It’s getting hot in here! Well, outside it is. But, big deal.
When it comes to plants and all involved it’s still a great time to plant. Can’t take the heat? Stay in the garden or the yard and plant that citrus tree, vinca, million bell, or zinnia. Those are just a few things you can use for color in the yard.
You get the point. Right? Don’t mind the heat and if you do, go out early in the morning and get the process done early. Your yard will love you for it and your neighbors will be envious. The key is to keep your plants and trees – all all involved, including YOU – well-hydrated. The summer, obviously, saps the water from the ground. You’re thirsty and the plant is thirsty.
And, if you don’t want to be the one planting, well, we’ll do it for you. Our professional landscapers would love to do the digging and planting to make your place look just right. Come on in and see us! We’ll give you all the details.

Wow, what a day, … of misinformation. One lady came into the nursery and said she was a bit leary of trying to plant roses here in Tucson. Why? We asked. Well, she said, someone at a local store (we won’t name the culprit) said you can’t grow roses here. We laughed. And sorry, it was outloud. Not at her but at the comment. Because, of course, you can plant and grow roses here. They love the sun and with the proper amount of TLC (water and food, too) they’ll look and smell as they should. … Shortly after that woman came in another one said she was a renter of a home and wanted to plant a citrus tree. I’m thinking that’s nice of her (perhaps as a gift to the owner of the house), but she said she wanted it in a large pot so she eventually could take it with her. Made sense. But, she said, she heard citrus doesn’t do well in a pot. Sorry to say, I laughed (again). Citrus does well in pots. Haven’t you seen them by pools? The key, however, is to give them the proper food for container plants. We use All-Season’s Plant Food by Grow More (20-20-20).

It’s about that time of year to start fertilizing your citrus trees.
As many of the longtime Rillito Nursery customers know there are three key times to perform the task of fertilization: Valentines Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Don’t hold us to those specfic days, but to those general time frames. It’ll make for a happier, healthier plant when it’s time to produce some fruit.
We recommend ferti-lome’s Fruit, Citrus and Pecan Tree Food for citrus in the ground. For citrus in pots or containers, we suggest All Season’s Plant Food. Each good stuff to be sure.
Just read the directions and you’ll see great results.
Happy planting and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

What’s good to plant right now from seed?
Glad you asked because there’s plenty.
* Cucumber
* Basil
* Cantalope
* Eggplant
* Pumpkin
* Squash
* Watermelon

** And corn, after June 15.

It’s a perfect time for all the aforementioned items. So get your plant on! Don’t be afraid.

It’s beginning to be that time of year. You know it. You feel it. Yes, it’s the heat. And the one thing you need – make that N-E-E-D – is a nice, comfortable hat to protect you from the sun. And we have them right here in our retail shop near the register.

Mens, womens, boys and girls. A number of colors to choose from, too.

The brand? Sun Day Afternoons, the best brand out there when it comes to lightweight, good-looking and breatheable material. Perhaps more importantly, it protects against the tough Tucson sun.
It’s touted as “the most effective sun hat ever.”

It’s also perfect for the ball fields, hiking, walking and vacationing at the beach. It’s 50-plus for UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) and it blocks 98 percent of UVA and UVB solar rays.

Have hat will travel. Get yours here!

Remember that the weather is changing, as if you need a reminder. But, it seems almost like it’s changing every day – hot, cold, hot, cold. Tucson has seen some strange climes lately and the plants are trying to adjust like we all are.

So remember as it becomes hotter and hotter – and we all know that it will – it’s time to change your irrigation systems – or watering habits – to a more water-friendly one for your plants and trees.

Timers must be changed from the winter to the summer schedule. Plants that took only one or two waterings a week will now need two or three (maybe more) now that the summer is creeping up us.

For example, if you water your citrus tree once or twice a month, you’ll have to water the tree anywhere from seven to 10 days a month. And remember to give them a deep soak. For shrubs, you might need to water them every three to five days. Plants in a container likely need water everyday. Plants in containers tend to dry up much quicker than when in the ground.

If your trees are experiencing some yellowing leaves or some leaf discoloring don’t fret. It’s a natural occurrence. More often than not, it’s the new growth pushing out the old growth, creating the tree lifecycle when it comes to leaves.

Out with the old, in with the new.

It’s more common in citrus trees but quite common in evergreen trees at this time of year (spring), also. And you can add eucalyptus to the list.

Other issues could be occurring but if the problem continues, we at Rillito Nursery suggest you bring in some clippings so we can evaluate the problem (if there is one) properly. We’re in the business of figuring out what your plant needs and solutions are. What better way to help than to bring the problem in?

And don’t forget that the next citrus feeding is quickly coming up. It’s late May or Memorial Weekend like we try to remind our customers. The other times? Valentine’s Day and Labor Day weekend.

It’s that simple.

If you’re seeing little green, yellow or black spots and a dewy substance on your plants don’t be alarmed. It’s likely just aphids. Oleanders have been susceptible to the critters for some time now.

Have no fear because they can be eliminated pretty easily without the use of an insecticide. Yes, they look ugly and a bit annoying but they can be easily removed by simply spraying with a power spray – or a strong spray – with enough force that is required. Some plants can withstand more powerful sprays than others. But it’s that simple.

Start the spray routine every morning for about a week and in no time the little pests should be gone. But be consistent and persistent with it. If the pest problem continues go to an insecticidal soap (use the product according to the directions) and if that doesn’t work use a systemic to stop the problem. Remember that it takes time to get the problem solved.

Also, aphids don’t like the extreme heat so they disperse once the high temperatures come in.

Good riddance … and good gardening.

Prune roses heavily in January for beautiful spring display of flowers.

Avoid applying any kind of pesticide while sunshine is hitting the plant.