It is heating up quickly. May is historically the driest month in the desert. There is the danger of soils becoming too salty, alkaline, and compacted as we move into the summer. Ensure correct watering practices to avoid this issue. We also need to be vigilant about summer pest control. Look out for spider mites, squash bugs, stink bugs, and leaf-footed bugs, and have a plan of action before they start to damage your garden. See our guide to controlling insect pests here.
You may be getting a few of your first ripening summer squashes, peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes this month. Enjoy the bounty of spring!
Mulberry trees should be loaded with ripening fruit, peaches are about to be ready if they are early varieties. There are also blackberries, strawberries, and, ground cherries. Some early types of grapes, kumquats, apricots, and maybe even a few figs will start to have ripe fruit too.
If you would like to get your hands in the soil this month, here are some options for what you can plant.
Trees
- Tropical trees. Papaya, banana, mango, guava, and other tropical can be planted. Young trees should be given some shade to protect them from the harsh temperatures to be expected soon.
- Fig trees. If smaller than 4ft please protect as well.
- Pomegranates.
- Citrus. Young citrus can get badly sunburnt, protect if trees are smaller than 4-5ft tall.
- Moringa. Sow seeds directly.
- Castor Bean. Sow seeds directly into the soil.
The Veggie Patch
- Eggplant. Direct sow or transplant seedlings.
- Peppers. Both sweet and hot. Direct sow or transplant seedlings.
- Egyptian Spinach. Direct sow. Grows into a 6-8ft large bush if not picked very frequently.
- Okra. Direct sow and transplant seedlings.
- Amaranth. These do well in the heat and while young, make a good spinach alternative. As they mature, they attract a multitude of beneficial insects, later forming very attractive seed heads that keep the birds occupied.
- Armenian Cucumbers. While regular cucumbers do not appreciate the upcoming heat, Armenian cucumbers do very well in the heat. This is a melon and not really a cucumber. Plant from seed or transplant seedlings.
- Yardlong beans. Green snap-type beans will also not fare well in the coming heat, but yard-long beans will be great. Direct sow seeds.
- Cowpeas. Also, known as black eyes peas. Direct sow seeds.
- Melons and watermelons. Direct sow seed. Pick varieties that aren’t prone to splitting.
- Pigeon peas. A shrub-like legume that will grow into a smallish tree. Great for creating microclimates. Will provide an abundance of pigeon pea pods. Shell and eat fresh or dry and store.
- Peanuts. Shell and soak seed overnight then direct sow.
- Luffa. Loves the heat, direct sow, or transplant seedlings. Allow a lot of space.
Roots
- Sweet potato. Plant from slip and allow to vine as a groundcover.
- Turmeric. Plant in shadier areas and give plenty of water.
- Ginger. Shadier areas work well.
Flowers and Herbs
- The basil family. All varieties of basil will thrive now and can be direct-seeded or transplanted.
- Papalo. A cilantro substitute that does well in the heat of the summer. Direct sow or transplant seedlings.
- Mint. Transplant. Mint will benefit from some summer shade and a lot of water.
- Sunflowers. Direct sow year-round. Sunflowers gone to seed will keep hungry birds occupied and away from the veggies.
- Zinnia. Direct sow or transplant. These will provide color throughout the summer.
- Vincas. The easiest flower to grow in our summer. Transplant seedlings.
Want to know ahead of time what to plant? Get our planting calendars. Find out the best times to direct sow, start seed, and transplant seedlings plus additional information.
