tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186255792024-02-18T19:26:06.249-07:00Season to TasteBeing the ramblings of an neophyte gardener in the Sonoran Low Desert, in hopes of keeping in better contact with friends and family. Includes recipes.Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-26427610141967492662009-07-27T12:05:00.002-07:002009-07-27T13:19:56.670-07:00Roses in a Desert GardenWell, this blog has been semi-abandoned for some time. I've had physical problems (broken wrist), computer problems (still unresolved - I'm writing this on on old clunker), irrigation problems, and camera problems...<br /><br />But I was cleaning house and came across my notes on my rose garden and wanted to capture them somewhere accessible. <br /><br />My goal was to have a lot of easy to grow, scented roses in a bed that draws the eye from inside the house. I dedicated the middle bed to flowers. <br /><br />I chose the roses by researching scented roses that grow well in extreme heat (the blast furnace). The info provide by Tucson Rosarians at <a href="http://www.tucsonrose.org/">http://www.tucsonrose.org/</a> was helpful as well as that from the Arizona West Valley Rose Society <a href="http://www.westvalleyrose.org/">http://www.westvalleyrose.org</a><br /> Unfortunately the West Valley site no longer has the fragrant rose list posted. I made a list of roses that I'd like to try and went off to Baker's Nursery to see what was available. Fortunately this was just after the bareroot roses had arrived at Baker so there was a wide variety available. <br /><br />I planted a tall standard <span style="font-style: italic;">Double Delight</span> rose tree in the middle of the bed. <br /><ul><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Double Delight</span> has long been my favorite rose. It has been a little difficult to dead head this rose since it is almost out of reach. Creamy white in the center, red outside. Wonderful strong scent.</li></ul><br />Left to Right (as seen from the house) in the back of the bed:<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Mr. Lincoln</span> - beautiful clear red, heavily scented. It is a little stingy with blooms.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Jardins de Bagatelle</span> - pale pink, blooms in clusters. Lovely scent. Often looks a bit ragged in the heat.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Lemon Zest</span> - lots of small yellow blooms that turn anunattractive brown and hang on the plant. To me the scent is very faint. I may remove this one.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">New Zealand</span> - Pink, undistinquished. Mildly scented (to me).</li></ul><br />Right to Left (as seen from the house) in the front of the bed:<br /><ul><li><span style="font-style: italic;">California Dreamin'</span> - This is like a <span style="font-style: italic;">Double Delight</span> but with more vivid colorong - and not nearly as attractive. Light scent. Not a good choice. This rose is a new variety taht was recommended by Sunset Magazine. I will definitely remove this one.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Grenada </span>- This was a surprise to me. I was not sure I'd like it as the description sounded garish. It is multi-colored. Each petal is gold inside, pink and peach in the middle and red on the edges. Not only to I find it beautiful, I also love the scent. I may plant more of this variety.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Child's Play</span> - This is a miniature rose and I beieve it is the only scented miniature rose. Lots of small white bloooms with pink edges. I find that the scent is very faint. It might be nice in a border. I'll probably remove or at least move this one. </li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Secret </span>- Another bi-color rose. Secret is wite with delicate pink edges, almost picotee in effect. Lovely scent. Bloomed first.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Scentimental </span>- A striped rose - deep red with white stripes and splashes. Very attractive but the scent is rather faint. This is a floribunda rosa and the bush is bigger than the rest.</li></ul>I have another <span style="font-style: italic;">Double Delight</span> in a large pot in a partially shaded area just out my back door. In front of the house I have a new <span style="font-style: italic;">Don Juan</span>, a nicely scented red rose. It's supposed to be a climber but has not had time to put on length yet. In the front courtyard we have two <span style="font-style: italic;">Lady Bank's</span> roses, loosely trained in an arch over a window. These are about seven years old and now have tons of fragrant white bloom in late March. It is once blooming but very easy to grow and looks magnificent when it does bloom.<br /><br />In addition to the rose, I also planted sweet allysum and deep purple pansies which shaded the soil and made for drammatic contrasts. So far the roses have been very healthy and shrugged off an early case of mildew. They did attract a lot of ants. A month or so ago I stopped fertilizing and dead-heading them and plan to resume in late August. However I do have neightbrs with beautiful roses all summer so it's possible. I just don't enjoy spending time outdoors in the hottest weather.Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-14304968108401003842009-07-01T01:00:00.001-07:002009-07-01T01:00:07.241-07:00What to do in a Desert Garden in July?<pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">There are tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/t-tips.htm">University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension</a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">desert is </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.johnchapman.com/">John Chapman's site</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></pre><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <br /> <a name="Climate"><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong> Climate Information</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong> for July<br />in Phoenix, Arizona</strong></span><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:+1;"><strong>Rainfall:</strong></span><br /> <ul><span style="font-size:-1;"> <strong>Average: 0.9 inches</strong><br /> Record: 6.5 inches (1911)</span></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:+1;"><strong>Temperature (degrees F):</strong></span><br /> <ul><span style="font-size:-1;"> <strong>Average High: 105.9 degrees</strong><br /> Lowest High: 79 degrees (1911)<br /> Record High: 121 degrees (1995) </span><p> <span style="font-size:-1;"> <strong>Average Low: 81 degrees</strong><br /> Highest Low: 93 degrees (1989)<br /> Record Low: 63 degrees (1912)</span> </p></ul> <em>Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.</em> <p> </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <strong><span style="font-size:+2;"><a name="do">To Do List . . .</a></span></strong><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="turf">Turf</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Bermuda lawns during the active growing season, May through August<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Fertilize Bermuda grass lawns each month beginning late April or early May with 1/2 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply six ounces of Iron per 1,000 square feet per month.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply one inch of water per week to Bermuda lawns</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Once every two or three years dethatch Bermuda lawns if necessary. Only dethatch during the active growing season, May through August. This enables the turf to quickly recover.</p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="vegetables">Vegetables</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Seeds <ul> Beans (Pinto& Snap), Corn, Armenian Cucumbers, Melons (Cantaloupe, Muskmelon), Pumpkins, Winter Squash, Sunflowers </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Transplants </p><ul> Peppers, Tomatoes </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Place shade cloth over tomatoes. </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roses">Roses</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Cut back on fertilizing established roses to encourage plants to slow down for the hot summer<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Water deeply as temperatures climb</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Hose off plants in the early morning to increase humidity and control spider mites</p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit">Fruit and Nut Trees</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Pick early-maturing deciduous fruit varieties, which are particularly prone to bird damage, before full maturity. Ripened at room temperature to lessen the bird peck loss.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Cover fruit trees to protect from birds</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply nitrogen and zinc to pecan trees to produce normal size leaf growth and to enhance kernel development. Pecans also need more water than most other shade trees.</p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="landscape">Landscape Plants</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Increase water application as the weather warms. June is the driest month. Pay attention to irrigation needs of plants. <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply mulch to the ground around heat sensitive plants keep the roots cooler and prevent evaporation. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply chelated iron to bottle brush, pyracantha, silk oak, and other plants with <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> iron deficiency symptoms</a>. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prune palms when flower spathes show or delay pruning until after the palm has finished flowering to prevent infestation of <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/plm-ctpl.htm"> Palm Flower caterpillars</a>. If palms are pruned in the spring, leave the top five rows of peels so the caterpillars have a place to hide. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Cut off spent blooms to stimulate rebloom </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Native and imported heat tolerant plants can be planted right through the summer months. They will need to be watered on a regular basis until fall. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Transplant palms in the heat of the summer for best results </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Protect newly transplanted trees from heavy winds and dust storms by staking carefully </p><p> </p></ul> <p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="don't"><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong>Don't List . . .</strong></span></a> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Do not expose citrus and other sun sensitive plants to sunburn by pruning during the summer<p> </p></ul> <p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="FAQ"><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></a><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit damage">Damage is Noticed on the Fruit</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Tomato Bloom Drop and failure to set fruit <ul> Hot air and dry temperatures cause the blooms to drop off and the pollen to dry up. The pollen of many vegetables, including tomatoes is not viable once the temperatures get over 90 degrees. Provide shade. Nurse the plants through the summer and they will begin producing again in the fall. Or pull them out and plant new ones in the late summer for fall production. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/blsm-rot.htm"> Tomatoes have a large soft rot at the blossom end of the fruit</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Vegetables are not setting fruit </p><ul>Many of our helpful European honey bees have been annihilated by people trying to protect themselves from <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/AES/mac/ahbproj.html">Africanized honey bees</a>. In addition, many <a href="http://gears.tucson.ars.cals.gov/rf/hbtm/index.html">bees have been killed by mites</a>. As a result they are not available to assist with pollination. Squash, melons, cucumbers and other vegetables that have separate male and female flowers will benefit from hand pollination. Early in the morning use a cotton swab to take pollen from the male flower and place it female flower.</ul><p> </p></ul><p> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="leaves">Damage is Noticed on the Leaves</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaf Drop </p><ul>Seasonal Leaf drop is normal intensified by hot, dry weather</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables being eaten by snails, slugs, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/flea-btl.htm"> A shiny little bug is destroying Mexican Evening Primrose, Dichondra, or vegetables</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/s-mites.htm"> The leaves or needles have yellow spots or stippling. Leaves are stunted and twisted. There is a fine webbing between leaves.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/root-knt.htm"> Tomatoes and other vegetables experience "failure to thrive." There are little nodules on the roots.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/pearl-sc.htm"> Bermuda grass is turning yellow-brown and dying in patches, there are tiny white flecks in the soil around the roots</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a></p><p> </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="stem">Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk</a></strong></p><p> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Pines are dying back from the tips <ul>This is a probably a physiological response. Check the soil near the trunk. Those with circling roots exhibit the worst symptoms.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/fire-blt.htm">Leaves, twigs (and in advanced stages, branches) of pears and pyracantha are dying back from the tips with a scorched appearance</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/olndr-gl.htm"> There are brown balls/galls on the stems of oleander</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/sooty.htm"> Dry, thin bark cracks and splits to reveal black, powdery spores. Foliage above the wound is sparse and leaves may be small. Eventually branches die back to the canker.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/saguaro.htm"> Saguaro cactus has large black patches that are oozing and smell terrible</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/root-rot.htm"> Whole tree, or significant portion of plant died suddenly, the leaves turned brown but did not fall off.</a></p><p> </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roots">Damage is Noticed on the Roots</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/root-knt.htm"> Tomatoes and other vegetables experience "failure to thrive." There are little nodules on the roots.</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/pearl-sc.htm"> Bermuda grass is turning yellow-brown and dying in patches, there are tiny white flecks in the soil around the roots</a></p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="cultural">Cultural / Environmental Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Tomato Bloom Drop and failure to set fruit <ul> Hot air and dry temperatures cause the blooms to drop off and the pollen to dry up. The pollen of many vegetables, including tomatoes is not viable once the temperatures get over 90 degrees. Provide shade. Nurse the plants through the summer and they will begin producing again in the fall. Or pull them out and plant new ones in the late summer for fall production. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/blsm-rot.htm"> Tomatoes have a large soft rot at the blossom end of the fruit</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaf Drop </p><ul>Seasonal Leaf drop is normal intensified by hot, dry weather</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Pines are dying back from the tips </p><ul>This is a probably a physiological response. Check the soil near the trunk. Those with circling roots exhibit the worst symptoms.</ul><p> </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="insect/pest">Insect/Pest Questions</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Vegetables are not setting fruit <ul>Many of our helpful European honey bees have been annihilated by people trying to protect themselves from <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/AES/mac/ahbproj.html">Africanized honey bees</a>. In addition, many <a href="http://gears.tucson.ars.cals.gov/rf/hbtm/index.html">bees have been killed by mites</a>. As a result they are not available to assist with pollination. Squash, melons, cucumbers and other vegetables that have separate male and female flowers will benefit from hand pollination. Early in the morning use a cotton swab to take pollen from the male flower and place it female flower.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables being eaten by snails, slugs, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/flea-btl.htm"> A shiny little bug is destroying Mexican Evening Primrose, Dichondra, or vegetables</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/s-mites.htm"> The leaves or needles have yellow spots or stippling. Leaves are stunted and twisted. There is a fine webbing between leaves.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/root-knt.htm"> Tomatoes and other vegetables experience "failure to thrive." There are little nodules on the roots.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/pearl-sc.htm"> Bermuda grass is turning yellow-brown and dying in patches, there are tiny white flecks in the soil around the roots</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/palo-bor.htm"> What are those things that look like roaches on steroids?</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/whitefly.htm"> There are tiny little white flies everywhere!</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/cicada.htm"> What is making that incredibly loud noise?</a></p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="disease">Disease Questions</a></strong> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/fire-blt.htm">Leaves, twigs (and in advanced stages, branches) of pears and pyracantha are dying back from the tips with a scorched appearance</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/olndr-gl.htm"> There are brown balls/galls on the stems of oleander</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/sooty.htm"> Dry, thin bark cracks and splits to reveal black, powdery spores. Foliage above the wound is sparse and leaves may be small. Eventually branches die back to the canker.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/saguaro.htm"> Saguaro cactus has large black patches that are oozing and smell terrible</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/root-rot.htm"> Whole tree, or significant portion of plant died suddenly, the leaves turned brown but did not fall off.</a></p><pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><br /></pre>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-6839081621543917902009-06-01T07:49:00.000-07:002009-06-01T07:50:30.991-07:00Onward and update - June 1 updateIt seems a little late to advise planting melon seeds now (see previous post)! But maybe there's hope for my puny melon plants. Only the cucumber and the honeydews have really taken off. Lots of bloom but no fruit set so far.<br /><br />The Early Girl and cherry tomatoes are at peak harvest. The yellow pear tomatoes are just starting to ripen. They are cute but a little bland for my taste.<br /><br />Japanese eggplant and zucchini for picking every day. There's good looking chard too but somehow I avoid it right now. I'm letting the last few artichokes stay on the plant. They are small and I do like the blossoms when they mature. <br /><br />I removed the Italian (flat) parsley but the curly parsley and the basil is doing well. The peppers continue to languish.<br /><br />I picked the first butternut squash this week. However, I was informed that usually people leave them on the vine until the whole plant withers. This will result in a deeper flavor and harder shell. They are called winter squash because the hard shell makes them keep well through the winter! I did not know that before. <br /><br />We did have a very few nectarines and aprium, tasty but not enough. The second peach tree is starting to ripen. We just picked the last grapefruit - it is still not as good as the others in the neighborhood and I am thinking of removing it. <br /><br />We did remove the giant lime tree and it is strange to have that pocket of sunlight in the orchard. Maybe I'll plant big flowers like hollyhocks and sunflowers there next year.Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-59754223146888488202009-06-01T01:00:00.002-07:002009-06-01T01:00:00.829-07:00What to do in a Desert Garden in June?<pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">There are tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/t-tips.htm">University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension</a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">desert is </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.johnchapman.com/">John Chapman's site</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.<br /><br /></span></span></span></pre><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <br /> <a name="Climate"><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong> Climate Information</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong> for June<br />in Phoenix, Arizona</strong></span><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:+1;"><strong>Rainfall:</strong></span><br /> <ul><span style="font-size:-1;"> <strong>Average: 0.1 inches</strong><br /> Record: 1.7 inches (1972)</span></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:+1;"><strong>Temperature (degrees F):</strong></span><br /> <ul><span style="font-size:-1;"> <strong>Average High: 103.5 degrees</strong><br /> Lowest High: 68 degrees (1899)<br /> Record High: 122 degrees (1990) </span><p> <span style="font-size:-1;"> <strong>Average Low: 72.9 degrees</strong><br /> Highest Low: 93 degrees (1990)<br /> Record Low: 49 degrees (1908)</span> </p></ul> <em>Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.</em> <p> </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <strong><span style="font-size:+2;"><a name="do">To Do List . . .</a></span></strong><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="turf">Turf</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Bermuda lawns during the active growing season, May through August <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Fertilize Bermuda grass lawns with Nitrogen each month beginning late April or early May according to the directions on the fertilizer package. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply Iron one a month according to the directions on the fertilizer package. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply one inch of water per week to Bermuda lawns </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Once every two or three years dethatch Bermuda lawns if necessary. Only dethatch during the active growing season, May through August. This enables the turf to quickly recover. </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="vegetables">Vegetables</a></strong> </p><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Seeds <ul> Armenian Cucumbers, Melons (Cantaloupe, Muskmelon), Sunflowers </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Transplants </p><ul> Sweet Potatoes </ul><p> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roses">Roses</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Cut back on fertilizing established roses to encourage plants to slow down for the hot summer <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Water deeply as temperatures climb </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Hose off plants in the early morning to increase humidity and control spider mites </p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit">Fruit and Nut Trees</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Pick early-maturing deciduous fruit varieties, which are particularly prone to bird damage, before full maturity. Ripened at room temperature to lessen the bird peck loss. <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Cover fruit trees with netting to protect from birds </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply nitrogen and zinc to pecan trees to produce normal size leaf growth and to enhance kernel development. Pecans also need more water than most other shade trees. </p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="landscape">Landscape Plants</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Increase water application as the weather warms. June is the driest month. Pay attention to irrigation needs of plants. <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply mulch to the ground around heat sensitive plants keep the roots cooler and prevent evaporation. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply chelated iron to bottle brush, pyracantha, silk oak, and other plants with <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> iron deficiency symptoms</a>. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prune palms when flower spathes show or delay pruning until after the palm has finished flowering to prevent infestation of <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/plm-ctpl.htm"> Palm Flower caterpillars</a>. If palms are pruned in the spring, leave the top five rows of peels so the caterpillars have a place to hide. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Cut off spent blooms to stimulate rebloom </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Native and imported heat tolerant plants can be planted right through the summer months. They will need to be watered on a regular basis until fall. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Transplant palms in the heat of the summer for best results. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /> If you have previously had a problem, apply around the base of Agaves a pesticide labeled for use on grubs in order to kill the grubs of the <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/agave-wv.htm">Agave Weevil</a>. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></ul><p> </p><center> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /> </center><p> <a name="don't"><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong>Don't List . . .</strong></span></a> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Do not expose citrus and other sun sensitive plants to sunburn by pruning during the summer <p> </p></ul><p> </p><center> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /> </center><p> <a name="FAQ"><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></a><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit damage">Damage is Noticed on the Fruit</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit drop <ul> The shed of newly set fruit is a natural thinning worsened by hot weather and dry winds. There is no cause for concern. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Tomato Bloom Drop and failure to set fruit </p><ul> Hot air and dry temperatures cause the blooms to drop off and the pollen to dry up. The pollen of many vegetables, including tomatoes is not viable once the temperatures get over 90 degrees. Provide shade. Nurse the plants through the summer and they will begin producing again in the fall. Or pull them out and plant new ones in the late summer for fall production. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/blsm-rot.htm"> Tomatoes have a large soft rot at the blossom end of the fruit</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Vegetables are not setting fruit </p><ul><p>Many of our helpful European honey bees have been annihilated by people trying to protect themselves from <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/195020a.html">Africanized honey bees</a>. In addition, many <a href="http://gears.tucson.ars.cals.gov/rf/hbtm/index.html">bees have been killed by mites</a>. As a result they are not available to assist with pollination. Squash, melons, cucumbers and other vegetables that have separate male and female flowers will benefit from hand pollination. Early in the morning use a cotton swab to take pollen from the male flower and place it female flower. </p><p>The pollen of many vegetables is not viable in high temperatures so they do not set fruit in the summer.</p></ul><p> </p><p> </p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="leaves">Damage is Noticed on the Leaves</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaf Drop on Carob, African Sumac, Pine and other evergreen trees </p><ul> This is a natural seasonal occurrence as the weather warms. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/leaf-drp.htm"> Citrus leaf drop</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">snails, slugs,</a> <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/squashbug.htm">Leaves of my squash, pumpkin, cucumber, cantaloupe and/or watermelon wilt, turn black and die. Sometimes an entire plant or section of a plant dies while nearby plants remain healthy.</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/s-mites.htm"> The leaves or needles have yellow spots or stippling. Leaves are stunted and twisted. There is a fine webbing between leaves.</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/flea-btl.htm"> A shiny little bug is destroying Mexican Evening Primrose, Dichondra, or vegetables</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/root-knt.htm"> Tomatoes and other vegetables experience "failure to thrive." There are little nodules on the roots.</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/pearl-sc.htm"> Bermuda grass is turning yellow-brown and dying in patches, there are tiny white flecks in the soil around the roots</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a> </p><p> </p><p> </p></ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="stem">Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk</a></strong><p> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Pines are dying back from the tips <ul> This is a probably a physiological response. Check the soil near the trunk. Those with circling roots exhibit the worst symptoms. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/olndr-gl.htm"> There are brown balls/galls on the stems of oleander</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/sooty.htm"> Dry, thin bark cracks and splits to reveal black, powdery spores. Foliage above the wound is sparse and leaves may be small. Eventually branches die back to the canker.</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/saguaro.htm"> Saguaro cactus has large black patches that are oozing and smell terrible</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/fire-blt.htm">Leaves, twigs (and in advanced stages, branches) of pears and pyracantha are dying back from the tips with a scorched appearance</a> </p><p> </p></ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roots">Damage is Noticed on the Roots</a></strong><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/root-knt.htm"> Tomatoes and other vegetables experience "failure to thrive." There are little nodules on the roots.</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/pearl-sc.htm"> Bermuda grass is turning yellow-brown and dying in patches, there are tiny white flecks in the soil around the roots</a> </p><p> </p></ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="cultural">Cultural / Environmental Questions</a></strong><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Tomato Bloom Drop and failure to set fruit <ul> Hot air and dry temperatures cause the blooms to drop off and the pollen to dry up. The pollen of many vegetables, including tomatoes is not viable once the temperatures get over 90 degrees. Provide shade. Nurse the plants through the summer and they will begin producing again in the fall. Or pull them out and plant new ones in the late summer for fall production. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/blsm-rot.htm"> Tomatoes have a large soft rot at the blossom end of the fruit</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit drop </p><ul> The shed of some of the newly set fruit is a natural thinning worsened by hot weather and dry winds. Unless it is extreme, or there are additional symptoms there is probably no cause for concern. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/leaf-drp.htm"> Citrus leaf drop</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaf Drop on Carob, African Sumac, Pine and other evergreen trees </p><ul> This is a natural seasonal occurrence as the weather warms. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Pines are dying back from the tips </p><ul> This is a probably a physiological response. Check the soil near the trunk. Those with circling roots exhibit the worst symptoms. </ul><p> </p></ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="insect/pest">Insect/Pest Questions</a></strong><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Vegetables are not setting fruit <ul> Many of our helpful European honey bees have been annihilated by people trying to protect themselves from <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/AES/mac/ahbproj.html">Africanized honey bees</a>. In addition, many <a href="http://gears.tucson.ars.cals.gov/rf/hbtm/index.html">bees have been killed by mites</a>. As a result they are not available to assist with pollination. Squash, melons, cucumbers and other vegetables that have separate male and female flowers will benefit from hand pollination. Early in the morning use a cotton swab to take pollen from the male flower and place it female flower. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">snails, slugs,</a> <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/s-mites.htm"> The leaves or needles have yellow spots or stippling. Leaves are stunted and twisted. There is a fine webbing between leaves.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/squashbug.htm"> There are light green and brownish black bugs feeding on my squash, pumpkins, cantaloupe, cucumber and/or watermelons.</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/flea-btl.htm"> A shiny little bug is destroying Mexican Evening Primrose, Dichondra, or vegetables</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/root-knt.htm"> Tomatoes and other vegetables experience "failure to thrive." There are little nodules on the roots.</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/pearl-sc.htm"> Bermuda grass is turning yellow-brown and dying in patches, there are tiny white flecks in the soil around the roots</a> </p><p> </p></ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="disease">Disease Questions</a></strong><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/fire-blt.htm">Leaves, twigs (and in advanced stages, branches) of pears and pyracantha are dying back from the tips with a scorched appearance</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/olndr-gl.htm"> There are brown balls/galls on the stems of oleander</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/sooty.htm"> Dry, thin bark cracks and splits to reveal black, powdery spores. Foliage above the wound is sparse and leaves may be small. Eventually branches die back to the canker.</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/saguaro.htm"> Saguaro cactus has large black patches that are oozing and smell terrible</a> </p><pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></pre>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-35916544337371517762009-05-01T01:00:00.000-07:002009-05-01T01:00:01.603-07:00What to do in a Desert Garden in May?<pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">There are tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/t-tips.htm">University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension</a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">desert is </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.johnchapman.com/">John Chapman's site</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.<br /><br /></span></span></span></pre><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center><br /><a name="Climate"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong> Climate Information</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong> for May<br />in Phoenix, Arizona</strong></span><br /><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Rainfall:</strong></span><br /><ul><span style=""> <strong>Average: 0.1 inches</strong><br /> Record: 1.3 inches (1930)</span></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Temperature (degrees F):</strong></span><br /><ul><span style=""> <strong>Average High: 93.6 degrees</strong><br /> Lowest High: 54 degrees (1915)<br /> Record High: 114 degrees (1910) </span><p> <span style=""> <strong>Average Low: 63.9 degrees</strong><br /> Highest Low: 86 degrees (1983)<br /> Record Low: 39 degrees (1899)</span> </p></ul> <em>Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.</em> <p> </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><a name="do">To Do List . . .</a></span></strong><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="turf">Turf</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Bermuda lawns when soil warms up in mid to late May. <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Fertilize Bermuda grass lawns each month beginning late April or early May with nitrogen according to the directions on the package. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply Iron each month according to the directions on the package. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply one inch of water per week to Bermuda lawns </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Once every two or three years dethatch Bermuda lawns if necessary. Only dethatch during the active growing season, May through August. This enables the turf to quickly recover. </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="vegetables">Vegetables</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Seeds <ul> Black eyed Peas, Melons (Cantaloupe, Muskmelon), Okra, Sunflowers </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Transplants </p><ul> Jerusalem Artichokes, Sweet Potatoes </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Place shade cloth over tomatoes. </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roses">Roses</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Continue fertilizing established roses, liquid fertilizers can be added at 2 week intervals, follow the directions on the container.</ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit">Fruit and Nut Trees</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Citrus Trees - Young two to five year old trees transplant most successfully. Larger, older trees are more costly, harder to transplant without injury (to yourself and the tree), and suffer more from transplant shock. It will generally be three years after transplant before fruit production and that is the same whether you plant a 2 year old tree or a 10 year old tree. Go small!<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Pick early-maturing deciduous fruit varieties, which are particularly prone to bird damage, before full maturity. Ripened at room temperature to lessen the bird peck loss.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Cover fruit trees to protect from birds</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Give special attention to watering deciduous fruit trees, provide adequate soil moisture for fruit sizing in the late April and May period.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply nitrogen and zinc to pecan trees to produce normal size leaf growth and to enhance kernel development. Pecans also need more water than most other shade trees.</p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="landscape">Landscape Plants</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Increase water application as the weather warms. <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Tree water use, desert types being the exception, increases rapidly during this period of leafing out and gradually higher air temperatures. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply mulch to the ground around heat sensitive plants keep the roots cooler and prevent evaporation. Be sure to keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent pest and disease problems. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply chelated iron to bottle brush, pyracantha, silk oak, and other plants with <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> iron deficiency symptoms</a>. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prune palms when flower spathes show or delay pruning until after the palm has finished flowering to prevent infestation of <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/plm-ctpl.htm"> Palm Flower caterpillars</a>. If palms are pruned in the spring, leave the top five rows of peels so the caterpillars have a place to hide. </p><p> </p></ul> <p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="don't"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Don't List . . .</strong></span></a> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Do not prune citrus except to remove dead or damaged wood and branches obstructing pathways, views, or structures.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Do not use pre-emergent herbicides in an area in which you intend to plant seeds.</p></ul> <p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="FAQ"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></a><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit damage">Damage is Noticed on the Fruit</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/blsm-rot.htm"> Tomatoes have a large soft rot at the blossom end of the fruit</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit drop </p><ul>The shed of newly set fruit is a natural thinning worsened by hot weather and dry winds. There is no cause for concern.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/leaf-ft.htm"> There are large bright red and black or all black bugs on my fruit</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Vegetables are not setting fruit </p><ul>Many of our helpful European honey bees have been annihilated by people trying to protect themselves from <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/195020a.html">Africanized honey bees</a>. In addition, many <a href="http://gears.tucson.ars.ag.gov/rf/hbtm/index.html">bees have been killed by mites</a>. As a result they are not available to assist with pollination. Squash, melons, cucumbers and other vegetables that have separate male and female flowers will benefit from hand pollination. Early in the morning use a cotton swab to take pollen from the male flower and place it female flower.</ul><p> </p><p> </p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="leaves">Damage is Noticed on the Leaves</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/c-thrips.htm"> Citrus leaves are curled and/or the fruit is slightly scarred.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">snails, slugs</a>, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/s-mites.htm"> The leaves or needles have yellow spots or stippling. Leaves are stunted and twisted. There is a fine webbing between leaves.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/flea-btl.htm"> A shiny little bug is destroying Mexican Evening Primrose, Dichondra, or vegetables</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/grape-sk.htm"> Something is devouring the grape leaves, only the veins remain.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/pearl-sc.htm"> Bermuda grass is turning yellow-brown and dying in patches, there are tiny white flecks in the soil around the roots</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a></p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="stem">Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk</a></strong><p> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Pines are dying back from the tips <ul>This is a probably a physiological response. Check the soil near the trunk. Those with circling roots exhibit the worst symptoms.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/olndr-gl.htm"> There are brown balls/galls on the stems of oleander</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/sooty.htm"> Dry, thin bark cracks and splits to reveal black, powdery spores. Foliage above the wound is sparse and leaves may be small. Eventually branches die back to the canker.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/fire-blt.htm">Leaves, twigs (and in advanced stages, branches) of pears and pyracantha are dying back from the tips with a scorched appearance</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/saguaro.htm"> Saguaro cactus has large black patches that are oozing and smell terrible</a></p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roots">Damage is Noticed on the Roots</a></strong> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="cultural">Cultural / Environmental Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/blsm-rot.htm"> Tomatoes and or Peppers have a large soft rot at the blossom end of the fruit</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit drop </p><ul>The shed of some of the newly set fruit is a natural thinning worsened by hot weather and dry winds. Unless it is extreme, or there are additional symptoms there is probably no cause for concern.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Pines are dying back from the tips </p><ul>This is a probably a physiological response. Check the soil near the trunk. Those with circling roots exhibit the worst symptoms.</ul><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="insect/pest">Insect/Pest Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/leaf-ft.htm"> There are large bright red and black or all black bugs on my fruit</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Vegetables are not setting fruit </p><ul>Many of our helpful European honey bees have been annihilated by people trying to protect themselves from <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/AES/mac/ahbproj.html">Africanized honey bees</a>. In addition, many <a href="http://gears.tucson.ars.ag.gov/rf/hbtm/index.html">bees have been killed by mites</a>. As a result they are not available to assist with pollination. Squash, melons, cucumbers and other vegetables that have separate male and female flowers will benefit from hand pollination. Early in the morning use a cotton swab to take pollen from the male flower and place it female flower.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">snails, slugs</a>, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/c-thrips.htm"> Citrus leaves are curled and/or the fruit is slightly scarred.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/s-mites.htm"> The leaves or needles have yellow spots or stippling. Leaves are stunted and twisted. There is a fine webbing between leaves.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/flea-btl.htm"> A shiny little bug is destroying Mexican Evening Primrose, Dichondra, or vegetables</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/grape-sk.htm"> Something is devouring the grape leaves, only the veins remain.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/f-chinch.htm"> There are hundreds of small gray bugs in the yard, some are even coming in the house</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/pearl-sc.htm"> Bermuda grass is turning yellow-brown and dying in patches, there are tiny white flecks in the soil around the roots</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/widow.htm"> How do I get rid of Black Widow Spiders?</a> </p><p> </p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="disease">Disease Questions</a></strong> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/olndr-gl.htm"> There are brown balls/galls on the stems of oleander</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/sooty.htm"> Dry, thin bark cracks and splits to reveal black, powdery spores. Foliage above the wound is sparse and leaves may be small. Eventually branches die back to the canker.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/fire-blt.htm">Leaves, twigs (and in advanced stages, branches) of pears and pyracantha are dying back from the tips with a scorched appearance</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/saguaro.htm"> Saguaro cactus has large black patches that are oozing and smell terrible</a></p><pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><br /></pre>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-249172125731615502009-04-22T15:09:00.001-07:002009-04-27T15:11:36.888-07:00Got Fruit?<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCrWtmcrh13UYyej0W-DeuRjHzu8_wrwAjGitiDSQkKDdEcobhIKCQ_Kse5YEQBAGScFCkvYioTrpLHMDL376XE54B5U2lc7L6_Y-sMzadoRGoT7yvqqFd05BczmeJXC_s9lN/s1600-h/IMG_0597.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCrWtmcrh13UYyej0W-DeuRjHzu8_wrwAjGitiDSQkKDdEcobhIKCQ_Kse5YEQBAGScFCkvYioTrpLHMDL376XE54B5U2lc7L6_Y-sMzadoRGoT7yvqqFd05BczmeJXC_s9lN/s400/IMG_0597.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>We put up netting - the peaches are getting ripe.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgUK5HZu23c8-zDpWysBBMm9XKFGijtzD38cg8Y2iNXSdiavpnP8uJ2TXNWC5KE6DeAWyCy-MRY_qbVvWHhf0sNAvlbs9_Vje3YkFxQvOV2B0w3rp1NUjIZdLxSu2ksxBzciC/s1600-h/IMG_0607.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgUK5HZu23c8-zDpWysBBMm9XKFGijtzD38cg8Y2iNXSdiavpnP8uJ2TXNWC5KE6DeAWyCy-MRY_qbVvWHhf0sNAvlbs9_Vje3YkFxQvOV2B0w3rp1NUjIZdLxSu2ksxBzciC/s400/IMG_0607.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>The new yellow fig tree is very happy.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRZ53ptlpgxFqVIA-YmgWUVAeQRhEybV324x1GoWvXE3_TxCDtClCXGs7Ez02nZX0CTy3ZSq7Jss8MV3UM6wy7Om75ffsaQjQuRbWY2xC1mA5yV5cRG4PDyPFzfeTtfxVCVkI/s1600-h/IMG_0603.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRZ53ptlpgxFqVIA-YmgWUVAeQRhEybV324x1GoWvXE3_TxCDtClCXGs7Ez02nZX0CTy3ZSq7Jss8MV3UM6wy7Om75ffsaQjQuRbWY2xC1mA5yV5cRG4PDyPFzfeTtfxVCVkI/s400/IMG_0603.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>The roses are blooming like crazy. If only I could smell them! Can't wait till my cold is gone.<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3n_UFZ1bhW68ljOF-FFFOQdNPWxKL_hoEd0KdhBvD1FQe8HPagXZMwyrHZr5SiUmLcFLqjiei2vXcZctdJTbcbQKHM6WAM7mXsUszqnzmk8LqBPbXXp6KklSEkwCjixz-s6Q/s1600-h/IMG_0598.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3n_UFZ1bhW68ljOF-FFFOQdNPWxKL_hoEd0KdhBvD1FQe8HPagXZMwyrHZr5SiUmLcFLqjiei2vXcZctdJTbcbQKHM6WAM7mXsUszqnzmk8LqBPbXXp6KklSEkwCjixz-s6Q/s400/IMG_0598.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-44209563126094268422009-04-01T15:05:00.000-07:002009-04-27T15:19:01.005-07:00No Fooling<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">Garden update for April 1, 2009.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYuowERBRXxihWcFcA1yF6uMfNsai8dI1L-G6qBFLRQ9pzz5uc8Lqh__B4HHFIEnM7Gr74HSl63HjRB-OxW9ORGj4t0ITBP3-icHMkKvamE0WLSecuC3R-5B1F_g-LeHIXz6o/s1600-h/IMG_0580.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYuowERBRXxihWcFcA1yF6uMfNsai8dI1L-G6qBFLRQ9pzz5uc8Lqh__B4HHFIEnM7Gr74HSl63HjRB-OxW9ORGj4t0ITBP3-icHMkKvamE0WLSecuC3R-5B1F_g-LeHIXz6o/s400/IMG_0580.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMbAguIsl6KRYaV9QibFpiGFotNR8pJwSxvjZaSQWXnWVUMIEg7oW-8FrfwV-BN0mivkvExoq1eRy1RK0c688TF9mf8dANqg2LreI1zpS8Ta7cmNZhWAGUJdOKT3wVE0MRUPl/s1600-h/IMG_0582.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMbAguIsl6KRYaV9QibFpiGFotNR8pJwSxvjZaSQWXnWVUMIEg7oW-8FrfwV-BN0mivkvExoq1eRy1RK0c688TF9mf8dANqg2LreI1zpS8Ta7cmNZhWAGUJdOKT3wVE0MRUPl/s400/IMG_0582.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LTAL_QO6dhvpawIkYnxkKaPhAx9f_yn0wQuUdif4xAuXKjTL1aVTXnrHfd_EVQIWpbSV7nH13-euTwQTtUKMFv2Ntqrv2f2H65EVyuLJObGi2GgSX4_PfGxqnEjqfW5whQ1g/s1600-h/IMG_0583.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LTAL_QO6dhvpawIkYnxkKaPhAx9f_yn0wQuUdif4xAuXKjTL1aVTXnrHfd_EVQIWpbSV7nH13-euTwQTtUKMFv2Ntqrv2f2H65EVyuLJObGi2GgSX4_PfGxqnEjqfW5whQ1g/s400/IMG_0583.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi_xixUxeunHyiaphED-SMwUAH5bWzq96stqodUPeXY_9K81PCDf2_QxFjHApiBAJDFrBQ56sbYkEbwLmBtOliM7LwYdJvAZ2ro111Oj3Myt57pa1Cb3PRH0vXypmUPDlNDDa/s1600-h/IMG_0584.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi_xixUxeunHyiaphED-SMwUAH5bWzq96stqodUPeXY_9K81PCDf2_QxFjHApiBAJDFrBQ56sbYkEbwLmBtOliM7LwYdJvAZ2ro111Oj3Myt57pa1Cb3PRH0vXypmUPDlNDDa/s400/IMG_0584.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-73382159466434497672009-04-01T01:00:00.001-07:002009-04-01T01:00:00.616-07:00What to do in a Desert Garden in April?<pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">There are tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/t-tips.htm">University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension</a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">desert is </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.johnchapman.com/">John Chapman's site</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.<br /><br /></span></span></pre><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a name="Climate"><strong></strong></a></span></span><a name="Climate"></a><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></div><br /><a name="Climate"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Climate Information</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong> for April in Phoenix, Arizona</strong></span><br /><br /><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Rainfall:</strong></span><br /><ul><span style=""><strong>Average: 0.22 inches</strong><br /> Record: 3.4 inches (1926)</span></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Temperature (degrees F):</strong></span><br /> </p><ul><strong>Average High: 84.5 degrees</strong><br /><span style=""> Lowest High: 52 degrees<br /> Record High: 105 degrees (1989, 1992)</span><p> <span style=""> <strong>Average Low: 55.3 degrees</strong><br /> Highest Low: 77 degrees<br /> Record Low: 35 degrees (1922)</span><br /></p></ul> <p> <em>Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.</em> </p><p> </p><p> </p><center><em><span style=""><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/april.htm#top">go to top</a></span></em></center> <center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><a name="do">To Do List . . .</a></span></strong><br /><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit">Fruit and Nut Trees</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Citrus Trees - Young two to five year old trees transplant most successfully. Larger, older trees are more costly, harder to transplant without injury (to yourself and the tree), and suffer more from transplant shock. It will generally be three years after transplant before fruit production and that is the same whether you plant a 2 year old tree or a 10 year old tree. Go small!<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/thin.htm">Thin deciduous fruit</a> to 6 inch spacing. The earlier this is done after fruit set, the more size response will be expected in fruit remaining on the tree.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Give special attention to deciduous fruit trees, provide adequate soil moisture for fruit sizing in the late April and May period.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply nitrogen and zinc to pecan trees to produce normal size leaf growth and to enhance kernel development. Pecans also need more water than most other shade trees.</p></ul> <p> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="herb">Herbs</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Frosty winter nipped your herb garden? It is usually safe to prune winter damage from your herb plants anytime after mid-March - perfect now, if you haven't yet taken care of this garden chore. Inspect your Basil, Lemon grass, Peppers, Mexican Tarragon and other frost sensitive plants closely, looking for new growth emerging on the lower half of the plant. Use sharp shears to cut the plant back by 1/3 to 1/2 or more, down to healthy new side shoots. Top dress the plants with new compost and water well for a fresh start. <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Small white balls of frothy foam may show up on the new growth of some of your herbs in spring, especially on Rosemary, Sage and other woody perennial herb plants. These 1/4 - 1/2 inch "balls" are the protective hiding place for the nymph of a relatively harmless insect called a <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/spittle.htm">"spittlebug"</a> (Philaenus sp.) which feeds on the plant's sap and uses the foam to hide itself from predators. Spittlebugs are easily rinsed off your plants with your garden hose. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /> Often in Spring, we find a Dill or Fennel plant in our garden loaded with <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm">aphids</a> and their sticky mess. Aphids usually occur at low levels that are not very harmful to the plant - merely rinse them off with your garden hose and wash your picked herbs well before cooking with them. Insecticides are not generally recommended on herbs, since they are used for cooking. A weaker plant may become heavily infested - either pull and discard the plant, or leave it in your garden as a source of food (aphids) to attract <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/ladybug.htm">ladybird beetles</a> and other <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/benefcl.htm">beneficial insects</a>. </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="landscape">Landscape Plants</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />As the weather warms and days lengthen, adjust your irrigation timer to water more frequently. Be sure to run your system long enough to wet the top two feet of soil. Deep, infrequent watering is much better than a daily sprinkle.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Tree water use, desert types being the exception, increases rapidly during this period of leafing out and gradually higher air temperatures.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Allow your wildflowers to go to seed. They will produce a natural healthy feast for birds as well as reseeding themselves to come up again in your yard next year.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Make plans for <a href="http://www.arborday.org/arborday/celebrate.cfm">Arbor Day</a>, The Last Friday in April</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Most <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/woodpkr.htm">woodpecker damage</a> occurs during the period of breeding and territory establishment, February through June</p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roses">Roses</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Continue fertilizing established roses, liquid fertilizers can be added at 2 week intervals, follow the directions on the container.</ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="turf">Turf</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Begin fertilizing Bermuda grass lawns during late April or early May. Follow the directions on the container.</ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="vegetables">Vegetables</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Seeds <ul> Beans (Lima & Snap), Black eyed Peas, Carrots, Cucumbers, Jicama, Melons (Cantaloupe, Muskmelon), Okra, Green Onions, Peanuts, Radishes, Summer Squash, Sunflowers </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Transplants </p><ul> Jerusalem Artichokes </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Include edible and cut flowers in your vegetable garden. In addition to adding beauty they will attract beneficial insect pollinators which will increase your fruit set. </p></ul> <p> </p><center><em><span style=""><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/april.htm#top">go to top</a></span></em></center> <center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="don't"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Don't List . . .</strong></span></a> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Do not prune citrus except to remove dead or damaged wood and branches obstructing pathways, views, or structures.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Do not use pre-emergent herbicides in an area in which you intend to plant seeds.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Do not plant seeded Bermuda until the soil warms up in mid to late May.</p></ul> <p> </p><center><em><span style=""><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/april.htm#top">go to top</a></span></em></center> <center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="FAQ"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></a><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit damage">Damage is Noticed on the Fruit</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit drop <ul>The shed of newly set fruit is a natural thinning worsened by hot weather and dry winds. There is no cause for concern.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Low fruit set on deciduous trees (apples, pears, peaches, apricots pears) </p><ul>May be the result of a mild winter with minimal chilling hours. Be sure to plant varieties with less than 400 hours of chilling required for fruit set.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/blsm-rot.htm"> Tomatoes have a large soft rot at the blossom end of the fruit</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/leaf-ft.htm"> There are large bright red and black or all black bugs on my fruit</a></p><p> </p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="leaves">Damage is Noticed on the Leaves</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/leaf-drp.htm"> Citrus leaf drop</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaf Drop on Carob, African Sumac, Pine and other evergreen trees </p><ul>This is a natural seasonal occurrence as the weather warms.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/c-thrips.htm"> Citrus leaves are curled and/or the fruit is slightly scarred.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by slug, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage looper</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/flea-btl.htm"> A shiny little bug is destroying Mexican Evening Primrose, Dichondra, or vegetables</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/grape-sk.htm"> Something is devouring the grape leaves, only the veins remain.</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a></p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="stem">Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk</a></strong><p> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/saguaro.htm"> Saguaro cactus has large black patches that are oozing and smell terrible</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/fire-blt.htm">Leaves, twigs (and in advanced stages, branches) of pears and pyracantha are dying back from the tips with a scorched appearance</a></p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roots">Damage is Noticed on the Roots</a></strong> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="cultural">Cultural \ Environmental Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Low fruit set on deciduous trees (apples, pears, peaches, apricots pears) <ul>May be the result of a mild winter with minimal chilling hours. Be sure to plant varieties with less than 400 hours of chilling required for fruit set.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/blsm-rot.htm"> Tomatoes have a large soft rot at the blossom end of the fruit</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit drop </p><ul>The shed of newly set fruit is a natural thinning worsened by hot weather and dry winds. There is no cause for concern.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaf Drop on Carob, African Sumac, Pine and other evergreen trees </p><ul>This is a natural seasonal occurrence as the weather warms.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/leaf-drp.htm"> Citrus leaf drop</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a></p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="insect/pest">Insect/Pest Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/leaf-ft.htm"> There are large bright red and black or all black bugs on my fruit</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/c-thrips.htm"> Citrus leaves are curled and/or the fruit is slightly scarred.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by slug, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage looper</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/flea-btl.htm"> A shiny little bug is destroying Mexican Evening Primrose, Dichondra, or vegetables</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/grape-sk.htm"> Something is devouring the grape leaves, only the veins remain.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/f-chinch.htm"> There are hundreds of small gray bugs in the yard, some are even coming in the house</a></p><p> </p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="disease">Disease Questions</a></strong> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/fire-blt.htm"> Leaves, twigs (and in advanced stages, branches) of pears and pyracantha are dying back from the tips with a scorched appearance</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/saguaro.htm"> Saguaro cactus has large black patches that are oozing and smell terrible</a></p><pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a name="Climate"><strong></strong></a></span></span></pre>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-15839287594014243552009-03-30T14:51:00.000-07:002009-04-27T15:12:36.721-07:00Faces from the past<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8MB33L5YnNTvTaXmdkpiVmiAMqkL1bKCr4E-CSArTeAfH-1RwiYipD1UGaI9z8orarau4UkT6_rLKoZiiqwq-j-pQPhug9fqJneP4WhsLZeKIaneb3vaHcIT0eAJP09bmNHC/s1600-h/IMG_0574.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8MB33L5YnNTvTaXmdkpiVmiAMqkL1bKCr4E-CSArTeAfH-1RwiYipD1UGaI9z8orarau4UkT6_rLKoZiiqwq-j-pQPhug9fqJneP4WhsLZeKIaneb3vaHcIT0eAJP09bmNHC/s400/IMG_0574.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFRA4X69kXpdL4zAzCvx9bIR73ytfBoY6o8nPnwxSUTThHmUIGgC4lYjE64QKLeYdyIiW-v66OYMTl0_PuXEW8W3L9dr7CYcMYzbHeb2Y9u2mtsSsfLr0QzY2l3crApsqqiOD/s1600-h/IMG_0575.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFRA4X69kXpdL4zAzCvx9bIR73ytfBoY6o8nPnwxSUTThHmUIGgC4lYjE64QKLeYdyIiW-v66OYMTl0_PuXEW8W3L9dr7CYcMYzbHeb2Y9u2mtsSsfLr0QzY2l3crApsqqiOD/s400/IMG_0575.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAB9uxy119c7jxaKls6OR5DHscY1rZGzXvJGrEYWy_7u-VcqW1o4VqhoMBDbY7foGpCE3MNJdkhRHs_bKB73SjFFyIQa8U56CdYaMdcxRHqhWbP11EnORYgRdWtO8gynfHk7Z/s1600-h/IMG_0576.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAB9uxy119c7jxaKls6OR5DHscY1rZGzXvJGrEYWy_7u-VcqW1o4VqhoMBDbY7foGpCE3MNJdkhRHs_bKB73SjFFyIQa8U56CdYaMdcxRHqhWbP11EnORYgRdWtO8gynfHk7Z/s400/IMG_0576.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AxGooSIXcqVCOPURWlicqDiYPpqwOLOniSMXn2FAIn1B8mWjKPwtVd8_cLl6O1d3qyQur7AqTsBxHfe2z2AMm6UhUq646TX72IWROYFhSgxxWZno7rb4TT5fpmYldw-MACST/s1600-h/IMG_0577.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AxGooSIXcqVCOPURWlicqDiYPpqwOLOniSMXn2FAIn1B8mWjKPwtVd8_cLl6O1d3qyQur7AqTsBxHfe2z2AMm6UhUq646TX72IWROYFhSgxxWZno7rb4TT5fpmYldw-MACST/s400/IMG_0577.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-47250204259404809732009-03-29T15:03:00.000-07:002009-04-27T15:14:03.252-07:00Family Outing<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzbGg6Wi-QGr_u0jFgmA6U4yTTMtSSQ34yTRz3h6Ou9uBUvWVuXNCTGXzKfTqSEs36mO1GUbXAjJBWLumbn_fEPB3ZIUSUenrosAenkaT2E1IG2OdCh6D-Q2CS5u5UlmdgfwF/s1600-h/IMG_0573.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzbGg6Wi-QGr_u0jFgmA6U4yTTMtSSQ34yTRz3h6Ou9uBUvWVuXNCTGXzKfTqSEs36mO1GUbXAjJBWLumbn_fEPB3ZIUSUenrosAenkaT2E1IG2OdCh6D-Q2CS5u5UlmdgfwF/s400/IMG_0573.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-20880226790527266322009-03-28T15:02:00.000-07:002009-04-27T15:17:01.746-07:00At the Wild Animal Park!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbSiLFXKsp5huS1zgTBNXbO89ou0oYDUUG7peT1Zk6gjmBhF2K1OrAaihyphenhyphenD62k1huxWglIV0yCTi3GLyp-zYKoUKganN7Bs0qU1SH7T4eiUJbS2OpS0rkXEY88v4k-DHoC1qn/s1600-h/IMG_0544.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbSiLFXKsp5huS1zgTBNXbO89ou0oYDUUG7peT1Zk6gjmBhF2K1OrAaihyphenhyphenD62k1huxWglIV0yCTi3GLyp-zYKoUKganN7Bs0qU1SH7T4eiUJbS2OpS0rkXEY88v4k-DHoC1qn/s400/IMG_0544.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10J48M0j3KI3Oq7u1dZRoK1ZgNBRUeq4yl9Q6e-GBddegh4FJeiEP17kiDcLMEKAUSqE7IlhNrITKl65fAgq1O-gfvpAJ9JliQ4MICTuWiYuLzabKbgTg5LDMUT1h7TU6N7Zn/s1600-h/IMG_0548.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10J48M0j3KI3Oq7u1dZRoK1ZgNBRUeq4yl9Q6e-GBddegh4FJeiEP17kiDcLMEKAUSqE7IlhNrITKl65fAgq1O-gfvpAJ9JliQ4MICTuWiYuLzabKbgTg5LDMUT1h7TU6N7Zn/s400/IMG_0548.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SrAjA4Q4ew86DKpzQ7xMex75-ABd-UEzkMtY97BangwI7-rjeeD4lAMt3px6e5fXq-X7gLcqvqpzsw-7ro-f9O6-OinfHuU84cEHi0hGbQdE0VmLxr3pHml7buUjcusfO_Zl/s1600-h/IMG_0566.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SrAjA4Q4ew86DKpzQ7xMex75-ABd-UEzkMtY97BangwI7-rjeeD4lAMt3px6e5fXq-X7gLcqvqpzsw-7ro-f9O6-OinfHuU84cEHi0hGbQdE0VmLxr3pHml7buUjcusfO_Zl/s400/IMG_0566.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EHTE4v_rpafcRwtzrI3GhMCDmOAlFi9I4bvknUWr9PZQ5QW6n-GHfXmSumFMEyZoqkRqRCqKihdapRd4edZa4WpNbprNEThmaJm7UL8JjDNJC6J-2ICCDGVqOaubF43MRber/s1600-h/IMG_0568.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EHTE4v_rpafcRwtzrI3GhMCDmOAlFi9I4bvknUWr9PZQ5QW6n-GHfXmSumFMEyZoqkRqRCqKihdapRd4edZa4WpNbprNEThmaJm7UL8JjDNJC6J-2ICCDGVqOaubF43MRber/s400/IMG_0568.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-50076288667307414182009-03-24T14:40:00.001-07:002009-04-27T14:42:12.513-07:00They're leaving so soon!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CF45e66OiOBfi91KT5ltLiBiLqwUxhTVsYLWdTrP7Z6F9uJ9j7_ycWnvqyDZAG0FUu7_VO26wKrNI2V8BNh7QWzsIHFMY8qufENEsirrHlQPamAiutCL628e7xsTo5RX2cvh/s1600-h/IMG_0535.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CF45e66OiOBfi91KT5ltLiBiLqwUxhTVsYLWdTrP7Z6F9uJ9j7_ycWnvqyDZAG0FUu7_VO26wKrNI2V8BNh7QWzsIHFMY8qufENEsirrHlQPamAiutCL628e7xsTo5RX2cvh/s400/IMG_0535.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />Wife of the Artist after the Scottsdale Art Festival - surely we can fit one more thing in the truck!<br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-33010154227618313042009-03-01T01:00:00.000-07:002009-03-01T01:00:02.053-07:00What to do in a Desert Garden in March?<pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">There are tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/t-tips.htm">University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension</a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">desert is </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.johnchapman.com/">John Chapman's site</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.<br /><br /></span></span></pre><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <br /> <a name="Climate"><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong> Climate Information</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong> for March<br />in Phoenix, Arizona</strong></span><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:+1;"><strong>Rainfall:</strong></span><br /> <ul><span style="font-size:-1;"> <strong>Average: 0.9 inches</strong><br /> Record: 4.9 inches (1941)</span></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:+1;"><strong>Temperature (degrees F):</strong></span><br /> <ul><span style="font-size:-1;"> <strong>Average High: 75.5 degrees</strong><br /> Lowest High: 49 degrees (1915)<br /> Record High: 100 degrees (1988) </span><p> <span style="font-size:-1;"> <strong>Average Low: 48.8 degrees</strong><br /> Highest Low: 74 degrees (1986)<br /> Record Low: 25 degrees (1966)</span> </p></ul> <em>Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.</em> <p> </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <strong><span style="font-size:+2;"><a name="do">To Do List . . .</a></span></strong><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="turf">Turf</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Avoid over watering and mowing when grass is wet to prevent the spread of fungal problems in winter lawns.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Winter lawns may require once to twice per week watering depending on the weather. DO NOT OVER WATER!</p><p> </p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="vegetables">Vegetables</a></strong> </p><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prepare garden soil for Spring planting.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Seeds </p><ul> Beans (lima and snap), beets, carrots, corn, cucumbers, jicama, melons (cantaloupe, muskmelon, watermelon), okra, green onions, peanuts, pumpkins, radishes, squash and sunflowers. </ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Transplants <ul> Artichokes (globe and Jerusalem), eggplant, peppers and tomatoes. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roses">Roses</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Continue fertilizing established roses with granular fertilizers once every 6 weeks. Remember to water the day before application and the day after. Apply 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Epsom salts.<p> </p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit">Fruit and Nut Trees</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Fertilize deciduous fruit trees with nitrogen when they leaf out.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Thin deciduous fruit to 6 inch spacing. The earlier this is done after fruit set, the more size response will be expected in fruit remaining on the tree. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prune frost sensitive citrus until mid March, after they begin to leaf out with new spring growth. <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/frost.htm"> Wait until all chance of frost has past</a> but allow time for re-growth to shade exposed bark, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/sun-burn.htm"> protecting it from sun scald </a>as the days get longer and hotter. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Citrus Trees - Young two to five year old trees transplant most successfully. Larger, older trees are more costly, harder to transplant without injury (to yourself and the tree), and suffer more from transplant shock. It will generally be three years after transplant before fruit production and that is the same whether you plant a 2 year old tree or a 10 year old tree. Go small!</p><p> </p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="landscape">Landscape Plants</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Water at least once a month unless rains provide adequate moisture. <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Control weeds while they are young, tender, and their roots are manageable, or before they sprout. Be sure to remove before they set seed. Remove London Rocket and other weeds in the mustard family now to prevent large populations of <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/f-chinch.htm"> False Chinch bugs</a> in April. pre-emergent herbicides containing Pendimethalin or Isoxaben can be used to control prostrate Spurge and other weeds. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prune frost sensitive plants, such as bougainvillea, after they begin to leaf out with new spring growth. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply mulch around the base of plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /> If you have previously had a problem, apply around the base of agaves a pesticide labeled for use on grubs to kill the grubs of the <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/agave-wv.htm">Agave Weevil</a>. Repeat application in June. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Make plans for <a href="http://www.arborday.org/">Arbor Day.</a></p></ul><p> <strong> Flowers</strong> </p><ul> Plant bee balm (Monarda sp.), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), celosia (Celosia sp.), cosmos (Cosmos sp.), desert marigold (Baileyea multiradiata), English daisy (Bellis perennis), gilia (Gilia sp.), firewheel/indian blanket (Gaillardia), hollyhock (Alcea sp.), marigold (Tagetes sp.), Mexican hat (Ratibida columnifera), Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia), portulaca (Portulaca sp.), primrose (Primula sp.), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), sage (Salvia sp.), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), sunflower (Helianthus sp.), sweet pea (Lathyrus sp.), verbena (Verbena sp.), wild hyssop (Agastache sp.) and zinnia (Zinnia sp.).</ul><p> <strong> Herbs</strong> </p><ul> Plant anise, basil, bay, caraway, catnip, chamomile, chives, curry, epazote, fennel, feverfew, French tarragon, garlic chives, germander, horehound, hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, lemon grass, lemon verbena, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rue, safflower, sage, salad burnet, santolina, savory (summer and winter), scented geraniums, tansy, thyme and yarrow. </ul><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center><p> <a name="don't"><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong>Don't List . . .</strong></span></a> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Do not prune citrus except to remove dead or damaged wood and branches obstructing pathways, views, or structures.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Do not use pre-emergent herbicides in an area in which you intend to plant seeds.</p></ul><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center><p> <a name="FAQ"><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></a><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit damage">Damage is Noticed on the Fruit</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit drop <ul>The shed of newly set fruit is a natural thinning worsened by hot weather and dry winds. There is no cause for concern.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Low fruit set on deciduous trees (apples, pears, peaches, apricots pears) </p><ul>May be the result of a mild winter with minimal chilling hours. Be sure to plant varieties with less than 400 hours of chilling required for fruit set.</ul><p> </p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="leaves">Damage is Noticed on the Leaves</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/leaf-drp.htm"> Citrus leaf drop</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaf Drop on Carob, African Sumac, Pine and other evergreen trees </p><ul> This is a natural seasonal occurrence as the weather warms. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/c-thrips.htm"> Citrus leaves are curled and/or the fruit is slightly scarred.</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">snails, slugs</a>, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage looper</a>s, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/s-mites.htm"> The leaves or needles have yellow spots or stippling. Leaves are stunted and twisted. There is a fine webbing between leaves.</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/flea-btl.htm"> A shiny little bug is destroying Mexican Evening Primrose, Dichondra, or vegetables</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/grape-sk.htm"> Something is devouring the grape leaves, only the veins remain.</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a> </p><p> </p></ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="stem">Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk</a></strong><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/saguaro.htm"> Saguaro cactus has large black patches that are oozing and smell terrible</a></p></ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roots">Damage is Noticed on the Roots</a></strong><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="cultural">Cultural / Environmental Questions</a></strong><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaf Drop on Carob, African Sumac, Pine and other evergreen trees </p><ul>This is a natural seasonal occurrence as the weather warms.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/leaf-drp.htm"> Citrus leaf drop</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Low fruit set on deciduous trees (apples, pears, peaches, apricots pears) </p><ul>May be the result of a mild winter with minimal chilling hours. Be sure to plant varieties with less than 400 hours of chilling required for fruit set.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit drop </p><ul>The shed of newly set fruit is a natural thinning worsened by hot weather and dry winds. There is no cause for concern.</ul><p> </p></ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="insect/pest">Insect/Pest Questions</a></strong><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/c-thrips.htm"> Citrus leaves are curled and/or the fruit is slightly scarred.</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">snails, slugs</a>, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage looper</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/s-mites.htm"> The leaves or needles have yellow spots or stippling. Leaves are stunted and twisted. There is a fine webbing between leaves.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/flea-btl.htm"> A shiny little bug is destroying Mexican Evening Primrose, Dichondra, or vegetables</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/grape-sk.htm"> Something is devouring the grape leaves, only the veins remain.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/wasp.htm"> Mustard yellow paper wasps are out now</a></p><p> </p></ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="disease">Disease Questions</a></strong><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/saguaro.htm"> Saguaro cactus has large black patches that are oozing and smell terrible</a></p><pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><a name="Climate"></a></pre>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-32987907135916318022009-02-16T10:02:00.000-07:002009-02-16T10:02:51.996-07:00Hazards of Gardening<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">I got Roses for Valentine's Day. Here I am in front of the raised flower bed I planted this weekend. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJrD5px_QnmOv1aRwnlZszw_rZt8VPmQW2EpKbDy5gR4vyYCXJIcfJxSTUibqH54ox3yV6ws1AVSiXIxWRpIhyphenhyphenycAlthS9WHBpQwip5UJ6ic405Vb2kS-CXk7bjgCpKHvATld/s1600-h/IMG_0497.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJrD5px_QnmOv1aRwnlZszw_rZt8VPmQW2EpKbDy5gR4vyYCXJIcfJxSTUibqH54ox3yV6ws1AVSiXIxWRpIhyphenhyphenycAlthS9WHBpQwip5UJ6ic405Vb2kS-CXk7bjgCpKHvATld/s400/IMG_0497.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The splint is for my newly broken wrist! After planting the new roses, I was pretty tired. I was backing up to admire my work and I tripped over a rake and fell, landing with all my weight on my right wrist. Very painful. That was Sunday afternoon and I tried ice, elevation and compression all night but it kept getting more painful so R. took me to the emergrncy room at 5AM Monday. They took Xrays. Yes it is a fracture and it goes to the joint and may require surgery. I'll know more tomorrow.<br /></div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rbitBilxdF30xUwRrL2ZaoIHc4iDdetviFqFwpMefLMQxBMFYAaiT23_-koQTg_ka3aF2zdGRZt7xPh68OlxySalA56H6X9UPigij7Yi9IytzVmiDb8QeHDyHS7ygcH8Xigv/s1600-h/IMG_0498.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rbitBilxdF30xUwRrL2ZaoIHc4iDdetviFqFwpMefLMQxBMFYAaiT23_-koQTg_ka3aF2zdGRZt7xPh68OlxySalA56H6X9UPigij7Yi9IytzVmiDb8QeHDyHS7ygcH8Xigv/s400/IMG_0498.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Meanwhile, I'm on pain meds and feeling better. Hope the roses like their new home!<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-78408245046421610642009-02-09T16:19:00.000-07:002009-02-09T16:19:16.483-07:00Lemons as big as oranges .. no wait - BIGGER!<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyHG4TRkHnrN6q1ppu6QF1P-ZxxAhk24rQsAvJpqsLt0r5FYRPIuSaGasLfaofYC_sJ4b13-7Cc1Lbu23NC90m8OKCWwiFBVRpoxag3FhwHuV5gB88R3LNfAuE3eeUCXxyTHA/s1600-h/IMG_0494.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyHG4TRkHnrN6q1ppu6QF1P-ZxxAhk24rQsAvJpqsLt0r5FYRPIuSaGasLfaofYC_sJ4b13-7Cc1Lbu23NC90m8OKCWwiFBVRpoxag3FhwHuV5gB88R3LNfAuE3eeUCXxyTHA/s400/IMG_0494.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Oranges on the left. Meyer lemons on the right.<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-61276172098227837592009-02-01T01:00:00.000-07:002009-02-01T01:00:01.334-07:00What to do in a Desert Garden in February?<pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">There are tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/t-tips.htm">University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension</a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">desert is </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.johnchapman.com/">John Chapman's site</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.<br /><br /></span></span></pre><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center><br /> <a name="Climate"><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong> Climate Information</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong> for February<br />in Phoenix, Arizona</strong></span><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:+1;"><strong>Rainfall:</strong></span><br /> <ul><span style="font-size:-1;"> <strong>Average: 0.7 inches</strong><br /> Record: 4.7 inches(1905)</span></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:+1;"><strong>Temperature (degrees F):</strong></span><br /> <ul><span style="font-size:-1;"> <strong>Average High: 70.7 degrees</strong><br /> Lowest High: 46 degrees (1899, 1903)<br /> Record High: 92 degrees (1921, 1986) </span><p> <span style="font-size:-1;"> <strong>Average Low: 44.7 degrees</strong><br /> Highest Low: 65 degrees (1996)<br /> Record Low: 24 degrees (1899, 1993)</span> </p></ul> <em>Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.</em> <p> </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <strong><span style="font-size:+2;"><a name="do">To Do List . . .</a></span></strong><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="turf">Turf</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Winter lawns may require once to twice per week watering depending on the weather.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />After the first mowing, fertilize winter lawns with a high phosphate fertilizer like superphosphate, triple superphosphate, or a complete fertilizer that is 20% phosphorous or more by weight. Ammonium phosphate (16-20-0) is another option. Follow the application rates and directions on the label. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/wntr-lwn.htm"> Identify and correct problems with winter laws quickly</a>.</p><p> </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="vegetables">Vegetables</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prepare garden soil for Spring planting.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Seeds </p><ul>Beets, Bok Choy, Carrots, Chard, Collard Greens, Corn, Cucumbers, Leaf Lettuce, Melons (Cantaloupe, Muskmelon, Watermelon), Mustard, Green Onions, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Spinach, Summer Squash, Sunflowers, Turnips</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Transplants </p><ul>Artichokes (Globe & Jerusalem), Asparagus, Chard, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onion Sets, Peppers, Tomatoes</ul></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roses">Roses</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Finish pruning roses by the middle of the month.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Transplant bare root roses</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Begin fertilizing established roses with granular fertilizers about the middle of the month. Remember to water the day before application and the day after. </p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit">Fruit and Nut Trees</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Finish pruning deciduous fruit trees and grapes by the middle of the month.<p> <a><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Transplant bare root deciduous fruit trees. Select varieties which require less than 400 hours of chilling.</a></p><p> <a><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Fertilize deciduous fruit trees with nitrogen when they leaf out.</a></p><p> <a><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prune frost sensitive citrus after it begins to leaf out with new spring growth.</a></p><p> </p></ul><p> <a><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong></strong></a><strong><a name="landscape">Landscape Plants</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/frost.htm"> Protect plants from frost damage</a> if the temperature is projected to drop down in to the 20's for more than an hour.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Finish pruning nonnative deciduous shade trees, and grapes by the middle of the month.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Transplant bare root plants</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Water at least once a month unless rains provide adequate moisture.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Control weeds while they are young, tender, and their roots are manageable, or before they sprout. Be sure to remove before they set seed. Remove London Rocket and other weeds in the mustard family now to prevent large populations of <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/f-chinch.htm"> False Chinch bugs</a> in April.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Winter watering schedules should be adjusted to about 1/3 of the summer frequency for deciduous and dormant plants, but water deeply each time. Growing flowers may require once to twice per week watering depending on the weather.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prune frost sensitive plants like bougainvillea after they begin to leaf out with new spring growth.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Make plans for <a href="http://www.arborday.org/what/what.asp?event=">Arbor Day, April 25</a>. </p></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="don't"><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong>Don't List . . .</strong></span></a> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" />DO NOT prune frost sensitive plants, especially if they have been damaged by frost.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" />DO NOT fertilize frost sensitive plants.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" />DO NOT over water or over fertilize winter lawns as this will encourage rapid succulent growth which is vulnerable to <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/w-lwn-f.htm"> fungal diseases.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" />DO NOT water turf at night. Moisture and cool temperatures invite <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/w-lwn-f.htm"> fungal diseases</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" />DO NOT mow when turf is wet. By wounding the plant (mowing) while it is wet you increase the likelihood of <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/w-lwn-f.htm"> fungal infection.</a> In addition, you increase the likelihood of spreading the fungus on the tires of the mower and on your shoes</p></ul> <p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="FAQ"><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></a><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit damage">Damage is Noticed on the Fruit</a></strong><br /> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/stem-rot.htm"> The stem end of citrus fruit is rotting after harvest</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/altrnria.htm"> The blossom end of Navel oranges and occasionally tangelos are rotting.</a></p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="leaves">Damage is Noticed on the Leaves</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/aleppo.htm"> The needles on several branches of a pine tree are turning brown but staying attached to the tree</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/leaf-drp.htm"> Citrus leaf drop</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/mcro-def.htm"> Leaves and stems are abnormally reddish or purple</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">snails, slugs,</a> <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/c-thrips.htm"> Citrus leaves are curled and/or the fruit is slightly scarred.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/s-mites.htm"> The leaves or needles have yellow spots or stippling. Leaves are stunted and twisted. There is a fine webbing between leaves.</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a>. </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="stem">Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roots">Damage is Noticed on the Roots</a></strong> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="cultural">Cultural \ Environmental Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/aleppo.htm"> The needles on several branches of a pine tree are turning brown but staying attached to the tree</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/leaf-drp.htm"> Citrus leaf drop</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/mcro-def.htm"> Leaves and stems are abnormally reddish or purple</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a></p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="insect/pest">Insect/Pest Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">snails, slugs</a>, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/c-thrips.htm"> Citrus leaves are curled and/or the fruit is slightly scarred.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/s-mites.htm"> The leaves or needles have yellow spots or stippling. Leaves are stunted and twisted. There is a fine webbing between leaves.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Brown and white moths on Palo Verde trees </p><ul>Palo Verde buck moth adults are out. These brown and white moths will lay eggs that hatch into hairy caterpillars on Palo Verde trees. The hairs of the caterpillar are irritating to the skin and should not be touched. These native insects cause little harm to the tree and are kept under control by several beneficial insects. Control is generally not necessary.</ul></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="disease">Disease Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/altrnria.htm"> The blossom end of Navel oranges and occasionally tangelos are rotting.</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/stem-rot.htm"> The stem end of citrus fruit is rotting after harvest</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a>. </p></ul><pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><a name="Climate"></a></pre><pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><a name="Climate"></a></pre>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-58222192238812241932009-01-26T19:43:00.000-07:002009-01-26T19:43:53.763-07:00Isn't it a bit early for this?<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q2bZf_rv8ihzItc0SIOCdTy3SOE_Sq5IsUlKV4RZK8Opuk6-6aG_ZU2QdlApMCM8f0TqC_I1DCtVuGgUKcuszXQ1L_ge5_9V29cdfY0RWCFyuuK9j-i046ATvceCq4Qn3kwA/s1600-h/IMG_0459.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q2bZf_rv8ihzItc0SIOCdTy3SOE_Sq5IsUlKV4RZK8Opuk6-6aG_ZU2QdlApMCM8f0TqC_I1DCtVuGgUKcuszXQ1L_ge5_9V29cdfY0RWCFyuuK9j-i046ATvceCq4Qn3kwA/s400/IMG_0459.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>The backyard smells heavenly - one of my Meyer lemon trees (bushes) is blooming. <br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7WzZUTFi4jR9ntOQEX3iV7euFWyTd6f2bXyVCyhus3LgDrWG2EE9JVQQ50SG8imurOdWFdhSZVEXrC440vV-uWijdySn1AqqAb66TbQdT8XyF8xk0RiAUGiYc6a6LCJ7jBX2/s1600-h/IMG_0461.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7WzZUTFi4jR9ntOQEX3iV7euFWyTd6f2bXyVCyhus3LgDrWG2EE9JVQQ50SG8imurOdWFdhSZVEXrC440vV-uWijdySn1AqqAb66TbQdT8XyF8xk0RiAUGiYc6a6LCJ7jBX2/s400/IMG_0461.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>The just-planted Fuji Apple tree.<br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10YeEo3DSz9vPxJhhhD-IdUe9vGBMy0yt9ECYWFN4syulAxcowmbwjKbEa3JCAw-qKMbTdbICacVoef2SuJgDGX74Cli2McYnVHq36wsn2r-nT198dskvP9xFvqJl1H6ipJRI/s1600-h/IMG_0464.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10YeEo3DSz9vPxJhhhD-IdUe9vGBMy0yt9ECYWFN4syulAxcowmbwjKbEa3JCAw-qKMbTdbICacVoef2SuJgDGX74Cli2McYnVHq36wsn2r-nT198dskvP9xFvqJl1H6ipJRI/s400/IMG_0464.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Lots of tangerines.<br /></div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffJmXz19Y3pHpss25B8AJWGnbwvUEXmNl1b7_wlR_2Be7gMZF7v9lCHnUJ_plS3MUt9OqpJUBtd6rVnzABFOOlCumAbyiPhyphenhyphen8MuDBAvArgiFwOiTzXsKCqya3c9pe2YCV9Zp9/s1600-h/IMG_0465.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffJmXz19Y3pHpss25B8AJWGnbwvUEXmNl1b7_wlR_2Be7gMZF7v9lCHnUJ_plS3MUt9OqpJUBtd6rVnzABFOOlCumAbyiPhyphenhyphen8MuDBAvArgiFwOiTzXsKCqya3c9pe2YCV9Zp9/s400/IMG_0465.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>And I'm really worried about this nectarine which is already flowering! It never even lost all its leaves. Most of the fruit trees are leafing out and producing buds. It's been exceptionally warm.<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-61952587306691551812009-01-21T16:41:00.003-07:002009-01-21T16:51:21.836-07:00Ready to plantHad a Kinnow (#7 on the list), my first ever! Only two fruit this year but really really good and juicy and not seedy.<br /><br />Tried the Moro blood orange (#3 on the list). Very red inside. The tree only produced one fruit this year but the tree looks healthy. A few months ago it fell partly over in high winds and we staked it.<br /><br />We continue to have tons of Meyer lemons, exceptionally large and juicy this year. The thorns are especially vicious this year too! I gave some to a neighbor who sent it back in the form of yummy lemon curd. <br /><br />Finally, last weekend we worked on the raised beds, lifting the in-line drip irrigation and adding store-bought potting soil - bags and bags of it. They are ready for planting and I have some six packs of veggies and flowers to set out. I even bought some tomatoes but it is really too early to set them out, it still might freeze. The last freeze date is typically near the end of February.<br /><br />It's hard to believe it's January, we're having exceptionally warm, balmy weather. Of course it is pleasant but I'd prefer crisp days right now.<br /><br />We'reKathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-85575514092303883422009-01-07T15:37:00.003-07:002009-01-27T16:02:25.192-07:00More Taste TestingTried my first dwarf Honey (Murcott) Tangor - planted 2006. Only a few fruit. Very bumpy skin. Peels like a tangerine - milder flavor, sweet, very good. Very few seeds.<br /><br />The Fairchild tangerine is half dead. The other half has lots of fruit. This is the best tasting year so far for this tree. Also I waited until the fruits had time to fully ripen. However, I'm tempted to remove this tree now that it is half dead!<br /><br />Went to Baker Nursery today and ordered 24 bags of potting soil (48 cu ft!), a tree rose (Double Delight), an Arabian Jasmine and assorted veggies in 6-packs. They have already delivered it all. The potting soil is for my pots of course but mainly for the raised planters which have sunk quite a bit over the past year.<br /><br />My hand is healing well, stitches removed last Friday. I'm actually developing the habit of wearing gloves to do the dishes and yardwork and I think I'll maintain it. It's a bit of a pain but my hands are not cracked an bleeding which is a big plus.<br /><br />Baker's has the fruit tree order in but not yet available for sale. I'm looking at the list on their website and plotting what to buy. A pomegranite, an apple and maybe another fig. My fig tree is not doing well.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I did finally clear out the planters and the melon vines to be ready for planting. Some of the deciduous fruit trees have lost their leaves but not all. We have visible frost on top of the soil in the raised planters.Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-62884144191123084812009-01-01T01:00:00.000-07:002009-01-01T01:00:02.037-07:00What to do in a Desert Garden in January?<pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">There are tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/t-tips.htm">University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension</a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">desert is </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.johnchapman.com/">John Chapman's site</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.<br /><br /></span></span><a name="Climate"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Climate Information</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong> for January<br />in Phoenix, Arizona</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Rainfall:</strong></span><br /><br /><br /></pre><ul><span style=""> <strong>Average: 0.6 inches</strong><br /> Record: 5.25 inches (1993)</span></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Temperature (degrees F):</strong></span><br /><ul><span style=""> <strong>Average High: 65.9 degrees</strong><br /> Lowest High: 39 degrees (1937)<br /> Record High: 88 degrees (1971) </span><p> <span style=""> <strong>Average Low: 41.2 degrees </strong><br /> Highest Low: 61 degrees (1988)<br /> Record Low: 16 degrees (1913)</span> </p></ul> <em>Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.</em> <p> </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><a name="do">To Do List . . .</a></span></strong><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="turf">Turf</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />After the first mowing, fertilize winter lawns with a high phosphate fertilizer like superphosphate, triple superphosphate, or a complete fertilizer that is 20% phosphorous or more by weight. Ammonium phosphate (16-20-0) is another option. Follow the application rates and directions on the label. <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/wntr-lwn.htm"> Identify and correct problems with winter laws quickly</a>.</p><p> </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="vegetables">Vegetables</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prepare garden soil for Spring planting.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Seeds </p><ul>Beets, Bok Choy, Carrots, Chard, Collard Greens, Lettuce, Leek, Mustard, Green Onions, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Spinach, Turnips</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Transplants </p><ul>Artichokes (Globe & Jerusalem), Asparagus, Broccoli, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Kohlrabi, Lettuce</ul></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roses">Roses</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prune roses. <a href="http://main.dlv.cals.arizona.edu:8087/garden-calendar/monthly.epl?&session_id=610bff37208046eb59851e81a91fe0fa">Attend pruning demonstrations</a> put on by local Rose Societies, Garden Clubs, Nurseries and the Cooperative Extension Office<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Transplant bare root roses</p><p> </p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit">Fruit and Nut Trees</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prune deciduous fruit trees and grapes. <a href="http://main.dlv.cals.arizona.edu:8087/garden-calendar/monthly.epl?&session_id=610bff37208046eb59851e81a91fe0fa">Attend pruning demonstrations</a> put on by local Rose Societies, Garden Clubs, Nurseries and the Cooperative Extension Office<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Transplant bare root deciduous fruit trees. Select varieties which require less than 400 hours of chilling.</p><p> </p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="landscape">Landscape Plants</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/frost.htm"> Protect plants from frost damage</a> if the temperature is projected to drop down in to the 20's for more than an hour.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prune nonnative deciduous shade trees <a href="http://main.dlv.cals.arizona.edu:8087/garden-calendar/monthly.epl?&session_id=610bff37208046eb59851e81a91fe0fa">Attend pruning demonstrations</a> put on by local Rose Societies, Garden Clubs, Nurseries and the Cooperative Extension Office</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Transplant bare root plants</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Move living Christmas Trees outside to a shaded, cool location. Transplant into permanent location as soon as soil temperatures warm.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Water at least once a month unless rains provide adequate moisture.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Control weeds while they are young, tender, and their roots are manageable, or before they sprout. Be sure to remove before they set seed. Remove London Rocket and other weeds in the mustard family now to prevent large populations of <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/f-chinch.htm"> False Chinch bugs</a> in April.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Winter watering schedules should be adjusted to about 1/3 of the summer frequency for deciduous and dormant plants, but water deeply each time. Winter lawns and growing flowers may require once to twice per week watering depending on the weather. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Make plans for <a href="http://www.arborday.org/arborday/celebrate.cfm">Arbor Day</a>, the last friday in April. </p></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="don't"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Don't List . . .</strong></span></a> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" />DO NOT prune frost sensitive plants, especially if they have been damaged by frost.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" />DO NOT over water or over fertilize winter lawns as this will encourage rapid succulent growth which is vulnerable to <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/w-lwn-f.htm"> fungal diseases.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" />DO NOT water turf at night when the temperatures are coolest as this fosters the growth of <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/w-lwn-f.htm"> fungal diseases</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" />DO NOT mow when turf is wet. By wounding the plant (mowing) while it is wet you increase the likelihood of <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/w-lwn-f.htm"> fungal infection.</a> In addition, you increase the likelihood of spreading the fungus on the tires of the mower and on your shoes</p></ul> <p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="FAQ"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></a><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit damage">Damage is Noticed on the Fruit</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/stem-rot.htm"> The stem end of citrus fruit is rotting after harvest</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/altrnria.htm"> The blossom end of Navel oranges and occasionally tangelos are rotting.</a></p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="leaves">Damage is Noticed on the Leaves</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/aleppo.htm"> The needles on several branches of a pine tree are turning brown but staying attached to the tree</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/leaf-drp.htm"> Citrus leaf drop</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/mcro-def.htm"> Leaves and stems are abnormally reddish or purple</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">slugs, snails,</a> <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage looper</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="stem">Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roots">Damage is Noticed on the Roots</a></strong> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="cultural">Cultural \ Environmental Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/aleppo.htm"> The needles on several branches of a pine tree are turning brown but staying attached to the tree</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/leaf-drp.htm"> Citrus leaf drop</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/mcro-def.htm"> Leaves and stems are abnormally reddish or purple</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm"> Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green</a></p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="insect/pest">Insect/Pest Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">snails, slugs</a>, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage looper</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Various beetles are emerging from firewood stored in homes, such as long-horned beetles or metallic wood borers. </p><ul>Do not be overly concerned, they can not attack the dry, finished wood of a typical home. Simply vacuum them up.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/gnats.htm"> Small gray flies periodically emerge from potted plants</a>.</p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="disease">Disease Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/altrnria.htm"> The blossom end of Navel oranges and occasionally tangelos are rotting.</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/stem-rot.htm"> The stem end of citrus fruit is rotting after harvest</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a> </p></ul><p> </p><p><br /></p><pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><br /></pre>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-2293348717577470392008-12-28T12:52:00.003-07:002009-01-27T16:06:36.197-07:00Taste Test New CitrusThe citrus have been ripening on their for a while now. I did not want to rush to pick them. For many of the trees, this is the first harvest.<br /><br />today I picked a<br />(# 10. on list) Clementine Tangerine - very good, a bit seedy, true tangerine flavor with loose skin<br />(# 11. on list) Orange – Trovita Orange - good flovor, a bit dry and seedy, thick skin, easy to peel.<br /><br /><br />Citrus - Left to Right<br />1.Lime – Std Thornless Mexican 2000<br />2.Blood Orange – Dwarf Sanguinelli 2000<br />3.Blood Orange – Std Moro 2006<br />4.Grapefruit – Std Ruby 2000<br />5.Orange – Std Arizona Sweet 2000<br />6.Tangerine - Dwarf Dancy 2006<br />7.Tangerine or Tangor x Mandarin according to Wikipedia - Std Kinnow 2006<br />8.Tangor – Dwarf Honey (Murcott) 2006<br />9.Lemon - Dwarf Meyer fall 2002<br />10.Tangerine – Std Clementine<br />11.Orange – Std Trovita (after the Minneola Tangelo died in the frost) 2007<br />12.Tangerine – Std Fairchild 2000<br />13.Tangor – Dwarf Temple 2006<br />14.Lemon – Dwarf Meyer fall 2002Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-76193485919205951962008-12-01T01:00:00.000-07:002008-12-01T01:00:02.348-07:00What to do in a Desert Garden in December?<pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Here are some tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/dec.htm">University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">desert is </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.johnchapman.com/">John Chapman's site</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /></span></span><a name="Climate"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Climate Information</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong> for December<br />in Phoenix, Arizona</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Rainfall:</strong></span><br /><br /><br /></pre><ul><span style=""> <strong>Average: 1.0 inches</strong><br /> Record: 4.0 inches (1967)</span></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Temperature (degrees F):</strong></span><br /><ul><span style=""> <strong>Average High: 66.2 degrees</strong><br /> Lowest High: 36 degrees (1898)<br /> Record High: 87 degrees (1950) </span><p> <span style=""> <strong>Average Low: 41.8 degrees</strong><br /> Highest Low: 59 degrees (1949)<br /> Record Low: 22 degrees (1900, 1911)</span> </p></ul> <em>Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.</em> <p> </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><a name="do">To Do List . . .</a></span></strong><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="turf">Turf</a></strong><br /></p><ul><p><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /> After the first mowing, fertilize winter lawns with a high phosphate fertilizer like superphosphate, triple superphosphate, or a complete fertilizer that is 20% phosphorous or more by weight. Ammonium phosphate (16-20-0) is another option. Follow the application rates and directions on the label.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/wntr-lwn.htm"> Identify and correct problems with winter laws quickly</a>.</p><p> </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="vegetables">Vegetables</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Seeds <ul>Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Collard Greens, Lettuce (Head & Leaf), Mustard, Green Onions, Peas, Radishes, Spinach, Turnips</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Transplants </p><ul>Asparagus, Broccoli, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf)</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Watch for insect and pest problems, identify and manage early to prevent damage.</p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roses">Roses</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />New rose catalogs come out and bare root roses are available at nurseries from the middle to the end of the month. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit">Fruit and Nut Trees</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/frost.htm"> Be prepared to protect citrus from early winter frosts</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Wrap the trunks of young citrus and other cold-tender trees with cloth, cardboard or several layers of newspaper (NOT plastic) to protect them from the winter freeze. Leave them wrapped until the threat of frost has passed in the Spring.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Peel color is not a good indicator of maturity or taste in citrus. Give it the taste test. If it is not sweet enough for your liking, leave it on the tree. Up to a point, the longer the fruit is left on the tree the sweeter.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Deciduous fruit trees must receive sufficient chilling for their flower buds to develop properly. Different varieties have different "chilling requirements." In order to have good fruit set, even in milder winters, choose a variety that requires less than 400 hours of chilling.</p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="landscape">Landscape Plants</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Cut off spent blooms to stimulate rebloom<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Reduce irrigation to one deep watering of the root zone per month for the winter </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant winter hardy trees, shrubs and vines</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />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.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/frost.htm"> Be prepared for early winter frost</a></p><p> </p></ul> <p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="don't"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Don't List . . .</strong></span></a><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" />DO NOT increase opportunities for <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/w-lwn-f.htm"> fungal disease</a> on turf by over watering, watering at night, over fertilizing, or mowing when the grass is wet.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" />DO NOT OVER WATER which will result in root rots. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.</p><p> </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="FAQ"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></a><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit damage">Damage is Noticed on the Fruit</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit split <ul>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.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a name="small">Small fruit size</a> </p><ul> This may be related to a heavy fruit set or weather. Lack of normal rainfall during the midsummer period can have a direct influence on fruit size. Citrus fruit growth is always greater as a response to rain vs. a similar amount of irrigation water.</ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Brown stains that are obvious in some pecan meats <ul>This is probably the result of stink bug feeding earlier in the season. No bitter taste effect results from this damage.</ul></ul> <p> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="leaves">Damage is Noticed on the Leaves</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/acaciawhitefly.htm">There are thousands of little black dots on the leaves of my acacia tree.</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/aleppo.htm"> The needles on several branches of a pine tree are turning brown but staying attached to the tree</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/cut-worm.htm"> Seedlings have been clipped off right at the soil line</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables are being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">snails, slugs,</a> <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/c-thrips.htm"> Citrus leaves are curled and/or the fruit is slightly scarred.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a></p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="stem">Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk</a></strong><p> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Older leaves turn yellow and fall off. The plant is stunted. It wilts even when water is available The stem is streaked.</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Very sudden die back of an olive tree branch. There is brown or green streaking between the bark and the wood.</a></p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roots">Damage is Noticed on the Roots</a></strong></p><p> </p> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="cultural">Cultural / Environmental Questions</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit split <ul>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.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Small fruit size </p><ul>This may be related to a heavy fruit set or weather. Lack of normal rainfall during the midsummer period can have a direct influence on fruit size. Citrus fruit growth is always greater as a response to rain vs. a similar amount of irrigation water.</ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/aleppo.htm"> The needles on several branches of a pine tree are turning brown but staying attached to the tree</a><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="insect/pest">Insect/Pest Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/acaciawhitefly.htm">There are thousands of little black dots on the leaves of my acacia tree.</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Brown stains that are obvious in some pecan meats </p><ul>This is probably a result of stink bugs feeding earlier in the season. No bitter taste effect results from this damage.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/cut-worm.htm"> Seedlings have been clipped off right at the soil line</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables are being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">snails, slugs</a>, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/c-thrips.htm"> Citrus leaves are curled and/or the fruit is slightly scarred.</a></p><p> </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="disease">Disease Questions</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Older leaves turn yellow and fall off. The plant is stunted. It wilts even when water is available The stem is streaked.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Very sudden die back of an olive tree branch. There is brown or green streaking between the bark and the wood.</a></p></ul>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-46751813452448897542008-11-01T01:00:00.000-07:002008-11-01T01:00:01.243-07:00What to do in a Desert Garden in November?<pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Here are some tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the</span><br /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/nov.htm"><span style="font-family:georgia;">University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension</span></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">desert is </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.johnchapman.com/">John Chapman's site</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span><a name="Climate"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Climate Information</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong> for November<br />in Phoenix, Arizona</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Rainfall:</strong></span><br /><br /><br /></pre><ul><span style=""> <strong>Average: 0.7 inches</strong><br /> Record: 3.6 inches (1905)</span></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Temperature (degrees F):</strong></span><br /><ul><span style=""> <strong>Average High: 74.9 degrees</strong><br /> Lowest High: 40 degrees (1919)<br /> Record High: 96 degrees (1924) </span><p> <span style=""> <strong>Average Low: 48.9 degrees</strong><br /> Highest Low: 71 degrees (1988)<br /> Record Low: 27 degrees (1931)</span> </p></ul> <em>Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.</em> <p> </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><a name="do">To Do List . . .</a></span></strong><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="turf">Turf</a></strong><br /></p><ul><p><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />For a green winter lawn, overseed established Bermuda grass lawns from mid October through mid November.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />After the first mowing, fertilize winter lawns with a high phosphate fertilizer like superphosphate, triple superphosphate, or a complete fertilizer that is 20% phosphorous or more by weight. Ammonium phosphate (16-20-0) is another option. Follow the application rates and directions on the label. </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="vegetables">Vegetables</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Seeds <ul>Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chard, Collard Greens, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf), Mustard, Onions (Bulb & Green), Peas, Radishes, Rutabagas, Spinach, Turnips</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Transplants </p><ul> Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf) </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Watch for insect and pest problems, identify and manage early to prevent damage.</p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roses">Roses</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />End the years fertilization this month<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant container roses from mail-order catalogs, old garden roses in particular. </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit">Fruit and Nut Trees</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/frost.htm"> Be prepared to protect citrus from early winter frosts</a><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="landscape">Landscape Plants</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Cut off spent blooms to stimulate rebloom<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Water applications should be greatly reduced for the winter </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant winter hardy trees, shrubs and vines</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />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.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/frost.htm"> Be prepared for early winter frost</a></p><p> </p></ul> <p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="don't"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Don't List . . .</strong></span></a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" />Do not increase opportunities for <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/w-lwn-f.htm">fungal disease</a> on turf by over watering or watering at night.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" />DO NOT OVER WATER which will result in root rots. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.</p><p> </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="FAQ"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></a><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit damage">Damage is Noticed on the Fruit</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit split <ul>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.</ul><p> </p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="leaves">Damage is Noticed on the Leaves</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/cut-worm.htm"> Seedlings have been clipped off right at the soil line</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables are being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">slugs, snails,</a> <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Older leaves turn yellow and fall off. The plant is stunted. It wilts even when water is available The stem is streaked.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Very sudden die back of an olive tree branch. There is brown or green streaking between the bark and the wood.</a></p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="stem">Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk</a></strong><p> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Older leaves turn yellow and fall off. The plant is stunted. It wilts even when water is available The stem is streaked.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Very sudden die back of an olive tree branch. There is brown or green streaking between the bark and the wood.</a></p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roots">Damage is Noticed on the Roots</a></strong><p> </p> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="cultural">Cultural / Environmental Questions</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit split <ul>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.</ul><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="insect/pest">Insect/Pest Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/cut-worm.htm"> Seedlings have been clipped off right at the soil line</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables are being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">slugs, snails,</a> <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants</a></p><p> </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="disease">Disease Questions</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Older leaves turn yellow and fall off. The plant is stunted. It wilts even when water is available The stem is streaked.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Very sudden die back of an olive tree branch. There is brown or green streaking between the bark and the wood.</a></p></ul><pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><br /></pre>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-57074378391562711132008-10-01T01:00:00.000-07:002008-10-01T01:00:00.860-07:00What to do in a Desert Garden in October?<pre class="data input field-details readonly textarea pre-wrap" id="wi-descrip"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Here are some tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/oct.htm">University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension</a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">desert is </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.johnchapman.com/">John Chapman's site</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" ><br /></span></span></pre><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center><br /><a name="Climate"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong> Climate Information</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong> for October<br />in Phoenix, Arizona</strong></span><br /><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Rainfall:</strong></span><br /><ul><span style=""> <strong>Average: 0.7 inches</strong><br /> Record: 4.4 inches (1972)</span></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Temperature (degrees F):</strong></span><br /><ul><span style=""> <strong>Average High: 88.1 degrees</strong><br /> Lowest High: 56 degrees (1959)<br /> Record High: 107 degrees (1980) </span><p> <span style=""> <strong>Average Low: 60.8 degrees</strong><br /> Highest Low: 82 degrees (1987)<br /> Record Low: 34 degrees (1900,1911)</span> </p></ul> <em>Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.</em> <p> </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><a name="do">To Do List . . .</a></span></strong><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="turf">Turf</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Apply one inch of water per week to Bermuda lawns<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />A light application of potassium on Bermuda in the fall will enable it to come out of dormancy in the spring with greater vigor.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Overseed established Bermuda grass lawns from mid October through mid November for a green winter lawn.</p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="vegetables">Vegetables</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Prepare bed for fall planting<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Seeds </p><ul>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</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant Transplants </p><ul>Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Garlic, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf)</ul></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roses">Roses</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Resume full fertilizing of established roses as the weather cools<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Watch for second season of <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm"> powdery mildew</a> </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit">Fruit and Nut Trees</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />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. <p> </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="landscape">Landscape Plants</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Cut off spent blooms to stimulate rebloom<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />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. </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Cut back watering frequencies as plant needs decrease with shortening, cooling days</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant winter hardy trees, shrubs and vines</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Plant wild flowers</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />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.</p><p> </p></ul> <p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="don't"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Don't List . . .</strong></span></a> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Do not dethatch Bermuda in the Fall. Dethatching should be done in the summer when the grass is actively growing.<p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Do not increase opportunities for fungal disease on turf by over watering or watering at night.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />DO NOT OVER WATER which will result in root rots. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.</p><p> </p></ul> <p> </p><center><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/lines/vine.gif" /></center> <p> <a name="FAQ"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></a><br /> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="fruit damage">Damage is Noticed on the Fruit</a></strong><br /></p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit split <ul>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.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Pecans Drop before peak harvest time </p><ul><p>This is the trees normal shedding of nuts that are damaged or underdeveloped. No management required.</p></ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/altrnria.htm">Citrus turning yellow and droping before time. Brown sunken spot on the blossom end (as opposed to the stem end) of the fruit.</a> </p><p> </p></ul> <p> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="leaves">Damage is Noticed on the Leaves</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/agave-wv.htm"> Agave collapsed into a smelly, putrid, mess practically overnight</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/cut-worm.htm"> Seedlings have been clipped off right at the soil line</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables are being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">snails, slugs</a>, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/hornworm.htm">hornworms</a>or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Pecan <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> Aphid</a> infestations </p><ul> - 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. </ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/root-rot.htm"> Whole tree, or significant portion of plant died suddenly, the leaves turned brown but did not fall off.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Older leaves turn yellow and fall off. The plant is stunted. It wilts even when water is available The stem is streaked.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Very sudden die back of an olive tree branch. There is brown or green streaking between the bark and the wood.</a></p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="stem">Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk</a></strong><p> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/sun-burn.htm"> The bark is discolored and cracking on the South or West side of the trunk</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Older leaves turn yellow and fall off. The plant is stunted. It wilts even when water is available The stem is streaked.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Very sudden die back of an olive tree branch. There is brown or green streaking between the bark and the wood.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/root-rot.htm"> Whole tree, or significant portion of plant died suddenly, the leaves turned brown but did not fall off.</a></p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="roots">Damage is Noticed on the Roots</a></strong> <ul><p> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/palo-bor.htm"> There are large, white grubs in the soil around my roots and actually in the roots.</a> </p></ul> <p> </p> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="cultural">Cultural / Environmental Questions</a></strong> </p><ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Citrus fruit split <ul>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.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Pecans Drop before peak harvest time </p><ul>This is the trees normal shedding of nuts that are damaged or underdeveloped. No management required.</ul><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/sun-burn.htm"> The bark is discolored and cracking on the South or West side of the trunk</a></p><p> </p><p> </p></ul> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="insect/pest">Insect/Pest Questions</a></strong> <ul><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/agave-wv.htm"> Agave collapsed into a smelly, putrid, mess practically overnight</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/cut-worm.htm"> Seedlings have been clipped off right at the soil line</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Leaves of vegetables are being eaten by <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/snail.htm">snails, slugs,</a> <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/looper.htm">cabbage loopers</a>, or <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/bird.htm"> birds</a>.</p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" />Pecan <a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/aphid.htm"> Aphid</a> infestations </p><ul> - 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. </ul><p> </p></ul> <p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/redpin.gif" /><strong><a name="disease">Disease Questions</a></strong> </p><img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm"> Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly</a><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/pdr-mldw.htm">There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants</a> </p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Older leaves turn yellow and fall off. The plant is stunted. It wilts even when water is available The stem is streaked.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/vertcllm.htm"> Very sudden die back of an olive tree branch. There is brown or green streaking between the bark and the wood.</a></p><p> <img src="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/graphic/bullets/bluepin.gif" /><a href="http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/root-rot.htm"> Whole tree, or significant portion of plant died suddenly, the leaves turned brown but did not fall off.</a></p>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18625579.post-32459692289148069322008-09-30T18:22:00.006-07:002008-10-01T10:28:04.014-07:00RECIPE: Vertical Roasted Chicken<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYlf7R2iG-jd4yWdi5CLWQZ2ycbfn-uBcRiharv1LfbrqXbwVWUvv7MHjqDQ6pa4QEiIl05Vgx6SwqFJSXYiQWxsvzdP4slYp3zk1qxG6brFSrLd4WSqwlZQiFzjgmaZbud6-/s1600-h/IMG_0411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYlf7R2iG-jd4yWdi5CLWQZ2ycbfn-uBcRiharv1LfbrqXbwVWUvv7MHjqDQ6pa4QEiIl05Vgx6SwqFJSXYiQWxsvzdP4slYp3zk1qxG6brFSrLd4WSqwlZQiFzjgmaZbud6-/s400/IMG_0411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252237241357982450" border="0" /></a><br />I've been meaning to post a few recipes, so here's my first one. We were vegetarians for years so I am re-discovering how to cook with meat and being much pickier than I used to be. Also I have a little more time after work on some days so I can take a while if results warrant it.<br /><br />Roasted chicken is hardly unique but this recipe combines the features that I currently like best. I prefer minimal handling and cutting (so I avoid the flattened chicken that I used to make) and I like the skin to be crisp but not burnt, hence the use of a vertical roaster to raise the chicken and expose most of the skin and also a high temperature but not too high. Also I don't like to fuss so I keep the temperature the same throughout the process. Perhaps I should add that we prefer chicken to be completely done, not a bit rare in spots. Also I want to avoid non-stick pans and implements. But I still want it all to be easy to clean.<br /><br />I use the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004UE87/">NorPro Stainless Steel Roaster</a> which has a small pan at the bottom to catch most if not all of the juices. This is a cheap device I bought at Amazon. I place the device inside a shallow stainless steel baking pan. These are both very easy to clean and has the benefit of capturing the juices well. I use a stainless steel baster to remove the juices from the little pan at the end of cooking. They can be used as the base of a sauce for this or future dinners. I have two roasters and can easily fit two chickens in my oven at once, but usually I cook one at a time.<br /><br />This recipe is basically a variant of one I found on the Splendid Table website, with quite a few adjustments to meet my evolving specs. I'm sorry for all the steps, I'm just trying to be fairly complete. It's very easy. Also note, I think you could use any non-vertical roasting rack and get fairly similar results - the point is to raise the bird up off it's juices. I like the vertical roaster because it collects the juices nicely and seems to cook a bit quicker and produces maximal crispy skin.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vertical Roasted Chicken</span></span><br /><ul><li>Garlic cloves, onion slices, lemon/orange/fruit slices and/or fresh herbs (completely optional)</li><li>Salt and freshly ground black pepper or hot sauce (also optional but I think you really need salt - I use Diamond brand kosher salt)</li><li>1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or other delicious fat (I like to use duck fat when I have it, or bacon fat)</li><li>3-5 pound chicken (a humanely raised chicken please!)<br /></li></ul><ol><li>Remove the oven's middle rack(s). Put the bottom rack at the lowest level so there is room for the upright chicken and vertical rack.</li><li>Preheat to 400 (if you have a convection oven use 400, otherwise try 425 or 450).</li><li>Clean, rinse and dry the chicken, removing innards and extra fat as needed. I like to freeze these for future use. I separate out the livers and add to a jar of chicken livers that I am saving until I get enough to male something special. It is almost impossible to find organic chicken livers locally.</li><li>Bend the wings to tuck the wing tips under the wings, forming a triangle with the wings.</li><li>Rub the oil or fat all over the chicken and then sprinkle or rub with salt and optional pepper or hot sauce.</li><li>(OPTIONAL) You can push thin lemon slices and/or chopped herbs under the skin in strategic places but I usually skip this step.</li><li>Set the Vertical Roaster in a shallow baking pan. Push the chicken down onto the wire tower so the top of the vertical roaster comes up to or through the neck cavity. Rest the bird's legs on the raised edge at the bottom of the vertical roaster to avoid having them soak in the juices. You can add a few tablespoons of liquid to the little pan at the bottom of the roaster. I used to do this but once I forgot and it was fine and did not smoke too much.<br /></li><li>(OPTIONAL) Push herbs or other flavoring into the cavity along with the ribs of the vertical roaster. This will only have a minor affect on the final product but it is a nice touch and enhances the juices.</li><li>Place the baking pan with the chicken on it's roaster into the preheated oven on the center of the bottom rack. Remember that you have to remove the other racks, preferably before they get hot.Bake/roast at 400 degrees, using the convection setting for approximately 10 minutes per pound plus 20 minutes if the chicken is cold from the refrigerator (or plus 10 minutes if the chicken has been out for a half hour - not necessarily recommended practice from a food safety point of view).</li><li>When the allotted time is up (or maybe 10 minutes in advance) check to see if it is done. Either use an instant read thermometer or prick the leg at the thigh joint to see if the juices run clear, or just use your judgment based on how it feels and moves when you touch it.</li><li>When done, remove it from the oven and turn off the oven.</li><li>Let bird rest 10 minutes at room temperature, still on the rack, then serve. You can simply leave it on the roaster and cut away the legs, thighs and wings and then (optionally) the wish bone. Be careful when you cut the skin at first, especially at the thigh, because hot juices may rapidly flow out. Then cut away the breast meat or slice it off. Don't forget to use or save the delicious juices, possibly removing them from the brimming pan with a baster. Save the bones and scraps for soup - I collect them in my freezer until I'm ready to make broth.</li><li>If some guests don't eat chicken skin, you might want to remove it before serving, and share it amongst those who appreciate it. You can even crisp it under the broiler if needed.</li><li>Timing notes - Not counting the ten minute rest at the end, a 4 pound chicken takes about an hour (4 times 10 plus 20 minutes) and a five pound chicken takes about an hour and ten minutes. So it's not super fast, but worth the wait. And once it's in the oven you don't have any fussing over it until the end.<br /></li></ol>Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997165025501397522noreply@blogger.com6