Be a successful desert gardener. Find everything you need to know to create and maintain a beautiful, carefree desert landscape in our weekly newsletter.
What to do in the garden in June π§βπΎ , a native passionflower π¦, the truth about neem β οΈ , and more ππ΅
Published about 1 month agoΒ β’Β 2 min read
Hi, Desert Gardener,
I recently had a whitefly infestation in my Parry's penstemon volunteers. I know what caused the problem -- some of them popped up among my thirstier plants and got overwatered. (Whenever I have an outbreak of an insect pest, I try to use it as a learning experience. What did I do to encourage this? Human error is usually involved.)
I considered using neem oil, but decided to research it further before I sprayed. I'm glad I did since I uncovered some disturbing findings. You can learn more about neem in today's featured post.
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Do you struggle keeping your potted plants happy during the summer? (I know I do!) It's estimated that 95% of plant failure is due to improper watering. Tucson's container plant specialist, Marylee Pangman, will be teaching an online class "Just Add Water: A Complete Guide to Watering Desert Pots" on June 4. It's a Zoom class that will be recorded so you donβt have to attend live. Get the details and register here.
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In this week's newsletter, we cover:
What to do in the garden in June
Featured plant: Arizona passionvine π¦
The truth about neem oil
and more!
June Gardening Guide
The merciless heat and aridity of June make it the hardest month on plants, and the most challenging for desert gardeners. Discover what you should and shouldnβt do in the garden this month, how to water, pests to watch out for, and more. Get the details here ββ
A Reader Asks:
"Should I switch to the summer watering schedule now? It hasn't been all that hot lately."
You're right -- we have had some days of reprieve from the heat recently. However, it will get hot soon and I still recommend switching to the summer schedule around mid-May. Other factors besides temperature stress plants and increase the need for water -- low relative humidity, wind, long days, and high UV index.
Arizona Passionflower: Exotic-Looking Native
This low-maintenance vine looks like it belongs in the tropics, but is native to southern Arizona. Spring through fall, this butterfly magnet is studded with elaborate, exotic-looking flowers that are unlike anything else native to the desert. Read more ββ
Garden Tip! Soak Your Nozzles
If you've noticed reduced pressure from your garden hose, it may be that your hose nozzle is clogged with mineral deposits. Once or twice per year, I soak mine in a solution of vinegar or CLR and it's like getting a new nozzle.
5 Reasons to Skip Neem Oil (& what to use instead)
Neem oil is a natural, versatile insecticide that breaks down fast in the environment and can treat many common insect pests. But it has some big drawbacks, too, including issues that impact its safety and effectiveness. Read more ββ
Upcoming Tucson Events
There are lots of interesting garden events and classes coming up soon! Upcoming highlights include: * Just Add Water: A Complete Guide to Watering Desert Pots @ Tucson Botanical Garden (6/4) * What to do in the Garden in June @ Pima County Master Gardeners (6/1) * Cool Summer Nights @ Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (6/6)
Be a successful desert gardener. Find everything you need to know to create and maintain a beautiful, carefree desert landscape in our weekly newsletter.
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