PLANTING
Black-eyed peas Sunset climate zones 12–13: Since their introduction from Africa, black-eyed peas, also known as cowpeas or crowders, have become a prolific and drought-tolerant crop for the Southwest. 'Bisbee Black' and 'Bisbee Red' are two productive heirlooms from Bisbee, Arizona, that can be sown at the beginning of the monsoon season. Both are available from (Native Seeds/SEARCH or 866/622-5561).
Climbing summer squash Zones 12–13: Early in the month, sow seeds of 'Trombetta di Albenga', a climbing Italian heirloom whose trombone-shaped, lime green fruits have a nutty artichoke flavor. Grow them on a trellis or sprawled out on the ground. Order from Renee's Garden (reneesgarden.com).
Hardy vine Orange-flowered common trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) is one of the most colorful and vigorous vines for cold-winter areas, spreading to more than 40 feet each summer. Use this tough vine to climb up ramadas and pergolas, or train it to ramble over fences. Since trumpet creeper produces aerial roots that have a powerful adhesive compound, keep it away from painted stucco surfaces.
Seasonal color Set out heat-tolerant flowers such as celosia, cosmos, four o'clock, gaillardia, gazania, globe amaranth, lisianthus, Madagascar periwinkle, portulaca, and zinnia.
Summer-blooming shrubs Zones 12–13: Noted plantswoman Janet Rademacher of Mountain States Wholesale Nursery recently compiled a list of the 100 most durable plants for Phoenix. Included are the following top summer-blooming shrubs. Set them out early in the month so they can take advantage of monsoon rains to get established (irrigate if rains don't come). Baja fairy duster (Calliandra californica) has deep red blossoms that attract hummingbirds; Chihuahuan sage (Leucophyllum laevigatum) sends out a profuse show of lavender flowers when the humidity rises; Ruellia peninsularis is graced with deep purple blooms following summer rains; 'Gold Star' yellow bells ( Tecoma stans 'Gold Star') is bred for long, heavy bloom and a compact shape; Eremophila polyclada x divaricata 'Summertime Blue' produces lilac blue bell-shaped flowers on slender woody stems. Look for plants at local nurseries.
MAINTENANCE
Create rainwater basins With a shovel, make depressions in your garden that catch rainwater runoff from the roof of your home and other structures on the property. When your basins are complete, plant trees and shrubs around the perimeter so they can take advantage of any water that accumulates. Visit harvestingrainwater.com or read Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands, Volume 1 (Rainsource Press, 2006; $25) by Brad Lancaster for more information about water harvesting.
Pick figs early To ripen figs at least 30 days before their normal harvest date, use an ancient trick called oleification. When the pulp of the oldest (most basal) fig on a shoot shows pink (check by cutting one open), dip a cotton swab in olive oil and apply a dab to the eye at the bottom of each fruit. After treatment, the figs should ripen in 5 days or so. TIP FROM THE TEST GARDEN
Meet your yard's secret helpers
Beneficial insects and birds are the hardest-working unpaid gardeners you'll ever find; they help keep your plants healthy.
Ladybugs The black-and-yellow larvae and orange-brown adults feed on aphids. Encourage them to stay by planting common fennel and cosmos.
Green lacewings Their larvae dine on aphids, mealybugs, and scale. Attract adults with sweet alyssum and coreopsis.
House finches They consume aphids and other honeydew-secreting insects. Provide nesting space in vines.
Hummingbirds Besides nectar, they eat small bugs, and will even pick off adult whiteflies in midair. Supplement their feeders with nectar-rich salvias.
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