PO Box 127 2100 S. Bowie Avenue Solomon AZ 85551-0127 (928) 428-2611 FAX: (928) 428-7023 Gardening Newsletter October/November 2008 Dear Graham County Gardeners, This is another form of the Graham County Gardening Newsletter. We, here at the Cooperative Extension office, are going through another change. We lost the funding for Karen Thomson and she has taken a new job. We miss her and her expertise in answering all the gardening calls. Cindy Pearson and I are the only people currently in the office and we are handling everything. We now have a part time 4 H coordinator and her name is Ty Foster and she started in September. A Master Gardeners meeting was held in August and September and we had a little discussion of what the Gardening and Master Gardener program should be in Graham County. We decided that a monthly Gardening Meeting open to all, would be first priority with a newsletters for general information. We will be holding a gardening meeting on October 29, 2008 (see details in the newsletter) and plan on holding a Master Gardener meeting after the presentation. Starting in January Rob Call from Cochise County Extension will be helping with the program in Graham County. Rob will be instructing the Master Gardener class starting in January, details coming in the future. For this newsletter we need your help. You as Graham County Gardeners can help by submitting articles or information to be placed in the newsletter. Here is what we are looking for: We would like to know How Your Garden Grows? What is growing? What is not growing? What is working? What is not working? Or some Tidbit of Information you would like to share. You can send your articles three different ways: Mailing address: Graham County Cooperative Extension P.O. Box 127 Solomon, AZ 85551 Email address: wbrandau@cals.arizona.edu Fax number: 928-428-7023 Sincerely, William K. Brandau, County Director, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent
Fall and Winter Gardening in Southeastern Arizona Most everybody is wrapping up production of their summer gardens. Some late-planted summer vegetables may still produce into the fall months. Most of the fruit produced by these plants need to be harvested soon after the first frost which in our area averages the first week of November. Summer annual vegetables will not tolerate freezing temperatures and fruit produced by these plants will deteriorate in quality quickly after the first frost. However, as we wrap up production of the summer garden it is time to begin to think of those crops that will produce during the cold months of fall into winter. Cool-season vegetables include, but are not limited to beet, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, lettuce, onion, pea, potato, radish, spinach and turnip. Because they are hardy or frost tolerant and germinate in cold soil they can be planted in winter or early spring depending on location. For best quality these crops need to mature during cooler periods rather than in the heat of the summer. In our climate cool-season vegetables can also be planted in late summer when the crop will grow into the cooler fall months. Table 1. Recommended planting dates for fall and winter vegetable gardens in southeastern Arizona. Vegetable Recommended Planting Date Vegetable Recommended Planting Date Asparagus Oct. 1 Mar. 1 Leek Sept. 1 Jan. 15 Beet Aug. 25 Apr. 1 Lettuce, head Sept. 1 Jan. 15 Broccoli July 25 Aug. 1 Lettuce, leaf Aug. 20 Apr. 1 Brussel Sprouts Aug. 15 Oct. 1 Mustard Sept. 1 Feb. 1 Cabbage (seed) Aug. 1 Dec. 1 Okra Apr. 1 June 15 Cabbage (plant) Sept. 1 Feb. 1 Onion (green, bunch) Aug. 15 Feb. 1 Carrot Aug. 25 Mar. 15 Onion, dry (seeds) Oct. 15 Jan. 1 Cauliflower (seed) Aug. 1 Dec. 1 Onion, dry (sets) Nov. 1 Feb. 15 Cauliflower (plant) Sept. 1 Feb. 1 Parsley Sept. 1 Jan. 15 Celery Aug. 1 Oct. 15 Parsnip Sept. 1 Jan. 15 Chard Aug. 15 Apr. 1 Pea, fall Aug. 15 Sept. 15 Chinese Cabbage Aug. 15 Jan. 15 Radish Aug. 5 May 1 Collard Sept. 1 Jan. 15 Rhubarb Oct. 1 Mar. 1 Endive Sept. 1 Feb. 1 Rutabaga Aug. 20 Mar. 1 Garlic Sept. 1 Jan. 1 Salsify Oct. 1 Dec. 1 Horseradish Nov. 1 Feb. 1 Spinach Aug. 20 Mar. 1 Kale Aug. 15 Feb. 15 Turnip Aug. 15 Mar. 1 Kohlrabi Sept. 1 Feb. 1 The same principles of gardening apply to fall and winter gardens as those that are employed in the summer garden. Control of pests such as weeds and insects is critical. Keep your garden mulched to prevent unnecessary water loss and to substantially prevent weed seed germination. Fertilization is also important during the winter months. Ensure that plants receive plenty of nitrogen. This will dramatically enhance the production of leafy crops such as lettuce and spinach. Keep the soil moist but not water-logged. You want water to penetrate at least 18 inches into the soil. When the top two inches of soil become dry it is time to irrigate again. Monitor the soil to determine the best time to irrigate. Many additional resources are available on fall gardening can be found on the web. Here are a few resources you may want to check out. http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/index.html http://davesgarden.com http://cals.arizona.edu/gardening http://www.gardenweb.com Good luck with your fall garden and enjoy the harvest of your labors throughout the winter months.
Gardening Tidbits from Ron Cluff for September, October and November. Ron Cluff was the Agriculture Agent from 1975 to 1996. He was featured on the local KATO radio station helping gardeners in Graham County. The following tidbits are from these radio shows. Over seeding Bermuda Grass Lawns Bermuda lawns go dormant in winter. You can maintain a green lawn by planting winter grass or painting the lawn green. Also this is a good time to seed shady spots where Bermuda grass will not grow with a shade tolerant grass like fescue. Annual Rye grass is the most popular because it grows the fastest, has wide leaves, and is the least expensive. Perennial Rye grass, which is more disease resistant, is becoming more popular but it is a little more expensive. How to Over-seed Bermuda Lawns Planting time if planted too early the Bermuda that is still growing will compete with the new grass. If planted to late, cold weather will slow the growth and cause a poor and weak stand. Most individuals plant too late in the fall! Between September 15 th and October 15 is the best!! Vertically cut or power rake to remove thatch and allow seed to contact soil, or mow really short. Planting Rates Annual Rye - 10 to 20lb seed/1000 sq ft. Perennial Rye - 10 to 15lb of seed/1000 sq ft. Planting the seed By hand, drop sprinkler, or cyclone seeder sow the seed in two directions ½ each way. Bark mulch or manure can be spread to help hold moisture. Fertilizer Ammonium Phosphate 16-20-0 or Ammonium Sulfate 21-0-0 at 5 to 10# s/1000 sq ft. Keep wet for 7 to 10 days water well the first time and hand sprinkle two or three times a day. Mow 1 st time when grass is 3 tall- set mover at 2 ½. Weed Control The past rains have germinated a lot of summer weeds that will continue to grow until frost. Tumble weeds, Red Root (pigweed), purslane, and Bull heads (puncturevine) are only a few. The easiest time to control is while the weeds are small. Best method is a good sharp hoe. Power mowers and weed eaters work in some areas. Post emergence herbicides such as Roundup (glyphosate) are excellent. Glyphosate will not move in the soil and will kill both grass and broadleaf weeds. 2-4D types, such as Weed-B-Gone are broadleaf herbicides and they will move in soil. Best mixed in hand pump sprayers diluted with water and sprayed on weeds. Follow label Do not spray in wind use low spray pressure. Fall is the best time to spray perennial weeds like bindweed.
Seed Test for Germination Gardeners will sometimes save their seeds from year to year. These may be used packets of commercial vegetables and flowers or seed saved from crops they have grown themselves. If the plants are not hybrids but open pollinated, seed can be successfully saved. Germination on seed may not be good and if not can cost the gardeners valuable time and cost of replanting. An easy home germination test can be made by counting 10 or more seeds and laying them on two or three sections of paper towels and then rolling or folding the paper towel with the seeds inside and placing them rolled towel in a glass or jar of water and placing it in a sunny window or other location for 7 to 10 days, adding enough water in the container to deep the towel moist. After 7 to 10 days unroll the towel and count the germinated seed. You can also plant 10 seeds in the soil in a warm sunny location and keep moist to see if the seed will germinate. Seed companies change the seed packets each year to insure good germinating seeds. West Nile Virus We are ending another mosquito season with West Nile Virus gaining momentum. West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that was first detected in the U.S. in 1999. The majority of people and animals that are infected with the virus have a mild illness or no symptoms. In rare cases, the virus can cause a more serious condition called encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. Graham County has two serious cases of West Nile Virus already this year. West Nile Virus is transmitted to people and animals by infected mosquitoes. A mosquito first acquires the infection by feeding on a bird with the virus in its blood. The virus lives in the mosquito and is transmitted through the mosquito s saliva when it bites a person and animal. Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus have no symptoms whatsoever. However, approximately 2-% of infected persons may develop a mild flu-like illness. Symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, and/or mild skin rash. In a few cases, the disease will progress to encephalitis. To decrease exposure to mosquitoes and the infections they may carry: Avoid outside activity after dusk during mosquito season. Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Drain all standing water on private property. Change water in flower pots, bird baths and pet dishes at least twice a week. Use a repellant with Deet. West Nile Virus State Public Health Hotline: 800-314-9243 Information provided by Graham County Health Department newsletter Fall 2008, Volume 19.
In the October Garden: Plant beets, carrots, chard, garlic cloves, onion seeds, peas, radishes, and spinach all month. Transplant asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts. Fertilize 2 weeks after setting out with a gentle liquid fertilizer. Direct seed alyssum, sweet peas, and spring wildflowers in the garden. Set out perennials and cool season annuals, such as calendula, chrysanthemums, dianthus, daisies, larkspur, pansies, primroses, snapdragons, stocks, and violas. Plant spring bulbs such as iris, tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinth now through November. Plant strawberry plants. Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. Divide crowded perennials (callas, daylilies, iris, yarrow, asters, coreopsis, and daisies when finished blooming). Dig up a clump with its rootball intact and shake off excess dirt. The clump may be divided by inserting 2 spading forks back to back and gently separating them or by cutting the clumps with a sharp knife. Make sure each division has some leaves and plenty of roots. Replant them immediately. Or share your extras with a friend or neighbor! Fertilize roses and continue to remove spent blooms. Cool weather causes aphids and whiteflies to multiply. Control them by hosing them off of your plants or spraying with insecticidal soap. If Bermuda grass lawns are to be overseeded, this is the time to do it. Tall fescue or annual or perennial rye are most commonly grown here. Mow closely, spread your seed, and mulch lightly. Keep the surface of the soil moist until seeds sprout. Fertilize when the new grass is 6 weeks old. Now is the ideal time to seed or repair fescue lawns. Slowly decrease the frequency of watering for established trees and shrubs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the November Garden: Prune to remove dead or diseased limbs but save heavy pruning until plants are dormant. Plant beets, carrots, chard, garlic cloves, leaf lettuce, green bunching onions, radishes, and spinach. Transplant asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts. Fertilize 2 weeks after setting out with a gentle liquid fertilizer. Direct seed alyssum, sweet peas, and spring wildflowers in the garden. Set out perennials and cool season annuals, such as, calendula, chrysanthemums, dianthus, daisies, larkspur, pansies, primroses, snapdragons, stocks, and violas. Divide crowded perennials (callas, daylilies, iris, yarrow, asters, coreopsis, and daisies) when finished blooming. Plant spring floweringg bulbs such as iris, tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinth. Plant strawberries. This is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. Cool weather causes aphids and whiteflies to multiply. Control them by hosing them off of your plants or spraying with insecticidal soap. Slowly decrease the frequency of watering for established trees and shrubs. The amount of water applied should remain the same.
Graham County Gardeners Meeting Wednesday, October 29 5:30 p.m. General Services Building 921 Thatcher Blvd Safford Alex Navas EAC Ornamental Horticulture Program Instructor Will be sharing information on Home Greenhouses Then there will be a question and answer time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Following the general meeting there will be a Master Gardener Meeting. Graham County Cooperative Extension 2100 South Bowie Ave P.O. Box 127 Solomon, AZ 85551 PRESRT STD Non-Profit Org US Postage PAID Solomon, AZ Permit #001