Get ready, Desert Southwest gardeners! The heat is on, but with a proactive approach and the right knowledge, you can confidently maintain a flourishing landscape through the summer months. We’ll focus on six essential areas for summer success.
First, success in our arid climate hinges on choosing the right plants. Embrace drought-tolerant plants specifically adapted to our local conditions. Picture the resilient beauty of native trees, the structural elegance of desert shrubs, and the ground-hugging tenacity of water-wise groundcovers. Matching your plant selection to our environment is the first step towards a thriving, less water-dependent garden.
Next, lay a strong foundation with healthy soil. Summer heat can bake our already challenging clay soil, hindering water absorption and stressing roots. Combat this by amending your soil with quality organic matter like Dr. Q’s PayDirt Planting Mix & Mulch, which improves drainage while retaining vital moisture. A generous layer of organic mulch further cools the soil, suppresses weeds, and conserves water. Incorporate Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic for gentle and safe root stimulation during watering, especially when fertilizing isn’t appropriate.
Watering wisely is non-negotiable for summer survival. While raising temperatures increase plant’s water needs, resist the urge to water daily. Deep, infrequent watering is the key to a healthy root system.
Remember, roots only grow where moisture is consistently available, so the aim is to thoroughly water the root zone deeply, encouraging roots to grow downwards. To achieve this deep penetration, run your irrigation longer rather than more frequently, allowing at least a full day, and often longer, between watering established trees and shrubs. Always tailor your watering schedule to your soil type; clay soils retain moisture longer and thus require less frequent watering with a lower output rate compared to sandy soils. Be mindful that consistently overwatering is detrimental and can lead to root rot and other problems.
Protecting your plants from the intense summer sun and heat is crucial for their survival and productivity. Use temporary shade solutions like shade cloth, especially for vulnerable plants like roses and tropicals. Strategically plan for permanent shade where possible. Regularly check for signs of heat stress. To ensure a successful summer fruit harvest, consider using bird netting on your fruiting plants.
Maintain a healthy summer garden by actively managing pests and weeds. Be vigilant for common Desert Southwest pests like spider mites and aphids, which can often be dislodged with a strong, direct spray of water, especially focusing on the undersides of leaves. Also watch for grubs. Regularly inspect for early infestations, manually remove larger pests, and if needed, apply safe treatments such as insecticidal soaps or neem oil, always reading product labels carefully, especially for heat warnings. Prevent weeds with mulching and timely removal.
Star Nursery offers a wide selection of products, including Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic, Dr. Q’s Organic Soils & specialized Fertilizers, safe and effective insecticides, shade cloth, and more. Visit our stores to speak with our helpful, knowledgeable staff, ready to guide you in selecting the best solutions and personalized advice. You can also visit StarNursery.com for our weekly ads, valuable “Star Notes” gardening guides, and information on upcoming gardening events.
Late-to-Prune Larry asks: Is it too late to prune my evergreen boxwoods now that we’re heading into the hotter part of the season?
Answer: For evergreen shrubs like your boxwoods, avoid significantly pruning this late in the spring as new growth won’t have time to harden off before the summer heat. This can lead to sunburn and stress. Wait until late summer or early fall.