Did you say "Fall"?

Yes, fellow garden fans, fall is approaching. Technically, "fall" in the desert depends on the humidity decreasing in late summer and low nighttime temperatures. Remember to decrease your watering to once a day, early in the am. If you see green scum,(yikes!) you've got too much moisture. Watch succulents, as they can get soaked and rot out. It's time to prepare areas for color, herb and vegetable planting: weed, turn the soil, add mulch or compost,and check irrigation coverage. All annual color should be in the ground by the middle of October while the ground is warm enough to promote fast root growth. Smaller flowers that are available in "six-packs" or 4" can be planted early and do well if given time to get established, especially impatiens. A good tip for annual color is "go big". Buy large one-gallon blooming plants, especially if you have a special party or a short time in the desert. Garden on!

Greetings Summer Survivors!

We've almost made it through another sizzling summer, with just a few ( ! ) more blistering days left. Fall begins officially Sept. 22.......but may take a few more weeks until I really believe it! Sun, wind, heat ( ambient air temperature ) , soil, and water all play major factors in the success of our plants. As the temperature finally drops below 100 degrees consistently, start cutting back on your irrigation to once a day, early in the morning. Put on your big sun hat and bravely venture out to your garden to check for summer casualties. It's a good time to lightly prune, weed, check irrigation, and begin fantasizing about your annual color. More about that soon. Some plants, like people, may not tolerate the heat even in shaded or protected areas, and sadly experience the dreaded "meltdown". The plant's cells disintegrate and collaspe from the heat. ( I can relate to that! ) Unfortunately, some drought-tolerant plants that perform well outside of our desert area often fail here because of our ridiculously-crazy heat and extreme cold. Ah, life and gardening on Mars........