June Gardening Tips for the Desert Southwest
Plant palms when soil temperatures remain above 75 degrees F. Dig a planting hole twice as wide and just as deep as the existing rootball.
Using twine, tie fronds up over the bud for protection. As new growth occurs, snip the twine.
Apply a root stimulator to soil after planting to encourage rapid rooting.
Feed established palms a fertilizer blended specifically for palms. The fertilizer should contain manganese, magnesium, iron, sulfur, and potassium.
Prune emerging flower stalks from palms if you don't want fruit.
Prune lower leaves that are yellow or brown. Use loppers with a larger cutting capacity of 2-1/2 inches. Wear a thick pair of gloves because many palms have thorns along leaf stems.
Test Garden Tip: Take care when disposing of pruned palm fronds. Place fronds where children or pets won't attempt to play with thorny stems.
Continued on page 3: What to Plant Now
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