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Hi, Desert Gardener!
July in the southwest is a month of changes. The monsoon officially started June 15, but the first rains usually arrive in early July. Monsoon storms bring welcome rainfall, humidity, and cloud cover β all a great relief for your plants.
But itβs not all good news for desert gardeners. Monsoon storms can bring flooding, hail, dust storms, and damaging wind. And an increase in moisture leads to more insect pests, plant diseases, and weeds.
All these changes mean there are changes in gardening tasks this month, as well. So be sure to check out our July's "What to Do in the Garden" guide.
What you'll find in this week's newsletter:
- What to do in the garden in July
- Featured Plant: Mexican petunia
- Yellow leaves, green veins: what it means, what to do
- Find free plant stands
- Upcoming gardening classes & events
- and more!
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July: What to Do in the Garden This Month
July means the arrival of monsoon storms, which bring higher humidity and much-needed rain. Hereβs what garden tasks you should do, which to skip, and things to watch out for during this changeable month.
βLearn more here ββ
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Mexican Petunia: Resilient Favorite
Mexican petunia is a lovely perennial with willow-like leaves and purple, petunia-like flowers. Itβs resilient, but under the right conditions can grow βtooβ enthusiastically. Hereβs what you need to know before deciding if itβs right for your garden.
βRead more here ββ
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My Free Plant Stand Find
A few months ago, I was thrilled to have found a "free little plant stand" while on a bike ride. And it had a Mexican petunia! (Oh, happy day!) But on the way home, I hit a substantial bump in the bike path and the container flew out of my pack into the street. Most of the roots and leaves broke off. π₯Ή But I planted it anyway, and it started leafing out within the week. It continues to do well in spite of its bumpy start. Mexican petunia is one tough plant!
Want to find a free plant stand near you?
I love the free stand concept. If you live in Arizona, California, or Texas, check for a stand near you with this interactive map or visit Garden Exchange Stands. If you live elsewhere, do a search for "plant stands" or "garden exchange stands".
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Why Desert Plants Get Iron Chlorosis (& what to do)
Do you have plants with leaves that look like this? Yellow leaves with green veins is the classic sign of iron chlorosis, which often shows up this time of year, especially in citrus and other non-natives. Learn the underlying causes, what plants are susceptible, and how to treat.
βLearn more here ββ
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Tucson Garden Events & Classes
There's always more to learn about gardening! Check out these events and classes coming up soon.
* How to Plant a Cactus @ Green Things
* The Magic of Monsoons @ Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's "Cool Summer Nights"
* Natureβs Pest Control: Beneficial Insects & IPM @ Pima County Master Gardeners
If you live in Tucson or are visiting this summer, check out "Chillinβ at the Chul" for food, drinks, live music, & family activities. (Fri. & Sat. evenings through August.) Admission is free! π€©
Get the details on these events and more in our Tucson Gardening Events Calendar β
Not in Tucson? There are always classes for everyone offered via Zoom.
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Garden Quote
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." - Lao Tzu, philosopher
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Before You Go...
Do you have a gardening question you'd like to see answered here? Send it to ask@swgardener.com.
If you found this information helpful or interesting, please share it with friends! They can sign up for this newsletter here.
And please stop by the Southwest Gardener Facebook page and "Follow", "Like", or "Share".
Keep growing and learning,
βDesert Dee
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113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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