What are the ideal seasons for plug installation?
Plug installation may begin in the spring as soon as the risks of hard freezes have past. Native plants are generally tolerant of light freezes or frost. We over winter our plants in unheated conditions so they are not forced prior to early spring planting. In most of our area, we recommend planting after April 1. Native plants may be installed throughout the active growing season. Many people shy away from plating them during the heat of mid-summer, however as long as they receive adequate irrigation to get established, summer installation is usually highly successful. Fall installation is more of a gamble as frost heaving, particularly in northern areas, is a real risk if the plants are not adequately rooted. If planting must occur after September 15, the risk of heaving may be reduced with mulch or an erosion blanket staple pushed through the plug following installation.
