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, and at the same time adding valuable organic material.
If you haven't already put up some shade cloth, this is the time to do it. With the searing sun this time of year, most things need a little help.
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. Since injury is caused by their sucking habit, 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. Another deterrent for aphids, especially on roses, is to use 1-1/2 teaspoons of baking soda per pint of water and apply it every seven days. It's user-, earth- and child-friendly. Aphids and white flies are attracted to bright yellow and can be trapped by placing a yellow board or other yellow objects (i.e. yellow margarine lids or sticks painted yellow) coated with heavy motor oil, petroleum jelly or Tack Trap near susceptible plants. Re-coat when the traps dry out.
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