnanthemum Muticum. Short Toothed Mountain Mint –The most unusual bees and wasps come to this. 

• Phlox Paniculata, ‘Jeana’ – A tall native phlox with a smaller flower than modern phlox and more favored by pollinators. 

• Asclepias Tuberosa – Butterfly Weed

• Aster Oblongifolius “October Skies”

• Achillea Yarrow

• Salvia Nemerosa Garden Sage

• Sedums (stonecrops)

• Stachys Monieri “Hummelo” Betony 

In Summer, whether you’re refreshing a flower bed, planting a shade tree, or adding foundation shrubs, August offers an excellent opportunity to enhance your landscape. The helpful and knowledgeable staff at Zema’s Nursery can assist you with plants that thrive in our region and expert advice on planting and long-term care.  

For over 50 years, the owner, Horticulturists and Landscapers of Zema’s Nursery, and their staff, have been growing and selling plants for landscapers, gardeners and plant collectors.  Visit them to see inspirational flower beds and browse and show their quality selections of perennials and trees, greenhouses with annuals and garden shop with supplies and original artwork.