Our May garden tips for Phoenix’s zone 10a look pretty different than they would for the rest of the country and climates. As the mercury rises, it’s a crucial time for gardeners to think about WATER. As the summer temperatures are arriving faster than we’d like, revisiting our Phoenix kitchen garden watering schedules is paramount.
This month, I’m constantly on the lookout for any signs of heat stress. It’s time to adjust those drips, ensuring our plants receive the care they need. The good news is, it’s not too late to introduce new veggie friends to your raised beds. And don’t forget about companion plants!
May Garden Tips
Choosing the Right Vegetables: Our Phoenix heat can be quite the formidable opponent, but fear not! It’s all about selecting vegetables that don’t just survive, but thrive, in our warm climate. This May, I’m planting
- brussel sprouts
- eggplant*
- melons
- okra
- squash
PKG Bonus Tip: Eggplant
If you’ve ever grown eggplants at home, you’ve probably noticed they are much smaller than the ones you find in the store. This is normal and true of many homegrown vs store bought veggies – and it’s perfectly fine! There are different and usually healthier growing conditions in your kitchen garden. And while it may be tempting to leave your eggplants on the vine hoping for a little more growth, but this could backfire on you quickly. The below photo shows sunscald on one of my clients eggplants. It won’t hurt you to eat the eggplant, but at this point the flavor has changed – a huge disappointment after all your hard work!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The bottom line is, if in doubt, go ahead and harvest a little early rather than risking sun scald.​​​​​​​​
Companion Planting is Key
Not only do companion plants invite beneficial pollinators, but they also deter those pesky garden villains. After feasting on these protective plants, harmful bugs often leave your precious herbs and veggies alone. Wondering which companions to add this month? Consider angelonia, cleome, gazania, marigolds, milkweed, nicotiana, strawflower, verbena, and yarrow.
Sustain Healthy Soil
In Phoenix’s low desert, maintaining soil moisture is a balancing act. Watering your garden in the cooler early mornings or evenings helps minimize evaporation. Don’t forget: organic fertilizers and compost are your allies in nurturing rich, healthy soil. And a top layer of bark will help to keep your garden soil and plants cool.
Your May Garden Tips Review
- Keep an eye on your watering schedule and watch for signs of stress.
- Choose the vegetables and herbs that will thrive in Phoenix, zone 9.
- Healthy soil with a top layer of bark will help your garden survive the summer!
- Lean into nature’s pest control solutions like companion planting, enlisting beneficial insects, and organic pesticides.
Feeling inspired to exercise your green thumb? Whether you’re seeking a kitchen garden consultation, coaching, or a full-blown garden design, I’m here to support your green dreams. Discover all our Phoenix Kitchen Garden services right HERE or give me a call at 602-722-7971.
Have a happy garden month!
Vickie
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