June Gardening in the Low Desert 1999

There are still some vegetables you can plant in the low desert in June, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, Chinese long beans, black-eyed peas, peanuts and okra. Most herbs do well, especially those that come from arid Mediterranean areas.

June is an in-between month for planting in the low desert, with a limited number of things to plant; in July it will be time to plant some things for fall harvest so this is a good time to plan for fall planting. Be sure to buy what seeds you will need.

Pay special attention to watering as heat and dry air make it difficult for plants. Watch for chlorisis (iron deficiency) in which plants develop yellow leaves while the veins stay bright green and treat with iron chelate. Another problem with plants in the low desert is build-up of salts in the soil due to the high alkalinity of our water. Tip burn on leaves is a sign that plants need slow, deep watering to leach the salts out of the soil. Water in early morning, if possible, and apply water directly to the soil rather than sprinkling. Three to six inches of mulch helps to hold in moisture, helps keep plant roots cool, helps regulate soil acidity, aids in retaining nutrients, while at the same time adding valuable organic material.

Insect pests are especially active at this time of year. Aphids cause curled leaves, distorted growth and damaged flower buds. Their first arrival coincides with the burst of new growth in the spring, their most vigorous period of activity. Aphids come in many colors-black, green and yellow-and virtually cover lush tips of new growth and stems. Because injury is caused by their sucking, you can control them by applying contact sprays, either systemic or those that create fuming action. To avoid killing their natural predators, such as ladybird beetles (ladybugs), with an insecticide meant for aphids, you can wash off the pests with water. Spray as soon as you see evidence of their activity and repeat weekly while active. Roses, some annuals, new growth on pyracanthas, oleander and even citrus are favorite aphid foods.

Spider mites' activity causes mottling stippling and sometimes yellowing of leaves. Shaking the leaves over a clean sheet of paper will readily indicate their presence. They are so minute that it is necessary to use a magnifying glass to see them. Thrips are practically invisible, but leave marks on the surface of leaves and fruit that cause plants to form streaky and distorted scar tissue. Their most active period begins during the warming trend in early summer and again in early fall.

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