In summer, avoid over-watering such plants as yellow squash.

For the Low Desert

WHAT TO PLANT
• Sow okra—In addition to edible pods, okra’s pretty edible flowers can be stuffed like squash blossoms or used as a garnish. This late in the warm growing season, choose quick-maturing varieties such as ‘Millionaire’ (50 days). ‘Baby Bubba’ (53 days) and ‘Lee’ (50 days) are compact varieties for small spaces or large containers.

• Continue to plant palms and bermuda grass—Both have root systems that thrive when planted in the heat. Wait until the weather cools to transplant other landscape vegetation.

GARDEN MAINTENANCE
• Don’t over-water garden beds—If large-leaved plants such as gourd, melon and squash appear wilted in the afternoon, don’t automatically apply more water. Evaporation from leaf surfaces may be faster than the plant’s ability to absorb and replace water, causing wilted foliage even though there is sufficient soil moisture. Adding more water creates ideal conditions for root rot because saturated soil eliminates oxygen, which plant roots need to thrive. Instead, wait until the next morning. If foliage is no longer wilted and the top layer of soil feels moist (stick your finger in to a depth of 1 to 2 inches), watering isn’t needed. The goal is to water deeply and as infrequently as possible.With each irrigation, be sure water soaks to a depth of 12 inches to leach salts below the root zone. Add a fresh layer of organic mulch to the bed to help maintain moisture.

• Don’t over-water landscape plants—If monsoon rains are heavy, monitor water needs of plants and possibly skip an irrigation or two. Iron chlorosis (new leaves turning yellow with obvious green veins) can occur from over-watering combined with heavy rains. Wet soil displaces oxygen, which roots need to absorb iron. The desert’s high-alkaline soil also contributes to iron chlorosis. Native plants are adapted to these conditions; non-natives are not and may show signs of iron chlorosis. Symptoms may disappear when conditions change and soil dries. If the symptoms continue and soil moisture seems appropriate (not overly wet), apply iron chelates or ferrous sulfate—iron sources that roots can readily absorb.

•  Deadhead roses—Remove spent blooms by cutting only a short distance down the stem, allowing as many leaves to remain on the plant as possible. Foliage protects canes from sunburn and creates food for the plant through photosynthesis. Leaving spent blossoms on the plant encourages the bush to produce seeds (rose hips) and go into dormancy, thus reducing autumn flowering.

• Monitor plants for spider mites—Barely visible with the naked eye, mites may be detected by their fine webbing or tiny yellow spots where they suck the juice from leaves. Mite populations increase during the monsoon season, when blowing winds create dusty plant foliage—their preferred environment. Wash off dusty foliage regularly with a blast of water from the hose. Spray early in the morning before the sun gets too hot.