As temperatures increase, so do watering needs. Most potted plants are going to need daily watering at this point. Since plant roots in containers don't have the ability to tap into the ground for more moisture, it is important to keep them adequately watered.

When watering container plants, be sure the water saturates the soil enough to flow through the bottom of the pot. Shallow and incomplete watering can lead to salt buildup in the soil which can result in damage to the plant.

 

Plants growing in the ground also need more water during our intense summer heat. How often you water a particular plant depends on many things including the size of the plant, type of soil, exposure, and maturity. The frequency at which you water will increase, but more importantly the amount of water given at one time should also increase. As a guideline, a plant is properly watered when the water reaches a certain point below the surface - typically 12 inches for bedding, 18-24 inches for shrubs, and 24-36 inches for trees.

A great way to find out how deep the water has penetrated the soil is to drive a piece of rebar into the ground. Water has most likely penetrated the soil to the point where the rebar stops in the ground.

During the hot summer months, it is best to fertilize your roses at half strength. Wait until September to resume at full strength. Both roses and citrus will benefit from adding more iron to your summer feeding routine. Since it is necessary to water more often during the summer heat, soil can be depleted of iron and therefore needs to be replenished. 

Trees and shrubs planted in the ground, including citrus, don't require feeding during the summer months. Think of Labor Day in early September as a good time to start. El Toro brand fertilizers, discussed more below, are a great choice. Trees, shrubs, and citrus grown in containers, however, will need to be fed regularly due to increased watering during the heat of summer. Increased watering leaches the fertilizer out of the container faster. Potted citrus will also benefit from Citrus Grower's Blend from GrowMore. It provides many necessary trace elements that are not always available in other fertilizers.

 

Bedding plants should be fertilized REGULARLY throughout the summer months as they are actively growing. El Toro Flower and Vegetable, a granular fertilizer made right here in Tucson, is a good choice. Apply monthly and you will have wonderful color throughout the summer.

Developed and produced in Tucson, El Toro fertilizers are specially formulated for our alkaline soil. The combination of nutrients and minerals are designed specifically to feed plants and help them flourish in our harsh desert climate. El Toro Flower & Vegetable fertilizer works wonders on anything that blooms and has extra phosphorous to enhance flowering. This product will work equally well on your container plants as well as those grown in the ground.

Easy-to-follow directions are on the back of every bag, but many plants respond beautifully to lesser amounts than recommended. Feel comfortable to experiment, but distribute it evenly and remember that overuse or concentration in any one spot can harm your plants by causing fertilizer burn.