| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | JULY 2023 | 9
If you are lucky enough to live in Hemet, CA Zones 9A & 9B,
you know that the climate is perfect for growing a beautiful fruit
and vegetable garden. However, there are some challenges you'll
need to overcome to protect your garden to ensure a successful
harvest.
Here are some helpful hints:
First, choose the right plants for our climate! Your local nursery
and the Western Garden & Landscaping Books are excellent tools.
As a rule, our climate zones have hot dry summers and mild
winters.
Second, the importance of choosing plants that can handle
these conditions is vital to your success. Tomatoes, peppers,
beans, squash, and melons do well. Many of our neighbors have
thriving orange, lemon, lime, fig, plum and pomegranate trees.
Don't' forget your herbs! Basil, mint, cilantro, parsley , rosemary,
thyme are some herbs that thrive in our area.
ird, water your garden properly. is is key to protecting
your garden. Our climate is dry, so you'll need to keep your soil
moist. However, watch for overwatering as this can lead to root
rot. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once or twice a week
depending on the weather.
Fourth, use mulch. Mulch is a great way to protect your garden
in these zones. It helps retain moisture, prevent weeds from
growing, and to regulate soil temperature. You can use a variety
of materials for mulch, including wood chips, straw, and leaves.
Fih, protect your garden from pests. Pests can be a major
problem for any plant. ere are a variety of pest control products,
read the labels or ask your nursery for recommendations.
Sixth, consider using shade cloth. We have such hot summers;
the shade cloth can be an asset for protecting your plants from the
heat of the sun. It can help regulate the temperature and prevent
sunburn. With a little forethought and preparation, you will be on
your way to a successful harvest and yummy fruits of your labor!
Happy gardening!
Landscape
Committee
