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Plantin plugs in August #875385

Asked June 30, 2024, 6:05 PM EDT

Can you tell me if planting native plant perennial plugs in August (zone 6) is a good/bad/acceptable time of the year? I've just moved into a new home and am eager to start my native flower garden. I'm thinking that as long as I water them sufficiently that the ground will remain warm long enough for the roots to take hold.  Hoping this would give them a head start instead of waiting for spring 2025,

Thank you.


Washtenaw County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi. Yes, you can plant them any time during the year as long as you are diligent about making sure they have enough water. Michigan State U. has a good website on Native Plants and Ecosystems Services that includes this page on establishing rooted plants such as plugs. Note that it says: “If you are able and willing to water plants deeply every week they will survive if planted any time during the growing season.” Too much watering can damage plants as much as too little watering, especially in soils that aren’t well drained, so try to stick to doing it once per week. You might also find this site on establishing a meadow from the U. of Maryland useful, as it also focuses on using plugs (as opposed to seeds). Maintaining your planting is as important as establishing it, so leaning how to distinguish your native plants from non-native plants will be important. This page of that same Michigan State site has a search tool for native plants that includes photos as well as information, and this page has similar information for many common weeds. There are also various phone apps that can be used to help.


Darin C. Replied July 02, 2024, 7:17 AM EDT

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