Soak Root Balls Before Planting in Summer Heat | Gardening Tips

Planting in summer heat can cause transplant shock if you don’t properly prepare your plants. In this video, Darcy (eGardenGo) shares how pre-soaking plant root balls before planting in hot, dry weather helps prevent hydrophobic soil and establishes healthy plants. Learn how to pre-soak plant roots, prepare planting holes, and maintain soil moisture so your new plants thrive—even in the hottest months.

➤ Why plants sometimes fail after planting, and how fully saturating roots prevents it

➤ My step-by-step pre-soaking method

➤ Preparing the planting hole and allowing it to drain

➤ Tips for adapting the technique for large plants or clay soils

➤ Introducing landscape crews to this method

Whether you're a DIY gardener or working with a crew, you'll find practical advice to help new plants succeed—even when planting in the heat of summer. Don’t let transplant shock derail your gardening efforts—use these techniques for the best start, even in tough conditions.