Newsletter High on the Desert Cochise County Master Gardener

Vol. 26, No. 9 September 2015

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

The Virtual Gardener—For Everything There is a Time A calendar can be one of the most The first tool is an interactive table on a useful tools in a gardener’s toolbox. Not webpage showing data for 29 herbs and only can it help in keeping track of the vegetables and 67 flowers and other past—what was planted, when it was ornamental . The data shown focus planted, and how it performed—but it can on planting seeds indoors for later trans- also help plan for the future by providing planting into the garden. They include how guidance on what to and when to far ahead to plant seeds indoors before plant it. This month I want to take a look at transplanting and when to transplant some great online tools for creating garden seedlings. To get customized data for your calendars and some tips for using them. area you must supply the average date of One of my favorites is found on the last frost for your area. Burpee Seed Company website. Simply In addition to the table described above, enter your zip code to display a calendar you can also find a couple of downloadable Inside this issue: customized for your area. The calendar spreadsheet-based (Microsoft Excel) shows your approximate first and last frost calculators that provide additional custom- Cuttings “N’ Clippings 2 dates, a list of 40 common garden vegeta- ized data for your area. To use these Advantages of Fall Planting 3 bles, ranges of dates for starting seeds calculators, you need to supply the Ready, Set . . . Grow! 4 indoors, planting seeds outdoors in the estimated first frost date for your area. The A Few Gold Comps . . . 5 garden, and transplanting seedlings started first of these, a succession planting September Reminders 6 indoors. The graphic format makes it easy calculator, shows a selection of herbs and to compare the characteristics of different vegetables (and includes blank spaces for plants. Links on the page also provide you to enter additional types and varieties), additional information about each vegeta- the number of days to maturity for each, ble listed. As you can see on this calendar the recommended interval between even at this late date, there are still plenty plantings, and the dates for each planting. of options for planting cool weather By using a succession planting strategy, veggies outside. you can be assured of a constant supply of A more elaborate set of tools is found on produce throughout the growing season. the Johnny’s Selected Seeds website. Here The second calculator gives you recom- you will find a set of calendar-related tools (Continued on Page 2) to help you with your vegetable gardening.

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

(The Virtual Gardener Continued from page 1) Probabilities for Sierra Vista and see frost,” in this case November 16. mended planting dates for 28 how to interpret these data. The WRCC produces a similar table vegetable crops to harvest in the fall. Although most plants will not showing the probabilities of last In addition it indicates which immediately expire when the tempera- “freeze” dates in the spring. That vegetables should be started indoors ture touches freezing, I’m going to table shows the probabilities that the and which can be directly seeded select 32.5˚F as the critical tempera- last “freeze” will occur by a certain into the garden. The dates shown are ture for this example. You might date. For Sierra Vista, there is a 50 either for direct seeding into the choose to be a little more daring and percent chance that the last “freeze” garden or for transplanting seedlings select one of the lower temperatures. will occur by March 23. started indoors. As I glance over the chart, I note the There are many additional re- Because many of our vegetable earliest date that my critical tempera- sources on the web that provide crops are frost sensitive, the ture occurred during the period of guidance on garden calendars and estimated dates of first and last record was October 22, so I can be related information. Here are a few frosts are critical to garden planning. almost certain that it won’t freeze for you to check out: The Western Regional Climate before that date. On the other end of Optimum soil temperatures for seed Center (WRCC) maintains extensive the chart, I see the latest date for my germination. data sets containing information critical temperature to be recorded was Arizona Master Gardener Manual about the climate, including 30-year November 28. That means it’s almost Planting and harvesting times for averages of first and last “freeze” guaranteed that it will frost on or after garden vegetables. dates for hundreds of locations. that date. Iowa State Extension bulletin These data allow you to make The next column tells me that only Scheduling vegetable plantings for sophisticated guesses about these 10 percent of the time has a low continuous harvest. critical dates for your area. Records temperature of 32.5˚F been reached on National Sustainable Agriculture for cities in Arizona can be found or before October 30. Each succeeding Information Service here. column shows higher and higher Vegetable planting guide. The “freeze” data supplied by the probabilities of 32.5˚F being reached Colorado State University Exten- WRCC allows you to assess the risk by the indicated date. The next to the sion of temperatures reaching or falling last column tells me that 90 percent of Until next time, happy surfing! below a selection of five tempera- the time it’s been reached by Novem- tures. Let’s take a look at the table ber 24. The 50 percent value is most Gary Gruenhagen, Master Gardener below showing Fall “Freeze” commonly used as the date of “first [email protected]

Cuttings ‘N’ Clippings

Cochise County Master Garden- The next free Water Wise presenta- garden and wonderful plants ready er Association—Check the web site tion will be Saturday, September 12 for a home in your landscape. for the next scheduled event or contact from 10:00—11:00 AM at Ace Hard- Check the Water Wise 2015 Valerie at: ware, 3756 E. Fry Blvd. Sierra Vista in schedule on their web site: [email protected] the gardening section. Cado Daily, Wa- waterwise.arizona.edu ter Wise Educator will speak on Winter For more information contact  The Master Gardeners have returned Gardening: Vegetables and More. It’s Valerie at: to the Sierra Vista Farmers Market still a great time to plant landscape [email protected] on the first Thursday of each month. plants—and a winter garden. Learn how to have a productive winter vegetable (Continued on page 3) P AGE 3

(Cuttings ‘N’ Clippings Continued from page 2) The Advantages of 7. New plantings in the fall can be  more gradually hardened off to the sun, The Fall Plant Sale by the Sierra Fall Planting so as the sun becomes gradually more Vista Area Gardeners Club will be intense in the spring, there is much less held at the Sierra Vista Farmers I hear people talk about cleaning chance of leaf scorch. This is especial- Market in Veterans Park on Fry their garden tools and stashing them ly true for plants you may wish to Boulevard, Thursday, September away until next spring. No! Don’t do place in a sunnier location, but might 17 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 it! The very best gardening season is be borderline shade loving. An exam- PM. They will have lots of house- about to begin! Most folks think that ple is Star Jasmine (Trachylospermum plants, cool season vegetables, annu- spring is the best time for new plant- jasminum). If planted in full sun in the als, and perennials for sale. As usual, ings. We are so fortunate to be gar- spring/summer it will most likely suf- they will be offering free packets of dening in our high desert, as we can fer some burning on the leaves. But if seeds. For more information, contact actually plant a huge variety of things planted in the fall, those same leaves Diane Levine, Chairman Fall Plant 12 months of the year. But the best become gradually and gently accus- Sale, Sierra Vista Area Gardeners time . . . the VERY best time to plant tomed to the less intense sun, and are Club at: is in the fall. Our fall season is Sep- hardened off or “sun tanned” when [email protected] tember through about mid-November, spring arrives when the stronger sun and there are numerous reasons why The Cochise Chapter of the Ari- begins rising in our desert skies. this is such a great gardening season. 8. Autumn plantings have to deal with zona Native Plant Society holds 1. The air is cooling down and new monthly programs on the third Fri- fewer pests and less disease than in the plantings require less water on a con- hotter months. day of each month from September tinual basis to get them started. through May at 5:00 PM in the Co- 9. New fall plantings will lose less wa- 2. The soil is still warm from the ter through their leaves, and any winter chise County Community Develop- summer months. Often when plants ment Office Conference Room, 4001 rains will further soak their roots. are installed in the spring, the soil is 10. Plants in the nurseries are generally Foothills Dr. (corner of Highway 92 still cool, and they sit inactive for a and Foothills), Sierra Vista. The larger in the fall, as the growers have bit waiting for warmer soil tempera- had more time with the grow season to Chapter has established a Facebook tures to encourage their root growth. website at: bring them up to size. Also, you’ll of- When planted in the fall, the warm ten find fun varieties of plants in the http://www.facebook.com/AZNPS soil allows for healthy new roots to Cochise where much useful infor- fall which were unavailable in the begin forming in order to support spring. mation about the chapter and its future growth. members is posted. 11. Many times, there are wonderful 3. Fall plantings can use their ener- sales in the nurseries in the fall as the September 18: Dr. Kit O'Connor, gies in the still warm soil to become Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Associ- stores are preparing to clear the decks established, then when spring arrives, for the winter season. ate, School of Natural Resources and the energy goes into growth, as op- the Environment and Laboratory of 12. And the best reason for fall garden- posed to starting from the beginning. ing?!? The temperatures are cooling Tree-Ring Research, University of When the days become shorter, and Arizona will present a summary of down for US!!! It’s fun to be outdoors the nights longer, the fall plantings in the fall. True gardeners are happy to his current research on fire and cli- shift their objective to root develop- mate change risks to the forest as- be bundled up, working in a sweatshirt ment. In spring, the plant’s focus is and gloves . . . maybe even in a heavy semblages at Fort Huachuca. production of leaves, shoots, flowers, jacket while the other folks have mi- Cochise County and berries. grated indoors for the winter. Master Gardener’s 4. Even as the autumn soils begin to A last couple of thoughts . . . it’s a Fall Plant Sale will cool, the developing roots are still great idea to give your plants an au- be held September using stored nutrients to grow. tumn feeding approximately 6 weeks 19 beginning at 5. Fall plantings do not have to deal before the first frost. I know. Your 9:00 AM in the Dis- with the long duration of heat, winds, question is, “When is the first frost?” covery Garden at UA and drought. They will also suffer The last many years have been unpre- Sierra Vista, 1140 N. less transplant shock. dictable. I’ve seen the first frost on Colombo. Check the 6. When spring arrives, the autumn Halloween. I’ve seen the web site for the next scheduled event plantings will have larger roots which first frost in December. or contact Valerie at: can better keep up with both the wa- I’m no help here. So let’s [email protected] ter and nutrient needs of active spring (Continued on page 4) growth. P AGE 4

sharpshooter transfer the bacterium to pecan. Ready, Set . . . Grow! Currently, there is no treatment to recommend for these bacteria. All cultivars are susceptible to it as As of late I have been in the pe- PBLS is caused by the bacterium well. The goal then is to identify can orchards a lot! What am I doing Xylella fastidiosa. Research at Loui- what is spreading the disease first, out there? I am sampling leaves and siana State University indicates the then we will work on a realistic and setting insect traps because a bacteri- pecan strain of Xylella fastidiosa economical approach to suppressing al disease has presented itself in pe- belongs to the multiplex subspecies, its severity. can orchards. It is the first time it has but strain identification of the patho- been positively identified in Arizona. gen in Arizona has not been con- I thought it would be good to take firmed. It resides only in the xylem the opportunity to discuss it here and tissue. PBLS can cause significant share the information. defoliation and reduction in yield. Pecan Bacterial Leaf Scorch Disease development and symptoms (PBLS), caused by the bacterial path- can occur on one or several limbs ogen, Xylella fastidiosa, has been randomly throughout the tree cano- positively identified in Arizona pe- py, as well as throughout the cano- cans. Variant strains of Xylella fas- py. tidiosa cause disease in other plants In Arizona, symptoms are usually including grape, peach, plum, al- noticeable on terminal shoots (but Pecan Bacterial Leaf Scorch mond, sycamore, oak, red maple and can be secondary shoots) and in- (PBLS) on the terminal shoot of this chitalpa. PBLS is problematic in clude curling leaflet margins that limb. Notice the secondary shoot most pecan cultivars in the South- turn tan to brown. Necrosis pro- has no symptoms that it spreads east, but has never been positively gresses toward the midrib and petio- through the xylem. identified in Arizona. Investigations lule, followed by abscission of af- of the distribution of disease in Ari- fected leaflets and rachises. The zona orchards as well as the origin of terminal shoot often turns black and the pathogen and its insect vector(s) dies. Leaves exhibit marginal necro- are well underway. sis that can be confused with, or A survey will be conducted in Au- occur in concert with, other prob- gust-October with the cooperation of lems such as salinity, black aphid growers. It is funded by the Arizona damage, and foliar fungal patho- Pecan Growers Association and the gens. See photos. University of Arizona Cooperative No insect vectors have been re- Extension. Diagnostics of the cause ported for Xylella fastidiosa in Ari- of disease symptoms will be con- zona pecans. However, on other ducted by the UA Extension Plant horticultural crops including Vitis Pathology Lab to distinguish PBLS and Prunus, species have been lim- from other diseases and determine its ited to members of the Cicadellidae Pecan Bacterial Leaf Scorch distribution. Insect traps will be dis- (leafhopper) and Cercopidae (PBLS) on the terminal shoot. tributed by UA Cochise County Co- (spittlebug) families. Studies at Lou- Happy gardening, friends! operative Extension in locations pos- isiana State University show that itively identified for PBLS to survey adult spittlebugs, stink bug Joshua Sherman, M.S. for insect vectors. (leafhopper), and the glassy-winged Commercial Horticulture Area Agent

(The Advantages of Fall Planting Continued from page 3) say to fall fertilize by mid-October. It’s that fertilization that stores nutrients throughout the winter and pushes the new growth in the spring. And just because we’re raving about fall planting here, that doesn’t mean to not plant anything in the spring. We should ALWAYS be planting. Just celebrate the glorious autumn season and stay outdoors and GARDEN to your heart’s delight! For a list of 30 Great Landscape Plants for Fall Planting, click here.

Jan Groth, Cochise County Master Gardener Coordinator P AGE 5 It’s a Bloomin’ Cochise County Native Plant of the Month— A Few Golden Comps … and One Pink SAN PEDRO MATCHWEED plant are resinous, and are believed to help congested breathing.

Gymnosperma glutinosum Photo: Mimi Kamp

Gymnosperma glutinosum (form- erly Selloa glutinosa) has impressed Grindelia nuda var.aphanactis me as a potentially excellent land- Photo: Mimi Kamp scape plant. It seems to hold its own from arid desert scrub grassland to oak and pinon/juniper grassland. SAN PEDRO DAISY Often found on rocky hillsides in sandy or gravelly soil, it is a well- Lasianthaea podocephala Photos: David Alexander, SEINet Xanthocephalum gymnospermoides balanced and woody plant to 2’ tall Photo: Liz Makings, SEINet or more that looks good though drought and becomes glorious with Xanthocephalum gymnospermoi- rain. The linear leaves are a glowing des (also known as Gummy Broom- green, slightly resinous, with dense weed and Gummy Snakeweed), is a compact small-flowered heads of rich golden-flowered resinous annu- rich yellow. Without having propa- al of lowland, flat meadows, in gated it myself, I’d like to suggest moist soils at least during the mon- that we might collect seed and give it soon. An annual to 3’ tall or a bit a try! Does anyone have a skill with more, it is showy, even spectacular, cuttings? How bout it? Up to the Lasianthaea podocephala is a beau- in its typically massive dense stands maples, down to the creosote – such tiful yellow composite with a lovely – a sea of gold appears at the end of a range of habitat and elevation crown of minute open disc flowers summer in an otherwise quiet and make Tatalencho a good candidate surrounding the unopened greenish uneventful landscape. The sticky for survivability through climate disc buds. This feature, the hairy resinous flowers, though not large, changes. In , leaves are put in opposite leaves, its shortish stature, are densely grouped in heads at the shoes for sore feet and rubbed on ant and sense of gentle grace distinguish tops of the plants. The name bites. it from other yellow comps. At ‘Matchweed’ refers to dried stems Speaking of gummy comps, I home in oak grassland (4,000’ - apparently having been used in kin- must mention CURLYTOP GUM- 7,500’), it enjoys shaded or open, dling fires as the resin makes them WEED, Yerba del Buey Grindelia often sloping, sites. A cluster of especially flammable. This show is nuda var. aphanactis, a somewhat longish, spindle-shaped tubers en- visible now near the Brown Canyon weedy but handsome biennial or sures its endurance through dry Ranch, around Naco, and most like- perennial that I find in disturbed are- times. ly in areas around the river. as from 5,000’. White gum (goo) is In Mexico the plant is lovingly produced on the buds or discs (no called Pionia (no relation to Peony) GUMHEAD, TATALENCHO rays on this species). All parts of the and the tubers are reputed to relieve (Continued on page 6) 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) ‘empacho’ (intestinal blockage). Did you know . . . The Cochise County Fair Plant this one for its sweet beauty in semi-domesticated mid-elevation habitat with trees. will be held at the fairgrounds in Douglas on

THURBER’S DESERTPEONY September 24—27? For information go to thurberi http://cochisecountyfair.org/ Photo: Reis Lindley

Acourtia thurberi is an astounding- ly beautiful robust herbaceous per- ennial with holly-edged leaves and large pink flower heads - the queen of rocky granitic oak grassland hillsides above drainages or ethere- al streams. Related to the little De- sert Holly with similar honey- smelling flowers…but this one has bigger heads with more flowers Ask a Master Gardener atop stems that reach 3 - 4’. A heaven and haven for innumerable Cochise County Master Gardeners are available to insects… many butterflies!! After a answer your gardening questions either by telephone spectacular bloom, there is another fall show as the sun glows through call to the Cooperative Extension Office or on-line on the pure white seed plumes. the web site at: The astringent root of the similar but lower elevation Acourtia http://cals.arizona.edu/cochise/mg/ask-master-gardener wrightii of the is a Navaho remedy called Brownfoot or Buffalo Fur - for the soft brown fur at the top of the root which oc- casionally protrudes from the ground. This fur can also be seen on our high desert species. A name like Buffalo Fur seems more fitting than Desertpeony for a composite

that has nothing to do with the peo- ny family. It is an important insect  Keep on watering! flower for landscapes. The one I got  You can always plant some- thing—try cool season veggies from Peter Gierlach (Petey Mes- Cochise County Master quitey of Spadefoot Nursery) last Gardener Newsletter Editor  Start shopping for bulbs year is thriving! Carolyn Gruenhagen

Mimi Kamp, Guest Author, Herbalist, Plant Illustrator, Cochise The Cochise County Master Gardeners are now on Facebook! County Herbarium Curator, taxono- Like us at www.Facebook.com/CochiseCountyMasterGardeners mist and consultant