When is the best time to set plants in the ground?

Setting plants in the ground just before or after a rain is advantageous due to the moisture in the soil, which promotes healthy establishment and growth. When plants are set in wet soil, they have immediate access to water, which is essential for root development and for overcoming transplant shock. Rain also helps to settle the soil around the roots, ensuring good contact, which is crucial for nutrient uptake.

In contrast, transplanting during a drought can stress the plants as they would require additional watering to establish properly, which might not be feasible. Planting when the soil is frozen can lead to poor root establishment as the ground is too hard for roots to penetrate, and the cold temperature can hinder growth. Planting in the middle of summer poses challenges as well due to the heat and potential drought conditions, making it harder for new plants to survive and thrive. Therefore, timing the planting just before or after rain offers the most favorable conditions for successful plant establishment.