Finish transplanting early in May before the extreme heat starts if possible. Sow seeds for ware season black-eyed peas, cantaloupe, okra and transplant sweet potatoes. In your gardens with improved soil plant coreopsis, cosmos, gaillardia, Mexican sunfower, sunflower, zinnia, and vinca. Plant in areas with some protection from the afternoon sun to extend bloom life.
In your garden, layer 3-4 inches of organic mulch around bases of plants and on top of containers. This will help to maintain the moisture in the soil, reduce temperatures and inhibit weeds. As it breaks down it will release nutrients in the soil.
As the temperatures rise your automatic irrigation system needs to run more frequently but keep the length of time the same. Adjust the plants to water every 2-3 days and consider daily watering in the extreme temperatures before the monsoon season. At that time you will be able to cut it back a little depending on the humidity. Pay attention to your plants to determine the appropriate watering needs. It they begin to look dry and brittle, water more. It the ground is always wet then consider cutting it back a little to avoid root rot. For lawn watering needs