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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- For gardeners and plant lovers, this summer has been one heck of a season. Hot weather has made it difficult to plant and keep what is already growing healthy.

For trees and plants with roots well-established in the ground, it takes extra care and strategic watering to keep them healthy.

"I tell people you can't water too much, but you can water too often and I think some of the problem is people have been watering every night, maybe three or four or five gallons every night," said Jim Bremer, Manager at Earl May Nursery and Garden Center. "And if you're doing that with a plant you maybe planted last year, or even this spring, it's better to water a lot once or twice a week than it is to water every night."

Plants like hostas, lilies and perennials that are shade-dependent continue to suffer the worst in these hot, dry conditions.

Bremer said many people are still purchasing trees, but waiting until a good soaking and good rain conditions to plant them.

Business-wise, he said he saw a very good March and April, then business was severely halted in June and July.