Question
Hi Bryan,
   I live in a suburb of Phoenix, Az.   where the temp is now running in the 90's daily.
   I should have planted my garden in Jan., but didn't and finally planted in on Apr.23, '03  My garden is only about 5' x 20' and the only thing that has survived is about 8 summer squash plants and they are doing well. ( I cover them daily)
   Question:   Would it help at all to put some Epsom Salts on them for fertilizer? Would this have any value?  I read about it in the paper.
   Thanks in advance.
         Fred Shetler     Peoria, Az.

Answer
Fred,
Summer squash will do fine in the heat.  Epsom salts is magnesium sulfate and both the magnesium & sulfur are needed in most AZ soils.  It won't require much maybe 1 or 2 tablespoons per plant spread entire area around ea plant and watered in or even mixed into the soil.  Gypsum is also needed (calcium sulfate) but 3-4 times as much.
Happy Gardening,
Bryan