Surviving the heat is everyone’s summer goal, and that’s especially true for your Phoenix kitchen gardens! With the arrival of June, it’s time to get your garden ready for the hot and dry weather – and we pulled together the essential tips for gardening in Phoenix. As a gardener in this region – zone 9 – you should be aware of how the harsh weather conditions can impact your plants. But don’t let the heat discourage you from keeping your garden thriving and bountiful! Here are some tips to help you get and keep your garden in top shape for the month of June.
Vickie in her Phoenix Kitchen Garden!
Tip #1: Keep Water Top of Mind
This probably won’t come as a surprise, but at the top of my essential tips for summer gardening is consistent watering. I encourage consistent watering schedules year round, but starting in June it’s a must. Plants can dry out from the heat overnight, so I recommend spending a little time in your Phoenix kitchen garden daily to keep an eye on the health of your plants. Watering your plants in the early morning or late evening helps to avoid evaporation during the hottest part of the day. Consider using drip irrigation to ensure each plant receives the proper amount of water.
To schedule watering, folks use sprinklers, soaker hoses, and in my case a drip line with a pressure valve, emitters, and a timer. To learn more about these options, check out my Right Plant, Right Place – Watering Tips Journal post.
Be sure to water your plants deeply to keep your roots happy and growing in the right direction – DOWN. Keeping a moisture meter on hand takes out the guess work, and you can find very affordable meters on Amazon.
Tip #2: Add a Layer of Mulch
Adding a top layer of mulch to your garden can help reduce soil moisture loss and keep the plants’ roots cool during the hot summer months. Simply apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of each plant to conserve water and protect your plants from the sun’s harsh rays. Mulch choices include wood chips, wheat straw, bark, etc. Berridge Nursery is one of my local favorites and carry a great variety.
Armenian Cucumber in the garden
Summer Seeds to Start in June
- Armenian Cucumber
- Beans Yard Long
- Black Eyed Peas
- Cantaloupe
- Pumpkins
- Sunflowers
- Tomatoes can be started indoors June 16th
Start Your Seeds
I like to use water trays when seed starting to avoid disrupting seed growth. It’s a good idea to label seed starts so you can keep track of what kind of plant they are. This also helps to decide the best placement in your Phoenix kitchen garden.
PKG Bonus Tip:
Always clean reusable pots between seed starts to prevent pests and disease!
With these tips, you’ll be sure to keep your garden not just surviving the heat, but thriving during the hot summer months in Phoenix. Just emember to water your plants consistently and the right amount, apply mulch, and keep a daily eye on things. By following these simple tips, you’ll enjoy a beautiful and healthy garden all season long!
Are you ready to begin your low desert garden journey? I would love to help! To book a consultation, click the link on the PKG homepage or call 602-762-3266. For more low desert garden tips, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook!
