Summer is here!

Summer has officially arrived with triple digit temperatures that wilt plants and people alike. Here in Arizona, as in several other states, COVID-19 cases are increasing at an alarming rate. Most of us are wearing masks when we go out in public. It is still a crazy year! My favorite retreat is my garden, even in the heat.

Some folks give up on gardening this time of year, but with shade, mulch, and water, gardens can flourish in summer. My gardens currently have Armenian cucumbers, zucchini, corn, beans, pumpkins, watermelons, onions, sunflowers, peppers, and newly sprouted okra. The tomatoes are taking a break, except two volunteers that are blooming.

Most of my plants are safely shaded from the blazing sun. The sunflowers are happy with full sun and provide afternoon shade for the corn and pole beans. Shade structures protect the cucumbers, squash, peppers, tomatoes (except the volunteers), bush beans, and pumpkins. I have watermelons in full sun and in partial shade. The ones in partial shade are a bit ahead of the ones in full sun.

This is the time of year to start plants for early August planting. Take a peak at the garden calendar page to plan your late summer and early fall planting. I am sneaking in a late planting of sweet potatoes as soon as my slips are rooted.

What are you harvesting or planting now?