Greater Prescott’s summers aren’t the hottest in Arizona but they can still pack a punch, especially when factoring in altitude, wind and bright sunshine. Here are some of the crops you can successfully plant in your home garden, according to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County:
Sweet corn — May 25-July 1:
Plant seeds in several short rows rather than a couple long rows to improve cross-pollination.
Summer and winter squash — May 15-July 1:
Planted at roughly the same time, summer varieties include straight-necked, crook-necked and zucchini while winter forms include spaghetti squash, acorn and butternut.
Chinese cabbage — June 1-July 15:
Best grown in partial shade in well-worked, moisture-absorbing soil.
Collard — June 1-July 15:
These large, open plants should be planted 18 to 24 inches apart, unless you’re harvesting the leaves frequently.
Head (iceberg) lettuce — July 1-Aug. 1:
Plant seeds under a light dusting of soil, as they need light to germinate, but press them into the ground.
