August can be quite challenging for both people and plants in the lower desert. Interestingly, the humidity levels are higher than in July, which can make the temperatures feel much

Proper watering is crucial for plant health, especially for roses which require ample moisture and cannot tolerate dry soil conditions. During the dry, low-humidity summer months, lack of water can invite spider mites that may completely defoliate a plant if left unaddressed. To prevent this, schedule hand-watering, or set drip irrigation timers, for early morning. Direct the water flow near the ground to allow it to soak thoroughly into the soil.