June is normally tough on plants and wildlife, but all bets are off this year. Normally I would remind you that all plants, even succulents, are stressed by this normally dry month, but weather has been erratic with below average temperatures and early rains in parts of the Southwest.
Irrigation
Did you get a sprinkle of rain? Might not be enough. Make sure you water landscape trees and shrubs so that the water soaks three feet deep. This may mean for eight hours, depending on water flow and soil type. Also make sure you are watering out at the canopy line of the plants (the outer edge of the leaves). This will help encourage wide, strong roots. Strong anchoring roots help prevent trees from blowing over.
Fertilizer
Give a dose of fertilizer to lawns and palms. Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. More on palm care – here.
If you are growing annual flowers, they can get fertilizer. Don’t fertilize most perennials during June and July because it encourages new growth, and slowing growth in the heat of summer is a better idea (less water use). More on summer annuals – here.
Vegetables
Plant native vegetables and herbs like amaranth, corn, devil’s claw, epazote, squash and tepary beans.
Which veggies? Plant non-native heat-lovers like black-eyed peas, gourd, muskmelon, squash, watermelon.
Vegetables are like annual flowers – they will benefit from some fertilizer.
Fruit Crops
Keep fruit trees irrigated to minimize “June fruit drop.” Some drop is normal as plants evaluate how many fruit they have the resources to grow.
Harvest early grapes, and enjoy.
Fertilize citrus before mid-June if you haven’t already. More on citrus care.
Pests & Pest Eaters
Watch for tiny young praying mantis, emerging as weather warms. Do not mistake the baby green walkers for aphids, their prey.
Continue to eliminate spider mites on evergreens like arbor vitae or cedars with insecticidal soap or blasts of water. Repeat as needed. Water the evergreens to help reduce stress.
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.
Legal
© Article copyright Dr. Jacqueline A. Soule. All rights reserved. You must ask permission to republish an entire blog post or article. Okay to use a short excerpt but you must give proper credit. You must include a link to the original post on our site. No stealing photos.
Be the first to reply