June Gardening Tips for the Desert Southwest

Spring evaporates quickly in June heat. This is the time of year to increase watering, but to do so wisely.

Drought-tolerant plants are susceptible to root rot in warm, soggy soil. This is especially true of drought-tolerant plants, such as salvia, rosemary, acacia, and dalea. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

For most non-drought-tolerant trees and shrubs, a deep watering every 10 to 14 days is sufficient.

Apply mulch to slow soil drying. Aim for a 4- to 6-inch-thick layer around annuals, vegetables, and landscape plants.

Capture rain water with a rain barrel.

With citrus, inadequate June watering leads to cracking rinds on ripening fruit in fall. Avoid this by watering deeply, but infrequently through summer months. When watering, soak soil just past the tree canopy, where feeder roots are located. By checking soil for dryness and learning to observe the tree�s foliage, you can adapt this general irrigation schedule to your yard�s microclimate:

For trees in the ground more than 3 years, water every 10 to 14 days. Soak soil to a depth of 3 feet.

For trees in the ground 2 years, water every 7 to 10 days. Soak soil 2 to 2.5 feet deep.

For trees in the ground 1 year or less, water every 5 to 7 days. Soak soil 1.5 to 2.5 feet deep.