June in Flagstaff can be an extremely hot and dry month for our gardens. This can lead to stressed plants and even mortality if soil moisture isn’t monitored. Below are a few tips for keeping gardens and gardeners happy!
Water your plants in the early morning or evening. This enables the soil and the plants to absorb the water rather than allowing water to immediately evaporate. Our high elevation sun can also be damaging to wet plant leaves in the mid-day heat.
Don’t water more often, water more deeply. It is vital that the water is going down at least 10-12” into the soil. It is best to do a round of deep watering across the garden, then go back and repeat immediately. If on irrigation, don’t increase the frequency, increase the duration. Generally, this means watering for 30-60 minutes at a time, 2-3 times per week depending on your site and the water needs of the plants in your garden.
Mulch is your plants best friend! Just kidding – you are, but mulch will help cool soil temps and reduce rapid evaporation, thus reducing the amount of water your garden needs. Wood chips, straw, or pine needles are great options, as are store bought mulches found at our wonderful local nurseries like Warner’s or Violas.
Don’t worry if your plants aren’t looking their absolute best in the mid-day June heat. If you see wilt that does not go away at night, that is a sign your plants need more water.
And don’t forget you are a plant with complicated emotions. Stay hydrated out there!
Gina Goegan is the Greenhouse Manager at The Arboretum
