Warm daytime temperatures lately might make it feel like summer has already arrived, but the calendar says otherwise. Spring only began less than two weeks ago, and the nights are still cool. Gardeners could still be caught off guard by a late cold snap.
For those wondering what to do in the garden while stuck between these realities, the Globe Miami Times spoke with Christopher Jones, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension agent and coordinator of the Gila County Master Gardener Program, about how to prepare gardens for the summer while still working with the temperatures now.
Additionally, we compiled a short list of flowers that can thrive through the summer and can still be planted in Globe-Miami.
Even if the weather feels like summer, spring can still bring surprises.
“We could still have a cold snap,” Jones said. "I'm not saying people shouldn't get started planting their garden, but they just need to be aware that they need to be ready to protect it.”
For gardeners ready to transplant seedlings outdoors, there are several strategies for protecting plants from unexpected cold.
One option is using a gardening tool known as “walls of water,” insulated sleeves filled with water that surround individual plants and protect them from frost.
“Water takes a lot of energy to freeze, so it's going to really hold off that low temperature where it's protected,” Jones said.
Another simple option is to cut the bottom off a plastic jug and place it over the plant, creating a small protective greenhouse.
If you’ve been composting throughout the winter, now is the time to mix that compost into the soil in your garden beds. If not, Jones said it’s usually better to purchase compost rather than try to start a new batch now, since compost takes time to cure.
For beds that are already nutrient-rich, Jones recommends top-dressing rather than fully turning the soil. Mix compost into only the top three to four inches of soil.
“That way you're able to really maintain a lot of your soil structure and microorganisms and the worms and so on that live in that soil,” he said. You don't disturb them as much.”
Winter weeds can also be worked back into the soil.
“You can consider that a green manure or a winter type of crop and just work those cold season plants right back into the soil, because they're not going to compete with your plants during the summer,” he said. “They only grow during the winter, and they add good organic matter to the soil.”
Warm-season weeds, however, should be removed so they don’t compete with summer plants. Bermuda grass in particular can become highly invasive if left unchecked.
For container gardeners, Jones said pots can often be reused. There is no harm in this practice as long as the plants were healthy and not contaminated with diseases, fungi, or pests.
“When you have a container, you don't necessarily have to empty it out and put in fresh soil every time,” Jones said. “If you have a big container, you can just mix in compost.”
With proper care, potting soil can remain usable for several years.
If containers are emptied, Jones recommends adding the old soil to a compost pile.
“That's all rich soil,” he said. “You'll have organic matter and microorganisms in there that are good for your compost.”
As temperatures rise, irrigation becomes increasingly important.
Jones recommends drip irrigation systems rather than soaker hoses.
“I’m a fan of inline drip tubes, and I promote them in my classes,” Jones said. “I’m not a big fan of soaker hoses anymore because they crack easily. When they leak, you’re not getting even irrigation. Inline drip tubes tend to last much longer.”
A basic drip irrigation system includes a timer, anti-siphon valve, pressure regulator, drip tubing, emitters and end clamps.
Both underwatering and overwatering can harm plants, especially young ones.
Jones suggests a simple way to check soil moisture: Push a screwdriver into the soil. If it slides in easily, the soil is still moist. If it’s difficult to push in, it’s time to water.
Sprinklers can still have their place in some situations.
“I still find that a sprinkler can come in very handy,” Jones said. “A sprinkler allows you to really wet that horizon of soil.”
However, he recommends caution when using them..
“I try to be careful with it,” he said. “You can lose a lot of water. Use a timer.”
Many flowers thrive in Arizona’s summer heat. Here are six that do well in Globe-Miami gardens.
Marigolds: Marigolds are among the most reliable summer flowers. In addition to adding color, they attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies while helping repel pests like aphids.
“Marigold is kind of the gold standard as something as a pest deterrent,” Jones said. “They grow very easily. You can put them in by seed. If you're buying as plants as well and allow them to go to seed, they'll come back in following years.”
Marigolds can be planted through May or June and can bloom in early summer and again in fall.
Zinnias: Seeds can be started indoors from February through May and planted outdoors through July. Zinnias attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and beneficial insects, and bloom from April through November.
Sunflowers: Sunflower seeds can be planted directly in the soil through July or August. They attract birds and other wildlife and can bloom through October.
Four o’clocks: Best started from seed, these flowers can be planted outdoors through June. They bloom from July through November, but gardeners should note that all parts of the plant, including the seeds, are toxic.
Cosmos: Plant seeds directly in the soil once the danger of frost has passed. Cosmos are drought-tolerant and attract pollinators, blooming through November.
Gaillardia (blanket flower): This drought-tolerant flower grows well from seed planted directly in the garden through April. Blanket flowers attract pollinators and may grow as perennials, hardy annuals or biennials. They typically bloom through October.
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