There is still time to plant your organic vegetable garden

As the temperatures really start to heat up and our season changes from 'pretty warm' to 'scorching hot' you might think you missed the growing season for your veggie garden. That's not really the case. You can still plant cucumber, pumpkin (will be ready in the fall), eggplant, melons and herbs. As I type this in mid-June I have a very healthy raised garden that's doing quite well. Herbs such as basil, oregano, sage and rosemary are still as healthy as ever, growing like crazy in full sun. The important thing is to keep your bed hydrated. Many of these plants can tolerate the heat if the roots are kept cool.

Tomatoes are a bit fickle in super heat but all hope is not lost. One month ago I planted a tiny tomato plant and today it is 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall, loaded with blooms. Birds and insects are going to love those tomatoes so make sure you protect them, either by planting things that critters hate nearby or putting up a fence made of mesh or wire. Chicken wire works well. Again, remember to hydrate!

One of the most impressive specimen growing in the summer desert season are sunflowers. There are dozens of varieties and they perform incredibly in our strong desert sun. The sunflower seeds attract birds which in turn helps the rest of your garden. Birds eat many of the insects that partner up to destroy crops and flowers.

Grab a few seeds or tiny plants and give summer gardening in the desert a try. With ample water and afternoon shade (if possible although not mandatory) you will be pretty surprised by the results!