Here are some tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the
University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension
There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.
Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low
desert is John Chapman's site.
Climate Information for October
in Phoenix, Arizona
Rainfall:- Average: 0.7 inches
Record: 4.4 inches (1972)
Temperature (degrees F):- Average High: 88.1 degrees
Lowest High: 56 degrees (1959)
Record High: 107 degrees (1980)
Average Low: 60.8 degrees
Highest Low: 82 degrees (1987)
Record Low: 34 degrees (1900,1911)
Apply one inch of water per week to Bermuda lawns A light application of potassium on Bermuda in the fall will enable it to come out of dormancy in the spring with greater vigor.
Overseed established Bermuda grass lawns from mid October through mid November for a green winter lawn.
Prepare bed for fall planting Plant Seeds
- Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collard Greens, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf), Leeks, Mustard, Onions (Bulb & Green), Parsnips, Peas, Radishes, Rutabagas, Spinach, Turnips
Plant Transplants
- Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Garlic, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf)
Resume full fertilizing of established roses as the weather cools Watch for second season of powdery mildew
Late summer application of nitrogen fertilizer probably helps fruit sizing. This is more significant for fall ripening (navels & tangerines) than spring ripening (Grapefruit and Valencia orange) varieties.
Cut off spent blooms to stimulate rebloom It is too late to fertilize freeze-sensitive plants such as citrus, hibiscus, bougainvillea, etc. However, early fall fertilization can help the recovery of summer-weary trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, lawns and flowers. Nitrogen fertilizer should be adequate. Follow with good deep irrigation.
Cut back watering frequencies as plant needs decrease with shortening, cooling days
Plant winter hardy trees, shrubs and vines
Plant wild flowers
Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied from October through early December for winter annual weed control. Follow the package directions carefully for best results. DO NOT use pre-emergent herbicides where you will be planting seeds this season.
Do not dethatch Bermuda in the Fall. Dethatching should be done in the summer when the grass is actively growing. Do not increase opportunities for fungal disease on turf by over watering or watering at night.
DO NOT OVER WATER which will result in root rots. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Damage is Noticed on the Fruit
Citrus fruit split - Inappropriate water management leads to sunburn, making the rind less supple and less resilient to stretching and growing, thus as the fruit starts to enlarge it splits. There is nothing to be done for this season, ensure adequate irrigation next summer.
Pecans Drop before peak harvest time
This is the trees normal shedding of nuts that are damaged or underdeveloped. No management required.
Damage is Noticed on the Leaves
Agave collapsed into a smelly, putrid, mess practically overnight Seedlings have been clipped off right at the soil line
Leaves of vegetables are being eaten by snails, slugs, cabbage loopers, hornwormsor birds.
Pecan Aphid infestations
- - Most of the damage is not to the tree but to everything under the tree which gets coated with a sticky covering. There is no good control, just hose off the sidewalks, lawn furniture, etc. under the trees.
There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants
Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly
Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk
Damage is Noticed on the Roots
Cultural / Environmental Questions
Citrus fruit split - Inappropriate water management leads to sunburn, making the rind less supple and less resilient to stretching and growing, thus as the fruit starts to enlarge it splits. There is nothing to be done for this season, ensure adequate irrigation next summer.
Pecans Drop before peak harvest time
- This is the trees normal shedding of nuts that are damaged or underdeveloped. No management required.
The bark is discolored and cracking on the South or West side of the trunk
Insect/Pest Questions Agave collapsed into a smelly, putrid, mess practically overnight Seedlings have been clipped off right at the soil line
Leaves of vegetables are being eaten by snails, slugs, cabbage loopers, or birds.
Pecan Aphid infestations
- - Most of the damage is not to the tree but to everything under the tree which gets coated with a sticky covering. There is no good control, just hose off the sidewalks, lawn furniture, etc. under the trees.
Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly
