If you haven’t yet gotten your garden in by June, it’s not too late. Gardening in the southwest is a dream in many ways due to the heat and plentiful sunshine. But it can also be a challenge, as dry soil and extreme weather can wreak havoc on the garden. A regional growing guide can help you decide what and when to plant.
Southwest Planting in June
There are few things more satisfying and pleasant than watching your garden flourish. You can still plant trees like palms and ornamentals, but they will need a consistent influx of water. Even vines like bougainvillea and other flowering plants are perfect to install at this time. These will be easy enough to manage, but what about veggies? Is it too late to plant a food garden? Actually, due to the long growing season, June is the perfect time for the heat loving varieties. Gardening in the southwest offers opportunities for late planting that eastern and northern states can’t harness.
What to Plant in June
If you are wondering what vegetables you can start now, the list is pretty long. If you already have transplants, get them in the ground. Plants that need to be started from seed and do well in the heat can be started in June. Avoid planting cooler season plants like snow peas and spinach. You’ll want to wait until June 20th to get fall crops in, but don’t forget as these extend the gardening season. Some veggies and fruits that can go in now are:
PeppersTomatoesMelonsCornBeansEggplantCucumberEndiveSouthern peasSweet PotatoOkraPeanuts
Don’t forget about herbs! June is the perfect time to put in your cilantro, basil, bee balm, catnip, chamomile, lemongrass, borage, anise, and lavender.
Southwest Regional Planting Guide
As the temperatures rise, newly planted seeds and transplants will need some special care.
Before you plant, incorporate plenty of compost or well rotted manure. If you practice no-till gardening, use these as side dresses. Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the seedlings’ roots without smashing them into the soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, which may mean watering daily. Start staking or caging transplants. Feed new plants with a light diluted all purpose fertilizer every 2 weeks as they establish. Spread mulch around young veggies to conserve moisture and keep soil cooler. Weed, weed, weed, to prevent competitors.
June is the perfect time to start growing so don’t wait and get out there and plant a variety of food for your family.
