Because of the recent heat, it is important to make sure you are not over-watering or under-watering. Use a moisture meter or dig into the soil a few inches to check that your plants' root levels have sufficient water.
Remember that stone fruit and other homegrown produce could have been affected by the light brown apple moth. If you're in a quarantine zone, do not share fruit outside the zone. Check with your county agriculture department for maps and details.
Watch out for cucumber beetles feeding on zucchini, crookneck squash, melons and beans. They can be difficult to control; handpicking is recommended. Adults overwinter in weedy areas, so it's best to control weeds year round.
Remove suckers from roses. Suckers are rapid-growing, long canes that should be easy to spot. Prune them below the bud union. Also, deadhead roses, and apply an organic rose food to your plants. It is also a good idea to occasionally wash off roses using a blast of water from the hose to remove aphids, ants and mites.
What to plant now
Transplants: arugula, beets, beans, beets, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, lettuce, summer squash.
Seeds: arugula, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, corn, summer squash.
Have a question for the Master Gardeners? Call the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener hot line, 408-282-3105, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. weekdays. www.mastergardeners.org.
