Here are some tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the
University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension
There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.
Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low
desert is John Chapman's site.
Climate Information for September
in Phoenix, Arizona
Rainfall:- Average: 0.86 inches
Record: 5.5inches (1939)
Temperature (degrees F):
- Average High: 98.3 degrees
Lowest High: 66 degrees (1895)
Record High: 116 degrees (1950)
Average Low: 72.8 degrees
Highest Low: 90 degrees (1982, 1983)
Record Low: 47 degrees (1895, 1965)
Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.
- Water and fertilize the grass to ensure that it is actively growing
- Apply a herbicide with glyphosate according to the directions on the package
- The grass will take in the herbicide throughout the entire root system, thus killing the plant rather than just knocking it back
- After a few days water again
- Reapply the herbicide to any of the turf that regrows
- Continue this cycle (may take three or more times) of fostering growth and applying herbicide until the grass is completely killed
Fertilize Bermuda-grass lawns with Nitrogen each month beginning late April or early May according to the directions on the package. Apply Iron each month according to the directions on the package.
Apply one inch of water per week to Bermuda lawns
To remove a Bermuda lawn
Solarize garden soil: Prepare bed for fall planting, irrigate and then cover with clear plastic for six weeks. This will kill or drive out many of the soil pathogens. Prepare bed for fall planting
Plant Seeds
- Snap Beans, Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collard Greens, Cucumbers, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf), Leeks, Mustard, Green Onions, Peas, Radishes, Spinach, Turnips
Plant Transplants
- Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Lettuce (Head & Leaf)
RosesResume full fertilizing of established roses as the weather cools Toward the end of August and into September add an iron supplement if roses show yellowing from iron deficiency
Late summer application of nitrogen fertilizer probably helps fruit sizing. This is more significant for fall ripening (navels & tangerines) than spring ripening (Grapefruit and Valencia orange) varieties. Apply nitrogen and zinc to pecan trees to produce normal size leaf growth and to enhance kernel development. Pecans also need more water than most other shade trees.
Increase water application as the weather warms. Apply mulch to the ground around heat sensitive plants keep the roots cooler and prevent evaporation.
Apply chelated iron to bottle brush, pyracantha, silk oak, and other plants with iron deficiency symptoms.
Cut off spent blooms to stimulate rebloom
Native and imported heat tolerant plants can be planted right through the summer months. They will need to be watered on a regular basis until fall.
Transplant palms in the heat of the summer for best results
Protect newly transplanted trees from heavy winds and dust storms by staking carefully
Late August or early September fertilization will benefit most plants struggling to have a flush of growth before slowing down for the winter. The growth put on before dormancy will store more energy during the winter that will be available to the plant when it pushes growth in the spring.
Do not expose citrus and other sun sensitive plants to sunburn by pruning during the summer Do not increase opportunities for fungal disease on turf by over watering or watering at night.
DO NOT OVER WATER which will result in root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.
Frequently Asked Questions during September
in the Low Desert
Damage is Noticed on the Fruit
Citrus fruit split - Inappropriate water management leads to sunburn, or tough rind that is then unable to expand as fruit matures. There is nothing to be done for this season, monitor irrigation carefully next summer.
Damage is Noticed on the Leaves
Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by snails, slugs,cabbage loopers, or birds. There are tiny little white flies everywhere!
Agave collapsed into a smelly, putrid, mess practically overnight
Seedlings have been clipped off right at the soil line
There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants
Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk
The bark is discolored on the South or West side of the trunk There are brown balls/galls on the stems of oleander
Saguaro cactus has large black patches that are oozing and smell terrible
Damage is Noticed on the Roots
Cultural / Environmental Questions
Citrus fruit split - Inappropriate water management leads to sunburn, or tough rind that is then unable to expand as fruit matures. There is nothing to be done for this season, monitor irrigation carefully next summer.
The bark is discolored on the South or West side of the trunk
Bermuda grass is turning yellow-brown and dying in patches, there are tiny white flecks in the soil around the roots There are tiny little white flies everywhere!
Agave collapsed into a smelly, putrid, mess practically overnight
Seedlings have been clipped off right at the soil line
Leaves of vegetables are being eaten by snails, slugs, cabbage loopers, or birds.
There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly
There are brown balls/galls on the stems of oleander
Saguaro cactus has large black patches that are oozing and smell terrible
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