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Summer Gardening Tips
ATTENTION GARDENERS! Our Stay-at-Home order is, apparently, starting to lift. But with that opening up comes responsibilities. Social distancing is still very much in place and Maricopa County is requiring masks whenever we venture outside our homes. I called Summer Winds on Bell near 67th Avenue and they are now open from 8-4, masks are required. I think the Big Box stores never closed, but before venturing out, make sure you call ahead. Remember, people, we seniors are the target audience for this virus. I want to see you at our meetings once it is safe to do so. Please behave responsibly!
Summer 2020: We will not be posting a separate Tip of the Month for June-August, but here are some tips for our hot summer months.
Though Dog Days of Summer specifically refers to July 3 – August 11th, our triple digit temperatures give the term a slightly extended meaning in these parts. But as gardeners we know that there is a time for every season. So take advantage of this season and follow a few common sense practices to help your garden not only survive but thrive in the intensity of a Sonoran Dog Days of Summer: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/why-are-they-called-dog-days-of-summer-21705
Roses: Feed regularly (every 2 weeks) through mid June and then halt feeding until September. Do continue to add gypsum (as it helps breakdown our clay soils) and water heavily during periods of extreme heat. Be aware of the monsoon season and adjust watering as needed. Mulch always helps control weeds who seem impervious to the temps. By mid September we’ll begin to prepare our rose beds for another season of growth. Remember to check here for a month by month list of tips: http://gardenclubofsuncity.org/roses-floral-gardening/
Veggies: Adequate water and sun cloth helps ensure a successful harvest right through summer. What’s enough water you ask?? The best test is to simply dig down a couple of inches in your garden and take a handful of soil. Squeeze and if the soil clumps together your soil is adequately moist. Our gardeners grow cucs, corn, squash, beans and melons right through into the fall. Check your favorite planting guide for suggestions and advice. Here’s one we recommend: http://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1005.pdf
Trees: This is a stressful time for trees so the best policy is to hold off on fertilizer, water deeply and do not prune as this is another stressor to your tree. Palms are of course the exception. This is their climate. Just remember palms, like succulents and cacti, need water. Prune flower spathes before flowering occurs or after flowering runs its course. Palms should be planted during the summer for best results.
Shrubs: The same general rules apply to landscape plants as to trees. Avoid added stress by holding off on pruning. This is especially true of citrus and other more sensitive plants. Cut back on fertilizer and mulch around beds to retain moisture. Adjust water schedules during especially dry periods.
For a comprehensive list of gardening tips visit the Master Gardeners of the U of AZ Cooperative Extension. Just follow this link for a year-round look at their recommendations: http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/t-tips.htm