July and summer’s heat is upon us. Luckily for us humans – there is not too much to actively do in the garden this month. Unless you want to. Then here are some things to consider.
Irrigation
Don’t let your plants become “drip sip” junkies. Instead of a little bit of water every day, water less often but for longer time, so the water sinks in two or even three feet into the ground – where roots should be.
Roots need to encouraged to grow deep underground where it is cooler. Where the hot sun can’t evaporate the water. Deep roots help anchor a tree and keep it from blowing over in the wind – or heaving your walkway – or both. Trees need wide roots to anchor themselves well, so apply their water well away from the trunk.
All plants need more water as temperatures rise. Water at dawn to conserve water, discourage fungus, and give plants the water they need as they “wake up” for the new day.
A Quick Guide to July Tasks
If you wish the more comprehensive guide, consider joining the Gardening With Soule Membership Club. There I go into rich detail on how to have a thriving garden every month, along with plant of the month profiles. The Club especially features a monthly Live Interactive Zoom with a Question and Answer session for your gardening questions, I also offer a 20 minute gardening presentation on a current topic.
Fertilizer
Fertilize lawns, palms, and edibles. In Low and Middle Desert – that’s all. In High Desert and cooler elevations, fertilize everything in July.
Lawn Care
Sharpen mower blades. Sharp blades cut cleanly and your lawn will look better.
Edibles
Plant a monsoon garden with native vegetables and herbs like amaranth, short-maturity corn, devil’s claw, epazote, squash and tepary beans.
It is not too late to plant non-native heat-lovers like black-eyed peas, squash, okra, pumpkin, and watermelon.
Harvest sun ripened fruit that are ready, jujube, apricots, grapes, melons, peaches – and enjoy. Keep an eye on your almonds – they may ripen towards the end of this month if you have an early variety. The late varieties of almonds ripen in October.
July Pruning & Care
Mulch plants if you haven’t already. Mulch with cedar bark, straw, or pine needles to retard evaporation and fertilize the soil.
Weeds. Get them before they go to seed.
Deadhead flowers for extended bloom.
Summer pruning – none! Prune to remove storm damaged branches. If necessary, prune trees to eliminate hazards to humans or structures, but pruning is better done in spring or fall.
What do you think?!
Please leave your questions, comments, and ideas in the comment section (way way down) below.
More About Monthly Tasks
Just look at the name!
One reviewer said:
“A great reference book is key to successful gardening in the region where you live. Arizona, Nevada & New Mexico Month-by-Month Gardening takes the guesswork out of gardening for anyone residing in the Southwest. With this book, you’ll know what to do each month to enjoy a thriving garden all year, from January to December. Chronologically organized, this guide is full of critical gardening when-to and how-to advice, along with illustrated step-by-step instructions.
The book’s author is Jacqueline Soule, a Tucson-based gardening expert. She knows this arid region inside and out, and she’s written several articles and books packed with her gardening advice. Arizona, Nevada & New Mexico Month-by-Month Gardening showcases Soule’s expertise in one easy-to-read guide.”
Available on my book selling site – and if you buy the book there the Horticulture Therapy non-profit Tierra del Sol Institute will get a few pennies – at no extra cost to you.
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