This is about the time of year when most Phoenicians say “when is this heat going to break?” And just when we think it is gone for 6 months we get hit with another week of 102+ degree days. This creates a challenge for gardeners each fall: to plant now or wait another few weeks to make sure the new crop doesn’t crisp in the heat. If you decide to plant early, you may give your new winter crop a jump start on the season, allowing a few more inches of growth and possibly even starting your harvest a week or two earlier. However you do risk losing a number of plants if we have a hot week. No one wants to visit their garden to find their baby greens wilted after a hot day (wilted arugula salad anyone?) So what will it be? I’m holding out for the week of Oct. 10th for both flowers and veggies, but I will be overseeding my lawn early this year… Oct 1st! Will I be sorry? We will have to see. Wish me and my new green garden friends luck!
Spring is here!
Well, I think spring actually starting back in Febrary, but today it is official. What does this mean for our plants? As our days get longer, there are extra hours of sunlight, increased plant photosynthesis therefore plants grow more than they would have a month ago. It also means increased flowering, pollen and seed production plus more mess to clean up on your property. Don’t worry, the flowers will be gone before you know it and then we will be concerned about keeping everything alive in 112 degrees! If you have a chance, this is the best time to visit the Desert Botanical Gardens while our temperatures are still comfortable. Check out their Chihuly exhibit http://www.dbg.org/index.php/chihuly. Stay tuned for more AZ ‘green’ events to be suggested. Enjoy springtime while it’s here… we all know what awaits us in July!