Gardening during the summer months in Phoenix is challenging. Hold off planting anything until mid-September. Most plants struggle to become established in extreme heat.
August
This is the time to begin preparing for the fall planting season.
• Hold off on trimming plants for another month to prevent sunburn.
• Apply mulch to prepare the soil for fall vegetables.
• Feed established citrus.
September
• Adjust your watering schedule in mid-month to accommodate the decrease in temperatures.
• Trim back dead or overgrown branches from your plants.
• Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer, such as Osmocote, to replenish soil nutrients
October
Now is the best time to begin fall planting. See plant suggestions below for planting in October.
• Readjust watering schedule as needed for lower temperatures.
Fall Plant Suggestions:
Shrubs: Mexican bird of paradise, Texas sage, autumn sage, lantana
Annuals: alyssum, petunia, marigold, pansy, zinnia, snapdragon, geranium
Herbs: parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, dill, cilantro, mint, chive, sage, tarragon
Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, onions, peppers, potato, radish spinach
Succulents: agave, aloe, elephant food, red yucca
All citrus and fruit trees
