This story was originally published in May 2022. Created by #ThisIsTucson and signed by Crescent Valley Nurses Thank you for supporting our supporting organizations!
The rainy season in southern Arizona brings cloudy skies, the smell of cool rain, and a much-needed "second spring" for Tucson plants.
#ThisIsTucson Tohono Chul spoke with Garden Superintendent Christopher Kibler about what to plant next rainy season and some gardening tips to help you have a successful summer garden.
What to plant in autumn 🌻
Tucson loves wildflowers. Everything from classic golden poppies to desert globumelos have become fan favorites over the years.
Fortunately, Tucson's rainy season, which officially begins on June 15 each year, is a great time to plant some of your favorite flowers to offset the extra moisture in the rain and wind, according to the National Weather Service.
Kibler explains that flowers you can plant this winter include evening primrose, Texas ringwort (also called Texas sage), blackfoot daisy, bluebush, fairy feather and lantana.
Rain and high humidity make the season the perfect time to plant warm-season crops, Kibler said.
Heat-tolerant flowers include zinnias, cosmos, penstemon, red and blue salvia, and others. Kibler's favorite summer plant is the Texas Ranger, which comes in pink, purple and white.
Kibler describes the summer rains as "a good time to recharge."
What about summer vegetables and fruits?
Yes! Summer is a good time to plant vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and eggplant, although Kibler recommends avoiding long-lived vegetables like squash.
Native Seeds/Search, a local nonprofit, recommends following the fall planting alphabet, meaning the rainy season is a good time to plant mustard, beans, corn and squash.
According to the Native Seeds/Search website, this summer vegetable has been planted for centuries in southern Arizona following the tradition of the Tohona Odham.
Because there are many factors to consider when gardening in the fall, check the Farmer's Almanac (Tucson section) for fall planting times, including June 26 for peppers and eggplant, July 1 for tomatoes, and July 16 for jalapeños. .
What will you try to plant in the fall?
Monsoon Gardening Tips 🌱
Kibler advises making sure your gutters and other drainage systems are clear and that sewage flows in the right direction. This is the perfect time to look at rainwater harvesting.
Big-leaf trees are more dangerous and prone to breaking, Kibler said. Pruning trees properly allows more air to circulate between the leaves, which prevents damage and breakage.
The Pima County Gardeners Program recommends watering potted plants twice daily in June, except for cacti and succulents. For non-container plants, use as much rain as possible and use a soil test to make sure water reaches the roots of your plants and shrubs.
"It's still very hot outside, as always, stay hydrated," Kibler said.
While it's nice to enjoy calm rainy days, lightning can spread quickly and always be alert for lightning, Kibler said.
Where to find more information and resources 🌵
Tucson is full of resources for summer gardening. There are many places to get help in Tucson, from nonprofit organizations to online garden guides to Facebook groups of locals with amazing green thumbs.
There are several places to get more rain gardening tips.
Native Seeds/Search has lots of tips and tricks for monsoon gardening. Also, be sure to check out a seed store that offers rain stock to help you get started planting this summer.
The Pima County Master Gardener Program is affiliated with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. They have a Tucson garden guide to buy and a guide to monthly planting, fertilizing, watering and maintenance.
The Tucson Backyard Garden Facebook group currently has over 70,000 members. The group is a great way to connect with local gardeners who offer gardening tips and advice.
Tohono Chul Gardens has a special section on their website about rain and rain garden information. Visit their website for more information.
Spot the difference in Valley of the Moon.
One stop shop for the best trees and plants with a professional planting team and certified designers to make your garden the best on the block. Spring has come and it's time to plant.
