Newsletter High on the Desert Cochise County Master Gardener

Vol. 26, No. 7 July 2015

The University of Arizona and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating

The Virtual Gardener—Gardening for Geeks Whether we love it or hate it, there is ters stray outside acceptable limits, the no denying that the internet has had a plants fail to perform well and may even major impact on us. We use it to com- die. It is the job of the gardener to make municate with each other, to keep sure this doesn’t happen. Smart garden ourselves informed/entertained, and even sensors can assist gardeners in monitor- to go shopping. It has both simplified and ing and managing these conditions. complicated our lives. We’ve always had instruments to help Now a new internet wave—a tsunami, us monitor conditions in the garden, actually—is crashing down upon us. It is ranging from thermometers, to moisture the so-called internet of things (IoT), a meters, to devices that measure the network of smart devices (“things”) electrical conductivity of the soil. These embedded with electronics, software, instruments presented us with a reading sensors and connectivity that enable them of some parameter and left it to us to Inside this issue: to talk to each other, to computers, and figure out whether it was a good value or In a Desert Garden 2 to people, and in many cases to be able to a bad value and what to do about it if it This Month in the Garden 3 make decisions and take autonomous were bad. The new smart sensors—for Help Wanted 3 actions. Soon these devices will be want of a better name, let’s call them Ready, Set . . . Grow! 4 everywhere—embedded in our applianc- Smart Garden Monitors (SGM)—take Cuttings “N’ Clippings 4 es, our homes, our automobiles, and even this a step farther. They not only measure Bloomin’ Cochise County 5 in our gardens. The first of them to assist a parameter, but in most cases store it, New MG Web Site 6 gardeners is already available or in the monitor its behavior over time, compare pipeline to soon become available. Let’s it with a database of plant requirements, July Reminders 6 see how they can help us. and make recommendations for correct- To keep our plants alive and healthy, ing a deficiency. Some can even take an we need to provide them with suitable action such as turning an irrigation environments. Among other things, they system on or off. need the right amount of sunlight and The first of these SGMs to hit the water, the right soil chemistry, and just market were fairly limited in capability. the right temperatures. If these parame- (Continued on Page 2)

Cochise County Cooperative Extension www.ag.arizona.edu/cochise/mg/ 1140 N. Colombo, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 450 S. Haskell, Willcox, AZ 85643 (520) 458-8278, Ext. 2141 (520) 384-3594 P AGE 2

(Continued from page 1) monitor one plant or small group of feet. This stalk has tubular flowers They measured only one or two plants does not seem to be cost that cover it on all sides. These flow- parameters—usually moisture and/or effective. A better solution would be ers are about two inches long and temperature—and had to be physi- to have an array of inexpensive surrounded by three green or pur- cally connected to a computer to sensors that could be scattered plish bracts. The calyx has two lips, download data. The latest systems throughout the garden, each sending the upper one forming a helmet on are more sophisticated, measuring data back to a central collection point. top of the corolla. The flower has more parameters, connecting Arrays of self-organizing networked four stamens that look like tiny wirelessly to smart phones, tablets, sensors exist and are already in use in brushes. These flowers can only be or other computers, accessing plant a variety of contexts such as ecologi- pollinated by large bees. It is an im- databases over the internet, and cal studies. pressive plant. My variety is a hybrid using sophisticated apps to analyze So far this technology has only miniature, but really, there is nothing data and make plant-specific barely scratched the surface of what’s miniature about it. The only other recommendations. possible for the gardener. But we’ve location here in town where I have The latest SGMs are more capable still got a long way to go. The day has than their predecessors but they still not arrived when a “brown thumb” seen this plant growing is at the Bank have a long way to go. For starters, gardener can produce a thriving of America building where there are they need to come down in price…a garden based solely on the advice of a several plants that have an impres- lot! I don’t know about you, but I SGM, and it may never come. But sive size. think spending $50 to $100 for a we’re moving in that direction. In a mild winter like the one we SGM to monitor a single plant or If you would like to learn more had, the plant keeps its leaves. In a small group of plants is kind of about gardening monitor systems— cold one it loses them. It goes expensive. But I’m sure the prices including some systems you can build dormant and does not flower in really will come down as competition for yourself—check out this website. hot weather like we had last spring. increases and the R&D costs are Until next time, happy surfing! This year, with its prolonged mild amortized out. Gary Gruenhagen, Master Gardener weather, it is thriving and has pro- The sensors themselves need to [email protected] duced this beautiful flowering stalk become more sophisticated as well. (see photo). Now, as the weather is Temperature, moisture, and sunlight heating up, I are fairly straight forward to can see it suf- measure but soil chemistry is a little fer. More water more complicated. The current In a Desert Garden really does not sensors measure “fertilizer” using help as it is the electrical conductivity (EC) of very drought the soil as a surrogate metric. EC Bear's breeches—Acanthus mollis tolerant and measures the concentration of This is an unusual plant and in this dissolved salts in the soil. Since prefers dry part of the world I have never seen it conditions. A plant nutrients occur as dissolved for sale. I cannot remember how I salts, this sounds reasonable, but not few years ago, happened to get one—it’s been too I dug the plant all salts are equal. Some, like long ago. These plants are native to sodium, can be toxic. The SGM up and to give the Mediterranean countries with mild needs to be smart enough to it more space I planted it under the and dry conditions. This is a shade distinguish between different types large arbor of my Tombstone rose, of salts and measure the concentra- loving plant that withers in the heat of but it didn't make it. There was just tions of each. It should also be able summer when it usually goes dormant. more water than it likes. I thought I to measure soil pH. Even if nutrients I have it planted in the entry to my had lost it, but to my surprise it came are present in sufficient quantities, home which has an alcove. There it back in full force at its old location. they may not be available to the grows at the bottom of a star jasmine That told me you can never really get plants if the pH is wrong. Perhaps which is trained over a trellis. rid of it once it is established and the SGM of the future will even be Bear's breeches grows from tubers, under the right conditions, I think, it able to measure plant “vitals” and it forms a clump of large deep can be invasive. directly rather than relying on green serrated leaves almost a foot in surrogate parameters. diameter. From that huge rosette of Angel Rutherford, Master Gardener As previously mentioned, the idea leaves, in late spring emerges the Photographer of using a single expensive SGM to flowering stalk, that can reach three P AGE 3

This Month In the High Desert Garden—Gardening in the Heat

(Editor’s Note: This article written “big three” plant nutrients). So, when thority than the University of Arizo- by Bill Schulze was adapted from a you look at the label, you’ll see three na Cooperative Extension. Realize July 2011 article published in the numbers prominently displayed, that over-application of fertilizers Sierra Vista Herald.) maybe 16-16-16, or 21-0-0 can kill plants. Excess nitrogen to a July is another hot month in the (ammonium sulfate), or 16-20-0 slightly lesser degree will result in high desert garden, thankfully, (ammonium phosphate). These three lush growth, so you’ll have tomato though, a bit cooler than June. numbers refer, in order, to the plants that look gorgeous, but that Continue to plant summer vegeta- amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and don’t flower and don’t produce fruit bles such as melons, cucumbers, potassium contained in the fertilizer. --and a beautiful tomato plant with beans, pumpkins, eggplant, okra, A zero means, of course, that the fer- no ‘maters ain’t worth much in my and summer and winter squash. tilizer contains none of that particular book!

You can still plant peppers and constituent. The point being, of Bill Schulze, Master Gardener tomatoes, but it’s best to buy course, don’t buy ammonium sulfate them as plants from a nursery; (with a second number of zero) to don’t start them from seed this correct a phosphorus deficiency! Co- late in the summer. Summer rains chise County soils normally contain Help Wanted will lessen the need for additional plenty of potassium, but are typically watering, but continue to water lacking in nitrogen and sometimes in Volunteers for the Cochise Coun- during dry spells. An irrigation or phosphorus. Some fertilizers also ty Herbarium have been busy identi- drip system, plus mulch, makes contain additional minerals like man- fying plants we haven't seen in years, this task easier and conserves wa- ganese, magnesium, and copper and and would like to share what we've ter. Plant herbs, too—basil, mint, these additional constituents will be discovered with others who are inter- oregano, sage, chives, and thyme listed on the container. For iron defi- ested in non-cultivated plants in the all do well in the heat, but avoid ciency (chlorosis) buy iron chelate. area. We encourage anyone who has dill, cilantro, and parsley which The chelated form makes the iron questions about the identities of these prefer cooler temperatures. more readily available to the plant. plants to send photographs or pre- Good annual flower choices Pecan trees often suffer from a zinc served specimens to us. Photographs include sunflowers, cosmos, vin- deficiency in our soils, showing should include flowers, fruits if cas, marigolds, and zinnias. Con- symptoms like small leaves, rosetting available, leaf structure and arrange- tinue to deadhead roses and other (whorls of small leaves at the branch ment, and growth habit (e.g., herb, flowering plants to stimulate new tip), and brown spots. The remedy for shrub, tree). Preserved specimens of flower growth and to remove un- this is a foliar application of zinc sul- flowers, fruits, and leaves should be sightly spent blooms. fate. Zinc absorption is enhanced by pressed in newspaper or other com- Watch all plants for signs of spraying the leaves with a mixture of parable material under a flat, heavy nutrient deficiencies. When it two heaping tablespoons of ammoni- object such as a book or board. comes to selecting a fertilizer or um sulfate with two heaping table- Pressed plants that have a significant mineral supplement to correct spoons of zinc sulfate in a gallon of water content should have layers of deficiencies, it’s important to read water. cardboard above and below while and understand the label on the It’s important when using fertiliz- drying to inhibit mold growth. Please box or bag. Fertilizers, whether ers, pesticides, or herbicides to fol- record the following information organic or synthetic, are required low the directions on the label pre- about the collected plant: date col- by law to in- cisely. It is against federal law to ap- lected and specific location including clude the per- ply pesticides or herbicides other approximate elevation and surround- centages, by than in accordance with the label. ing vegetation. weight, of ni- Don’t mix products in the same con- Email photos to Mimi Kamp at trogen, phos- tainer or application. The preceding [email protected] or drop off your phorus and example that mixes zinc sulfate and pressed specimens at the UA Cooper- potassium (N, ammonium phosphate is a rare ex- ative Extension Office, M-F, 8:00 P, and K, re- ception that has been well studied AM – 5:00 PM (closed for lunch spectively, the and recommended by no less an au- from 12 – 1:00 PM). P AGE 4 Ready, Set . . . Grow! As many of you know it is not mint family can be a bit aggressive recommended to plant things in the in their spreading nature when in the month of June, especially trans- right location. Also, the rhizomes are plants because of having the hot- what you harvest so they take a little test temperatures and plants really more cleaning just like other root have a hard time surviving if plant- vegetables. You will not want it to ed now. go to flower as this will change the However, I wanted to introduce taste to more bitter in flavor. (or remind you) of Stachys affinis On another note, I am sure we Cuttings ‘N’ Clippings or better known as the Chinese have all heard of All-America Selec- The Cochise County Master artichoke. I am unsure if any of tions (AAS). I wanted to take a mi- Gardeners have changed their you have had success growing this nute to make sure all our readers meeting schedule. They now meet little garden delight, but I would have also heard of some of the latest on the second Thursday of the love to hear about it if so. Stachys and newest varieties approved and month, from 2:00—4:00 PM in affinis, also known as Crosne released by this organization. I will the Public Meeting Room (PMR) (pronounced “crone”) is a member not have the space actually to go of the University of Arizona of the Lamiaceae family (mint) through all of them here, but I will South. Check the web site for the originating from China and is a touch on three of the most popular next scheduled event or contact perennial herbaceous plant that that would be suitable for our grow- Valerie at: spreads by rhizomes that can be ing area and leave you with the link [email protected] eaten as a root vegetable. They do to visit their website. have a look to them that resembles First, there is the 2015 winner two-  The Master Gardeners have re- grub worms but don’t let that dis- tone Bossa Nova zucchini. It has turned to the Sierra Vista Farmers courage your efforts, Place the beautiful markings, is disease re- Market on the first Thursday of each month. tubers in the top 2-3 inches of soil sistant, and produces fruit three in a place where they will receive weeks longer than other summer The next free Water Wise sun but afternoon shade for our squash according to AAS. Secondly, presentation will be Tuesday, July desert. They can be used in salads the Chef’s Choice orange (last year’s 7 from 5:30—7:00 PM in the Cop- or even served as the main ingredi- winner) and Chef’s Choice pink (this per Queen Library in Old Bisbee. ent for a side dish, like with peas year’s winner) beefsteak tomatoes The topic will be What is That or asparagus. The taste resembles that are great for hamburger slices or Plant? by Cado Daily. water chestnuts with a crunchy for canning. And last but certainly On July 11 from 8:00—- texture and earthy flavor. Word of not least, the Dolce Fresca basil, 11:00AM there will be a Sierra which is a dense but compact basil Vista Rainwater Talk & Tour. that is perfect for container garden- Meet at the University of Arizona ing. South PMR—tour to follow. And These new varieties have under- on July 18 there will be a Bisbee gone extensive testing before they Rainwater Talk & Tour from are entitled as “winners.” If you 8:00—11:00 AM. Registration is would like to know more about AAS required for both talks. Check the and other winners from this year and Water Wise 2015 schedule on their Photo taken by Holly A. Heyser previous years visit: web site: from honest-food.net. all-americaselections.org. waterwise.arizona.edu Happy gardening, friends! For more information and registra-

caution, however, if you decide to Joshua Sherman, M.S. tion contact Valerie at: add these beauties expect them to Commercial Horticulture Area Agent [email protected] stay around a bit as you know the P AGE 5

It’s a Bloomin’ Cochise County Native Plant of the Month—Yucca! “Spanish Bayonet” and “Our agaves have relatively shallow roots fibrous leaves provided material for Lord’s Candle” are just two of the and can be easily transplanted when weaving into sandals, mats, baskets common names given to stalks of small, yuccas are very difficult to and ropes. Needles were fashioned showy white flowers rising from reposition once established, which is from the sharp tips of leaves, and clusters of stiff, narrow, and sharp- why we’re lucky these hardy orna- flowers, fruits and young flower tipped yucca leaves. The blooms of mentals are available in nurseries stalks served as food. Steroidal com- our Soaptree yuccas (Yucca elata) throughout the Southwest. Unlike pounds in Mohave yucca were said in the grasslands near Sierra Vista agaves, which die after their flower to have anti-inflammatory proper- are one of the more spectacular stalk is produced using energy stored ties. signs that we’ve had favorable con- in their leaves, yuccas flower contin- Sometimes when we cultivate ditions for growth of spring wild- uously during their lives when con- flowers for our enjoyment, or share flowers this year. ditions are right. them to brighten other people’s Banana yucca or Datil (Yucca bac- lives, we forget that showy flowers cata) stays short, usually no more are nature’s way of ensuring species Yucca elata than three feet high, but can spread survival by inviting pollinators to sideways with prostrate stems. It promote fertilization. Yucca’s thrives in nutritionally poor soil but scheme for getting its flowers ferti- does not tolerate shade. With flower lized is one of the most extreme in stalks usually shorter than 5 feet, its nature, depending on one of several fruits are relatively large and fleshy. related species of moths in a mutual- Mohave yucca (Yucca schidigera) istic relationship. Female yucca can grow up to 16 feet tall with moths in the species Tegeticula or branches. It might be mistaken for Parategeticula are adapted to ferti- Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) ex- lize a yucca by being equipped with cept that Joshua Tree’s leaves are mouthparts designed to collect and less than a foot long, whereas those compact pollen to such an extent of Mohave yucca are over 2 feet in that they cannot eat and their adult length. life is short. After emerging from the Schott’s yucca or Hoary yucca ground in spring where the previous (Yucca schottii) produces a flower year’s larvae pupated, males and stalk up to 16 feet high, and is found females mate on yucca blossoms and in canyons and on hillsides up to the female immediately collects pol- Classified along with Agaves in 7,000 feet in the Huachucas. len from a flower’s anthers, shaping the Asparagaceae family, yuccas All of these species were im- it into a ball. differ from their more grounded portant to Native Americans for a Instinct compels her to search out cousins in having a large, under- variety of uses. As suggested by the a flower of a different yucca, pro- ground caudex, a stem/root combi- name, the Soaptree yucca provided moting cross-pollination. Before nation that stores energy and water saponins, sudsy compounds from transferring the pollen to the new for a genus that can tolerate hot, dry crushed roots and trunks that served plant’s stigma, she uses her acute periods in the southwest. Whereas as soap for clothing and hair. The (Continued on page 6)

The Cochise County Master Gardeners are now on Facebook! Like us at www.Facebook.com/CochiseCountyMasterGardeners

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Jeffrey C. Silvertooth, Associate Dean & Director, Economic Development & Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona. The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities. The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cooperative Extension is implied. Any products, services, or organizations that are mentioned, shown, or indirectly implied in this publication do not imply endorsement by the University of Arizona. P AGE 6

(Continued from page 5) sense of smell to confirm that no other female moths have visited that flower. She then lays a few eggs, just enough to nourish her young but not enough to deplete the flower’s ovary. Finally, she leaves her ball of pollen on “her” flower’s stigma. When the larvae are mature after feeding for a few weeks, they drop Cochise County Master Gardeners to the ground, bury themselves and NEW Web Site!!! prepare to pupate. Every year there are some pupae that remain dormant and overwinter twice to ensure that there will be some adults in the area Growing, Connecting, Educating... in case of an inclement winter. The fact that yuccas cultivated outside Gardening and Landscaping on the High Desert their moths’ range fail to produce seeds unless they’re hand pollinated confirms their dependence on the The Cochise County Master Gardener web site has a new look. Check it moths in nature. out! The new URL is: http://cals.arizona.edu/cochise/mg/ In addition to relying on moth pol- For many months Cochise County Master Gardeners have worked with linators, yuccas are hosts for carpen- University of Arizona web developers to create a new and more modern ter bee larvae, whose mothers exca- look for the web site. The result is a site that is more attractive to look at vate chambers for their young in old with a more modern user interface. And there are going to be more new yucca flower stalks. Carpenter bees features rolled out over the coming months. Stay tuned. Moving the content to the new site was a huge job. Although we tried to bring everything over, there is always a chance that something may have fallen through the crack. So if you discover something that was left out— or if you have any other comments about the new site—drop a note to the County Director of Extension, Susan Pater [[email protected]] and let us know what you think.

are generalists when it comes to their services, preferring a variety of large, colorful flowers in arid cli- mates. Carpenter bees are showing Cochise County Master promise as substitutes for non-native Gardener Newsletter Editor honeybees in servicing such crops Carolyn Gruenhagen as tomatoes and eggplants.  Keep the pests under control  You can still plant something Virginia Bealer, Guest Author  Herbarium volunteer Keep watering!