Greetings!

Looks like you folks on the coast are finally getting some sunshine too.  It is perfect for those of us living away from the coast.  60 at night to about 80 during the day.  This is why we moved to Orange County in the first place. 

I spent much of my childhood in Pasadena, CA.  Summer there was about 5-10 degrees warmer, both day and night. 

Of course, even Pasadena is heaven compared to the Gulf states in the summer.  I lived in Galveston one summer with 95 during the day and 85 at night with 90% humidity.  Summer in the South is from mid May to the end of September.   

The majority of plants grow faster and faster until the temperature reaches 86 degrees F.  This includes the roots as well as the foliage.  We can't do anything to modify the foliage temperature, but we can certainly help the roots.  It is quite beneficial to many plants to shade the ground with several inches of mulch if the soil isn't already shaded by foliage. 

Research (done in Texas) showed that on a 90 degree day the soil temperature 1 foot deep was over 30 degrees hotter (120 compared to 85) when the surface was bare than when the surface was covered with 3 inches of mulch.  Needless to say the roots were much healthier when the ground was shaded. 

A few plants do seem to thrive with hot soil.  Zoysia grass, Plumeria and Papaya come to mind. 

A few plants take a noticeable nose dive when the soil gets hot.  Apple trees, Cherry trees (fruiting & ornamental), Persimmon trees and Clematis vines are especially sensitive. 

Many wholesale nurseries will irrigate plants with sprinklers several times during a hot day to keep leaves and roots cool.  This can work in your own garden also, but since the effect only lasts until the water evaporates, you would need a sophisticated timer to make it effective. 

Please don't tell me that water drops on foliage will act like a magnifying glass and burn the leaves.  The only way that could happen is if the humidity is near 100% and the plant is super sensitive.  Even then...

NOTICE:  The Great Park Farmers Market is moving to a new location about 300 yards northwest of the current location on the opposite side of Marine way.  You will be parking in the lot usually reserved for festivals and walk to a grassy area below some large trees.  Of course, you'll see the vendors tents. This is supposed to happen this weekend.  Maybe...Maybe not.

WE'VE JUST BEEN KICKED OUT OF THE SANTA MARGARITA FARMER'S MARKET!  Lowe's complained to the mall property manager that we were unfair competition!  A loyal friend is the manager of the farmer's market, so please continue to visit and buy from the vendors there.   

Edibles  

Passion Fruit Vines  2-gallon $20, 1-gallon $11

We have a few vines available this week with more that will be ready in the following weeks.  These vines were started as cuttings last summer and some already are making fruit!  Of course this is not as fast as a tomato or melon plant, but Passion Vines can live for many years.  Passion Fruit Vines, Passiflora edulis, can quickly grow to up to 30 feet or more.  They can be invasive in the tropics, but are relatively sedate locally.  Unlike some nasty vines, they do not grow back from roots.  During warm weather almost every flower, which are produced at each new leaf, makes an egg-sized fruit.  Passion vines not only have an incredibly intricate bloom, their fruit have a wonderful flavor and sweetness.  It is the flavor of Hawaiian Punch.  Cut the fruit in half and use a spoon to scoop out the pulp and edible seeds.  Fruit ripens summer-fall.  Provide well-drained soil and regular water.  All passion vines can attract a cloud of orange and silver Gulf Fritillary butterflies, whose colorful larvae feed on the foliage.  Fortunately the vine grows faster than the caterpillars can eat it.  Passion fruit is native to South America. 

Ornamentals

Angel's Trumpet

EVERY FRIDAY noon-6pm  

WE WON'T BE HERE ANYMORE!

Rancho Santa Margarita Farmer's Market

Lowe's parking lot at Santa Margarita pkwy and the 241 tollway in front of Big Lots

The Great Park Farmer's Market

We're supposed to be at a new location this week.  Marine way just off the 5 fwy at Sand Canyon.  Park in the lot just opposite the recently installed palm trees.