Spring got away from me this year, and I missed out on installing a large new garden in my backyard. A friend gave me the impression that I should wait until next spring to do the planting. Do you think that was good advice? I suspect there is still plenty of hot weather to come and wonder how a new planting will fare if I go ahead and plant now.

— Hal Peterman, Elgin

I think it is fine to continue planting all summer long and do so myself. My springs tend to be very busy, so I often do not get around to planting until mid- to late summer. Some gardeners agree with your friend that planting is best done in the spring and fall. But in my opinion, there is no reason to stop planting during the summer. In fact, I have always had good results with my summer plantings.

Chicago Botanic Garden

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