GV?Gardeners: June brings hot, dry, windy conditions

It would seem that June has a bad reputation in the desert.

Terms such as “hottest, windiest, driest, and most miserable” often are used to describe this month.

This may be partly because the relief of monsoon rains is just around the corner, and the anticipation can be nerve-wracking.

Because of frequent triple-digit temperatures this month, it is critical that all plant material has enough moisture.

With the May we just experienced as a prelude, this is an especially tough time for annuals, roses, perennials, shrubs, trees, even cactus and succulents.

Special care must be taken with both watering needs and sun protection.

To help preserve moisture, add a 2-to-4-inch layer of mulch.

This keeps the roots cooler, discourages weed competition, and conserves moisture.

Most mulches used in our area are inorganic, meaning crushed rock or decomposed granite.

Organic mulches such as wood chips, ground wood, composted manure, pine needles, kitchen compost, or straw can improve the quality of soil over time by decomposing.

Whatever your choice of mulch, the plants will better survive the extreme summer heat and need less water from you.

An occasional shower from the hose will both cool off plants and wash away dust and pests.

First, be sure to empty the hot water standing in the hose to a bucket where it can be used after cooling.

Annuals in containers often require water daily.

Always try to water in early morning, and do so until water drains from the bottom of the pot.

Plants use water more efficiently in the hours just prior to dawn.

Watering then reduces evaporation, keeps wet leaves from burning, and discourages fungal diseases.

To prevent wilting, both annuals and perennials in the ground may need watering every two to three days, or more often in extreme heat.

In June even cactus, agaves, yuccas, desert spoon, ocotillos, hesperaloe, and other desert perennials can use a good soaking.

Water long enough to allow the moisture to get to a depth of 1-3 feet, depending on the type of plant.

Soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Use a soil probe to be sure.

Probes are available at the Pima County Extension Office on White House Canyon Road for $5.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-noon, or call 648-0808 for more information.

Besides watering your citrus trees every 7 to 10 days this month, check the bark of newly planted trees for signs of sunburn.

It may be necessary to cover the trunk with newspaper or a coat of paint.

Discoloration of young cactus, especially on the south or west sides, can be a sign of sunburn.

Shade cloth or window screening installed over these for their first couple of summers should prevent damage.

Many agave varieties start showing heat stress now by turning a lighter green or even yellow.

Water every 3-4 weeks throughout the summer, and they should return to normal when temperatures moderate.

When placing new agave, remember that afternoon shade is beneficial.

Don’t be alarmed if your geraniums begin looking “peaked” this month.

These plants do not like our heat, and will start to languish.

If over-watered, soggy roots will kill them before the heat gets a chance.

About all you can do is water lightly and move them to a shady spot for the summer.

Even then, expect some damage from continued high temperatures.

Roses may appear stressed, but with mulch and good water management, should recover as temperatures cool.

Continue to hose off the plants early in the morning, cleaning away dust and controlling spider mites.

With heat and water stress at their highest, June is often referred to as “the month of survival” in our desert.

Don’t forget that the gardener must survive, too… so work in the cool mornings, wear sunblock and a hat, and take a bottle of water with you into the yard.

And be sure to allow time to walk about the neighborhood and see the breathtaking beauty of all the colorful trichocereus cactus hybrids that are still flowering throughout the month.

Mary Kidnocker is a Master Gardener who writes frequently about the subject from a local perspective. Her columns appear Sundays in the Green Valley News. She is president of The Green Valley Gardeners.