1. Jet Spray:
All of your potted plants including flowers, shrubs, cacti, succulents - i.e. everything - every day if you are able. This will increase air circulation and deter pests and disease such as spider mites, powdery mildew, aphids, etc.

Do this in the early morning while drinking your tea or coffee. As long as your plants are well established, i.e. they have been growing all summer in their pots, do not be afraid of using the jet setting on your hose. Stand about three feet from the plants.

2. Potted Cactus/Succulents:
Depending on your home’s rain quantity, you will want to water your potted cacti this month. The best plan is to test the soil and see if it is damp. If it is, then wait until it dries out before watering. If it is dry now — go ahead and give it a soaking.

When you do water, give it a half strength dose of the same water soluble fertilizer you use on your other potted plants.

3. Watering Roses: Keep up your watering schedule.
• Roses in pots need daily water.
• Never let them dry out or the soil will become hard to re-hydrate.
• Check your irrigation system often.

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Marylee is the founder and former owner of Tucson’s The Contained Gardener. With more than 15 years of successfully designing and growing potted gardens in the desert’s challenging and oftentimes harsh climate, Marylee has become known as the Desert’s Potted Garden Expert. Marylee is available for in-home or digital consultations and you can always email her with your questions and comments. Follow The Potted Desert on Facebook!