Shade & Water - Make sure you adjust your watering accordingly for the summer and specifically be aware in June, which is the driest month in our low desert region. Look for signs of water stress: wilting limp leaves that do not recover in cooler evening temperatures, yellow or curled leaves that drop, loss of green leaf luster, small new leaves, blossom end rot. If you see any of these signs of possible water stress, then check your soil using a soil probe and adjust your irrigation to ensure proper soil moisture to a depth of 1' for your vegetable garden. Improper watering/soil moisture (too little or too much) can lead to nutrient deficiency of your plants leading to slow growth, low production and possible death.
Provide 50% shade to your tomato and pepper plants through the summer and continue to keep the soil moist. Once the temperatures drop, they will have renewed growth and start setting fruit (below 90 degrees for tomatoes). Peppers can typically be kept for 1 - 2 years, however assess the condition of your tomato plants and determine if replacing them is a better option for the fall. I pulled my tomato plants once the set fruit had ripened and will plant new transplants in August. This cuts down on maintenance of plants that are not producing during the summer and I have found that the new transplants have higher production as the plant is healthy at he beginning of the cooler weather versus a struggling plant that then needs to regain its vigor before it will set fruit.
Do List
Increase water application as the weather warms. Vegetables to 1′, small-medium shrubs 2′ and trees to 3′ deep. Use a soil probe (long thin metal device like a long screw driver) to check water depth (probe should easily penetrate in moist soil and stop at dry soil).
Water trees (special attention to deciduous) deep (down to 3ft) and every 7 – 14 days.
Apply mulch to keep roots cool and reduce evaporation.
Place shade cloth (no more than 50%) over tomatoes to keep out leaf hoppers.
Cover fruit trees with mosquito cloth to protect from birds.
Don’t List
Do not expose citrus and other sun sensitive plants to sunburn by pruning during the summer.
Planting
Note: White font listed items identify "Ideal" planting time items
Zucchini Pasta Primavera – This was a great find in a time of need. I had so much zucchini from the garden and this recipe turned out to be a winner for us. Tasty and timely!
