From pauljnestor@yahoo.com Thu Feb 1 00:03:30 2001 Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 17:03:30 -0700 (MST) From: pauljnestor@yahoo.com pauljnestor@yahoo.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I live in Phoenix and my yard is aprox 20' by 45'. I am trying to decide on what trees to put in our yard. We would like a couple of cirus tees and maybe a eucalyptus. How can I find out if you can combine some trees with others? Also how many tree can I fit into our yard considering the size? Thank you for you time and advise. Paul From RodMcQ6@aol.com Thu Feb 1 00:36:43 2001 Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 19:36:43 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Climbing Roses, pruning If you live in the low desert now is the time to prune your roses. Climbers are pruned differently than are hybrid teas, remove the weakest and the oldest canes, leaving 5 to 6 canes. Remove dead and diseased canes. Do not prune the ends of the canes unles it is necessary to keep within bounds. Cut back to two or three bud eyes on the laterals. Tie or train the canes in an arching or horizontal position so that the laterals will grow vertically for the best display of flowers. The most hardy orchid tree can handle temps only down to 20 degrees and would not be suitable for the Payson climate. If your climbing rose is in Payson I would suggest that you contact a rosarian or a nursery there for the best time of year to prune roses. Good luck Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Consulting Rosarian. From RodMcQ6@aol.com Thu Feb 1 00:36:44 2001 Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 19:36:44 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Gophers Gophers can be eliminated by trapping, or by using poisoned bait, however I've had the best luck in getting rid of them by inserting a lighted highway flare into their tunnel and covering it with dirt. You can find their tunnel by following the exit hole down to the tunnel. The gopher must be in the under ground tunnel in order for any elimination method to work. When gophers are a problem I check every morning for fresh dirt beside the exit hole and when I find that I immediately start digging . Once the gopher fanily is eliminated I don't se them again for several months or longer. Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener From balthasar@qwest.net Thu Feb 1 03:59:56 2001 Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 20:59:56 -0700 (MST) From: balthasar@qwest.net balthasar@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page A tree feeding company told me that nurseries add Mycorrhhizal Fungi to the soil when planting citrus trees. That this fungi live in and around the roots of 95% of the earths plant species serving as a secondary root system extending themselves far out into the soil. That my citrus trees never had this fungi(25yrs. old) and for a price would add this to the root systems. Am I getting a fairy tale or is there credence to his statement that,"Trees and plants with thriving Mycorrhizal roots systems are better able to survive and thrive in stressful man made environments."? Should I get his treatment? Anoooother quote, "with one treatment we can turn your tree into super roots" From lgk007@aol.com Thu Feb 1 05:55:04 2001 Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 22:55:04 -0700 (MST) From: lgk007@aol.com lgk007@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I will be bringing my two horses home to our property. I am concerned about the waste that comes along with horses. I want to start out right and do as much composting as I can and not have it all hauled away. Is there someone that can help me with building a composting facility and some information on how much and when I can add to the pile of waste. I thank you for your time. Lin From kelly.ryan1@home.com Thu Feb 1 18:41:03 2001 Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2001 11:41:03 -0700 (MST) From: kelly.ryan1@home.com kelly.ryan1@home.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page What should I do about soil gnats? I had them in just one potted plant in my home which was exposed to partial diffused sunlight, now they have expanded into most of my potted plants. What should I do to discourage their survival? Will my plants, which are now grasping to life, survive? Thank you very much. From RodMcQ6@aol.com Thu Feb 1 23:42:47 2001 Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2001 18:42:47 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Mycorrhizae It is fairly well known in horticulture that the mycorrhizae fungi are beneficial to most plant growth, and mycorrhizae are found in nearly all soils. This fungi enables plants to more readily take up phosporus, but is not much of a factor involving nitrogen, and the main ingredient that citrus require is nitrogen. So, how much benefit would you be receiving from a mycorrhizae innoculation ? I would also question how someone would know that your citrus does not have this this fungi without extensive testing. There is lots of citrus grown in Maricopa county very sucessfully when watered and fertilized properly. I found lots of info about mycorrhizae by searching on line for MYCORRHIZAE. The following website may be helpful. http://www.mycorrhiza.org/benefits.htm Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener From ram6260@yahoo.com Fri Feb 2 15:49:13 2001 Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2001 07:49:13 -0800 (PST) From: BOB RAMSEY ram6260@yahoo.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] watering and feeding of queen palms While having my large chinese elm trimmed by a certified argorist, I got conflicting info regarding care of my queen palms. He says that they should have frequent shallow watering in the summer to avoid fugus. This seems exactly opposite what I read here and in the UofA info. Also he highly recommended deep root and microinject fertilization that they do for $50 a tree. He said that this includes a fungicide that kills fungus that almost always is present in the "heart" ofthe palm. He feels that a homeowner can not provide adequate care for the trees on their own. What do your think? Is this a controversial thing about the watering or are they just uninformed? Thanks for your help, I enjoy reading this digest every day. __________________________________________________ Get personalized email addresses from Yahoo! Mail - only $35 a year! http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/ From Rand2620@uswest.net Fri Feb 2 19:03:31 2001 Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2001 12:03:31 -0700 (MST) From: Rand2620@uswest.net Rand2620@uswest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I live in Gilbert and I have heard that due to the extreme heat in the valley during the summer that it may be best to prune fruit tree (plums and peaches) in June rather than the winter months as this helps the plant reduce the amount of engergy it must put into leaf maintance during the hot summer. Is this true? Would the same concept work for roses - my roses look real good now and always are a bit peaked looking during the summer - would it be wise to do the major pruning during early summer rather than now. From Rand2620@uswest.net Fri Feb 2 19:04:35 2001 Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2001 12:04:35 -0700 (MST) From: Rand2620@uswest.net Rand2620@uswest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I live in Gilbert and I have heard that due to the extreme heat in the valley during the summer that it may be best to prune fruit tree (plums and peaches) in June rather than the winter months as this helps the plant reduce the amount of energy it must put into leaf maintance during the hot summer. Is this true? Would the same concept work for roses - my roses look real good now and always are a bit stressed during the summer - would it be wise to do the major pruning during early summer rather than now. From RodMcQ6@aol.com Fri Feb 2 22:10:00 2001 Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2001 17:10:00 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re:Queen Palms, watering and feeding Bob, I'll refer you to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension bulletin AZ1021, ARIZONA LANDSCAPE PALMS which states that deep watering of landscape palms in the desert is crucial. This bulletin is available on line at : http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1021.pdf This bulletin also addresses the treatment of the fungus which causes Bud Rot in palms. The queen palm is difficult to keep looking healthy in our low desert soils and does require multiple applications of a fertilizer designed specially for palms, one that has an NPK ratio of 3-1-3 plus magnesium, manganese, iron, sulfur, zinc, copper and boron. Deep root fertilization can be helpful especially if the palm is showing a nutrient dificiency. If a severe nutrient dificiency does exist it would be best if a certified arborist were to treat the tree. Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Arborist From RodMcQ6@aol.com Fri Feb 2 22:10:01 2001 Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2001 17:10:01 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Fwd: homeowner tree clinic --part1_9a.f8ff9d9.27ac8a39_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In a message dated 02/02/2001 10:07:57 AM US Mountain Standard Time, crymer@ag.arizona.edu writes: << >>> 2001 Urban Homeowners Tree Care Clinic The Arboretum at ASU and the Arizona Community Tree Council are presenting the third Urban Homeowner Tree Care Clinic on Saturday, February 10, 2001. This clinic will provide the homeowner with information and resources that will encourage proper selection and appropriate maintenance of trees in the home landscape. There will be vendors participating to offer additional information, books, and tools. Tours of the ASU campus Arboretum will be given during the day. Self-guided tours are also encouraged. A wonderful selection of speakers will be present to discuss a range of tree care subjects. This year's speakers are Christy Ten Eyck from Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, Terry Mikel, the commercial horticultural agent from the U of A Maricopa County Extension office, Dennis Lynch, the manager from Arbor Care, Roger Blakeley, the Parks Superintendent from the City of Yuma, and Dr. Chris Martin from ASU Plant Biology. It will be a very informative event. Mark your calendar and plan on attending. Where: ASU Memorial Union, Tempe, Arizona When: Saturday, February 10, 2001 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Free to the public Pre-registration if required and must be received by February 8, 2001. For more information contact the Arboretum at ASU, (480) 965-8467. Catherine Rymer Instructional Specialist, Urban Horticulture University of Arizona Maricopa County Cooperative Extension 4341 E. Broadway Phoenix, AZ 85040 http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/maricopa/garden/ >> --part1_9a.f8ff9d9.27ac8a39_boundary Content-Type: message/rfc822 Content-Disposition: inline Return-Path: Received: from rly-yd02.mx.aol.com (rly-yd02.mail.aol.com [172.18.150.2]) by air-yd04.mail.aol.com (v77.31) with ESMTP; Fri, 02 Feb 2001 12:07:57 -0500 Received: from phobos.email.Arizona.EDU (phobos-adm.email.arizona.edu [128.196.133.165]) by rly-yd02.mx.aol.com (v77.27) with ESMTP; Fri, 02 Feb 2001 12:07:40 -0500 Received: from acoma.mac-coopext.arizona.edu (204.27.250.49) by phobos.email.Arizona.EDU (5.1.056) id 3A6F7A1E000B4FF2 for RodMcQ6@aol.com; Fri, 2 Feb 2001 10:07:37 -0700 Message-Id: <4.2.0.58.20010202101649.00ab3e60@ag.arizona.edu> X-Sender: crymer@ag.arizona.edu X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Pro Version 4.2.0.58 X-Priority: 1 (Highest) Date: Fri, 02 Feb 2001 10:24:17 -0700 To: RodMcQ6@aol.com From: Cathy Rymer Subject: homeowner tree clinic Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed Hi Rod, Would you post this to the arid_gardener list serve? I don't subscribe, but I thought most of the readers would be interested in the clinic. Thanks! Cathy >>> 2001 Urban Homeowners Tree Care Clinic The Arboretum at ASU and the Arizona Community Tree Council are presenting the third Urban Homeowner Tree Care Clinic on Saturday, February 10, 2001. This clinic will provide the homeowner with information and resources that will encourage proper selection and appropriate maintenance of trees in the home landscape. There will be vendors participating to offer additional information, books, and tools. Tours of the ASU campus Arboretum will be given during the day. Self-guided tours are also encouraged. A wonderful selection of speakers will be present to discuss a range of tree care subjects. This year's speakers are Christy Ten Eyck from Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, Terry Mikel, the commercial horticultural agent from the U of A Maricopa County Extension office, Dennis Lynch, the manager from Arbor Care, Roger Blakeley, the Parks Superintendent from the City of Yuma, and Dr. Chris Martin from ASU Plant Biology. It will be a very informative event. Mark your calendar and plan on attending. Where: ASU Memorial Union, Tempe, Arizona When: Saturday, February 10, 2001 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Free to the public Pre-registration if required and must be received by February 8, 2001. For more information contact the Arboretum at ASU, (480) 965-8467. Catherine Rymer Instructional Specialist, Urban Horticulture University of Arizona Maricopa County Cooperative Extension 4341 E. Broadway Phoenix, AZ 85040 http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/maricopa/garden/ --part1_9a.f8ff9d9.27ac8a39_boundary-- From rafikikita@att.net Sat Feb 3 00:32:12 2001 Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2001 17:32:12 -0700 (MST) From: rafikikita@att.net rafikikita@att.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page My backyard is overrun by weeds. There are a few trees in my yard, and an area of midiron grass. Is there such thing as a "safe" herbicide? I'm allergic to most weeds and I'm chemically sensitive to pesticides and herbicides. Is there anything that I can used to kill weeds that won't harm me or my dogs? From RodMcQ6@aol.com Sat Feb 3 01:28:58 2001 Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2001 20:28:58 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re:Pruning fruit trees and roses, time of year. If you haven't pruned your stone fruit trees and roses yet it is time to do so. U. of A Cooperative Extension fact sheet MC-66 states that the stone fruit trees should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. As for roses the target time to prune if you live in the low desert is January through mid February. If you want to get rid of your roses then prune them in early summer. Yes the summer temps do stress our roses here in the low desert. Roses need all of their foliage to prevent sunburn and to help keep the bush as cool as possible. Things you can do to help your roses in summer are planting where they have afternoon shade, provide 3 to 4 inches of mulch, wash down the leaves at least once a week, and provide adequate water. Why not join us at the Mesa East Valley Rose Society meeting this Thursday at 7:00 in the Kiva Room of the Student Center at Mesa Community College for good fellowship and good advice on growing great roses. Be my guest. Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Consulting Rosarian From jabluestone@earthlink.net Sun Feb 4 00:41:13 2001 Date: Sat, 3 Feb 2001 17:41:13 -0700 (MST) From: jabluestone@earthlink.net jabluestone@earthlink.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Feathry Cassia Ours were planted last April. One has proven to be in the wrong place and needs to be moved. Is this a good time to move it? If not when? Having recently moved here from the Chicago area,desert gardening is a whole different ballgame. Dirt is suposed to be black and smell fresh when you scoop up a handful! I put a fat midwest earthworm in the "ground" and it came right back up, looked me in the eye and said, "are you nuts?". The last I saw of it, it was boarding a Southwest flight back to Chicago! Well, I strongly suspect,we will learn. Thank you for your help. From MTQR4@aol.com Sun Feb 4 02:04:50 2001 Date: Sat, 3 Feb 2001 19:04:50 -0700 (MST) From: MTQR4@aol.com MTQR4@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Has anyone heard of a product called "Super thrive". I bought a small bottle of it at a nursery in Tucson. It is supposed to be a growth hormone for plants that reduces transplant shock and increases bloom, fruit and growth. Does anybody have any experience on using it and what results and procedures? From mgovig@home.com Sun Feb 4 17:42:48 2001 Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2001 10:42:48 -0700 (MST) From: mgovig@home.com mgovig@home.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page can edamame (soybeans) be grown in the Phonix area? From millero@worldnet.att.net Sun Feb 4 18:14:45 2001 Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2001 11:14:45 -0700 From: olin millero@worldnet.att.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Edamame Soybeans ----- Original Message ----- From: > Can edamame (soybeans) be grown in the Phoenix area? Yes, but they are not well adapted. Plant in March and again in late July to get edible green beans (green as in not ripe). For dry beans, July planting may not allow for a sufficiently long growing season. Also depends on the type - go for the early varieties, 2 1/2 months or ess. -Olin From RodMcQ6@aol.com Sun Feb 4 19:46:27 2001 Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2001 14:46:27 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Cassias, transplanting Now is a great time to transplant your Cassias. If you will amend your soil with about 4 inches of mulch and add about 2 pounds of soil sulfur per 100 square feet and rototill it in, that worm will be on a flight back to Phoenix to savor the black soil here. For great informatio on gardening check out the Master Gardener Manual chapter on vegetables at : http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/vegetable/index.html Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener From RodMcQ6@aol.com Sun Feb 4 19:46:41 2001 Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2001 14:46:41 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Pine Trees dying Inadequate irrigation can cause almost any tree except the native desert trees to die. Check out this website on irrigation : http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/arboriculture/watering.html There are not a lot of diseases or insects that can cause the death of pine trees. Nematodes can cause fairly rapid decline in pines, unfortunately there is not any treatment. Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Arborist From beckman@qwest.net Sun Feb 4 20:43:33 2001 Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2001 13:43:33 -0700 (MST) From: beckman@qwest.net beckman@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Six year old cottonwoods have bark that turns dark and separates from the trunk. Bark can just be pulled off. There is webbing and pulverization on the underside of the bark. Scattered about on the tree are holes that you can put your little finger all the way into. This weakens the limbs and raises the chance of a large limb breaking with wind. Anything I can to stop this? Thanks From Marjigirl@msn.com Mon Feb 5 00:52:50 2001 Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2001 17:52:50 -0700 (MST) From: Marjigirl@msn.com Marjigirl@msn.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I would like to know what might be causing our grapefruit and fruit cocktail tree to form leaves at the tip of their branches that are curl up and dry out. We are new homeowners in Arizona and don't know if it is fungus, too much water, not enough water, lack of fertilizer, etc. Any advise you could give us would be very much appreciated. Marjorie Hansen From msheedy@Ag.Arizona.Edu Mon Feb 5 14:56:14 2001 Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 07:56:14 -0700 From: Mike Sheedy msheedy@Ag.Arizona.Edu Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Edamame Soybeans Soybeans can grow in Central Arizona. The early maturing varieties - I believe - are better adapted than the long season varieties. The main problem in a field environment is the heat. The soil gets very hot in June and July and will 'cook' the roots of young plants. In a garden situation there should be no problem keeping the soil cool for the young plants. March and April are good months to plant soybeans for a garden and you can get by with a June and July planting. You can expect edible pods around mid August to Mid September. Dry beans can be harvested starting late October to November, but you will get a reduced yield if the beans are planted in July. >----- Original Message ----- From: >> Can edamame (soybeans) be grown in the Phoenix area? > >Yes, but they are not well adapted. Plant in March and again in late July >to get edible green beans (green as in not ripe). For dry beans, July >planting may not allow for a sufficiently long growing season. Also >depends on the type - go for the early varieties, 2 1/2 months or >ess. -Olin Mike Sheedy Research Specialist University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center From sjbass@qwest.net Mon Feb 5 16:20:56 2001 Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 09:20:56 -0700 From: Sue Bass sjbass@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Blackberries I'd like to refer you to an archived response to a similar question. To view this information please go to: http://ag.arizona.edu/pipermail/arid_gardener/2000-May/004363.html Sue Bass Master Gardener SilksMom@cs.com wrote: > Information on growing blackberries in the Phoenix Metro area.I have heard that an acidic soil is needed, Is this true? > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From sjbass@qwest.net Mon Feb 5 16:46:15 2001 Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 09:46:15 -0700 From: Sue Bass sjbass@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Manzanita I did not see that you had received a response to your question regarding Manzanita. I would like to refer you to our archives where you can view several responses to Manzanita questions. I do know that they do not do well in the low desert. However, please browse the responses at: http://ag.arizona.edu/cgi-bin/texis/webinator/default?db=aridgardener&arg=Manzanita so you can get more information. Sue Bass Master Gardener chaparraldoor@qwest.net wrote: > Can I grow Manzanita in the north Phoenix area? > What suggestions on care and location to plant > a Manzanita bush? Thanks > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From sjbass@qwest.net Mon Feb 5 16:49:44 2001 Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 09:49:44 -0700 From: Sue Bass sjbass@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Manzanita In addition to my previous question, please pay particular attention to the following response in the archives: http://ag.arizona.edu/hypermail/arid_gardener/2708.html This is a response from a gentleman at Tucson Growers. I think there are many opinions on growing this shrub. I'll let you decide after viewing all the information. Sue Bass Master Gardener chaparraldoor@qwest.net wrote: > Can I grow Manzanita in the north Phoenix area? > What suggestions on care and location to plant > a Manzanita bush? Thanks > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From sjbass@qwest.net Mon Feb 5 17:02:30 2001 Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 10:02:30 -0700 From: Sue Bass sjbass@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Plant information Jenny: I'd like to refer you to our web page at: http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/maricopa/garden/ Here you will find a wealth of information. Take your time and really browse around. We have a Publications area which contains information on trees, shrubs, other ornamentals, citrus, lawns, insects and pests, just to name a few. To view the list of publications mentioned, first click on Publications from the home page, then choose The University of Arizona Home Horticulture Publications - Maricopa county. Another place to visit from the home page is the section entitled Plants. There is a section entitled Recommended Reading which will direct you to many books that would help you. Our Timely Tips section gives month by month "do's and don'ts" as well as things to watch for in the home landscape. Sue Bass Master Gardener mamamia59@yahoo.com wrote: > Please provide the names of plant varieties that are well-suited to growing in the Phoenix area and information about local gardening problems (pests, diseases). > > Thank you, > Jenny Pankey > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From annetter11@msn.com Mon Feb 5 19:37:44 2001 Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 12:37:44 -0700 (MST) From: annetter11@msn.com annetter11@msn.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page When my citrus trees start to get yellow leaves I use Chelated Iron and Zinc liquid to cure this problem. Is there a way to prevent this from happening in the first place and if not, is there a cheaper product to use to get rid of the yellow leaves? Thank you for your time! Annette From sjbass@qwest.net Mon Feb 5 20:02:23 2001 Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 13:02:23 -0700 From: Sue Bass sjbass@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Banana Tree I would like to refer you to the Arizona chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers. You can get information by visiting: http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/clubs/sub-trpc.htm This includes a phone number and e-mail address. Sue Bass Master Gardener nan85048@aol.com wrote: > My condo Assoc needs info reg our Banana trees. Basic car is needed like watering, fertilizing and planting the small shoots to a new area. We really do not want or expect fruit, just wonderful folage. Thanks lots. We are in downtown PHX > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From sjbass@qwest.net Mon Feb 5 20:05:58 2001 Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 13:05:58 -0700 From: Sue Bass sjbass@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Planting Herbs I'd like to refer you to our archives and a response to a similar question. You can view it by going to: http://ag.arizona.edu/pipermail/arid_gardener/2000-October/005635.html Sue Bass Master Gardener scherryd@amug.org wrote: > When is the best time to plant herbs from seeds in Phoenix? > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From aanthonyandsons@aol.com Mon Feb 5 20:29:02 2001 Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 13:29:02 -0700 (MST) From: aanthonyandsons@aol.com aanthonyandsons@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page my elderica trees are sparse and the needles are curly. One of the trees also has black on the bark. What kind of fertilizer is best for these pines? The trees are five years old. How often should they be watered? From sjbass@qwest.net Mon Feb 5 20:32:49 2001 Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 13:32:49 -0700 From: Sue Bass sjbass@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Pawpaw Tree I found some information on the Pawpaw on the web. You can view it at: http://www.gardenweb.com/cyberplt/plants/pawpaw.html This site has a reference to the California Rare Fruit Growers. Since we have an Arizona Chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers here in Phoenix, I think they would be a great reference for you. The following link will take you to their web site: http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/clubs/sub-trpc.htm which contains information to contact them. Good Luck! Sue Bass Master Gardener saline9@hotmail.com wrote: > Will a paw paw tree grow well in the Safford area? > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From sjbass@qwest.net Mon Feb 5 20:40:02 2001 Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 13:40:02 -0700 From: Sue Bass sjbass@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Information on composting I'd like to refer you to a web link section of our web page that contains information on composting. You can get there by going to: http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/general/links.htm#compost I think you will find some good resources here. Sue Bass Master Gardener lgk007@aol.com wrote: > I will be bringing my two horses home to our property. I am concerned about the waste that comes along with horses. I want to start out right and do as much composting as I can and not have it all hauled away. Is there someone that can help me with building a composting facility and some information on how much and when I can add to the pile of waste. I thank you for your time. > > Lin > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From sjbass@qwest.net Mon Feb 5 21:32:21 2001 Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 14:32:21 -0700 From: Sue Bass sjbass@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Safe alternatives to herbicides Fellow Master Gardener Linda Guy answered a similar question a while back. You can view it in our archives by going to: http://ag.arizona.edu/pipermail/arid_gardener/2000-July/004824.html Other than that, I do not know of any "safe" herbicides. Most I have seen on the market contain warnings on them that they should be kept away from children and pets and water supplies. Perhaps someone else on the list has some recommendations for you. Sue Bass Master Gardener rafikikita@att.net wrote: > My backyard is overrun by weeds. There are a few trees in my yard, and an area of midiron grass. Is there such thing as a "safe" herbicide? I'm allergic to most weeds and I'm chemically sensitive to pesticides and herbicides. Is there anything that I can used to kill weeds that won't harm me or my dogs? > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From RodMcQ6@aol.com Mon Feb 5 22:22:04 2001 Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 17:22:04 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Pine tree looking unhealthy Trees that are kept healthy by adequate irrigation are much less susceptable to attacks by insects or pathogens. Aphids and spider mites can cause the pine tree to look unhealthy and usually can be controlled by a strong water spray. Nematodes attack the roots and can kill a pine tree in a very short time and there is not a cure available. Pine blight, caused by rapid weather changes is usually short lived. Do not fertilize pines with a nitrogen fertilizer as nitrogen is toxic to pines. A two inch layer of composted manure with soil sulfur added and applied over the root zone is beneficial to pines. Check out the Master Gardener Manual chapter on irrigation at : http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/arboriculture/watering.html Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Arborist From RodMcQ6@aol.com Mon Feb 5 22:22:05 2001 Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 17:22:05 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Citrus tree problems Marjorie I suspect that you may have a problem with inadequate irrigation. Check out the following website for citrus irrigation : www.ag.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1151 Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Arborist From RodMcQ6@aol.com Mon Feb 5 22:22:03 2001 Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 17:22:03 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re:Citrus with yellow leaves Annette, It is quite normal for citrus to have yellow leaves in the winter. If the leaves do not green up as we get into spring, then you probably have an irrigation problem, you are either under or over watering or you haven't fertilized. Check out this website on irrigation of citrus : www.ag.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1151 Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener From RodMcQ6@aol.com Mon Feb 5 22:26:39 2001 Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 17:26:39 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Cottonwoods with borers I answered a similiar question recently and is available at :http://ag.arizona.edu/hypermail/arid_gardener/4644.html Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Arborist From millero@worldnet.att.net Tue Feb 6 00:09:29 2001 Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 17:09:29 -0700 From: olin millero@worldnet.att.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Safe alternatives to herbicides There are acid-based and corn gluten meal products touted as "natural" herbicides. See http://www.extremelygreen.com/ for some examples . Also see Peaceful valley Farm Supply's Page at http://www.groworganic.com/ and follow the links for info about "Safer's Superfast Weedkiller" Can't say about safety to pets - I have never needed to resort to weed killers on my one acre lot. I would not want to live next door to someone using a flamethrower. Olin ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sue Bass" To: Cc: Sent: Monday, February 05, 2001 2:32 PM Subject: [Arid_gardener] Safe alternatives to herbicides > Fellow Master Gardener Linda Guy answered a similar question a while back. You can view it in our archives by going to: http://ag.arizona.edu/pipermail/arid_gardener/2000-July/004824.html > > Other than that, I do not know of any "safe" herbicides. Most I have seen on the market contain warnings on them that they should be kept away from children and pets and water supplies. > Perhaps someone else on the list has some recommendations for you. > > Sue Bass > Master Gardener > > rafikikita@att.net wrote: > > > My backyard is overrun by weeds. There are a few trees in my yard, and an area of midiron grass. Is there such thing as a "safe" herbicide? I'm allergic to most weeds and I'm chemically sensitive to pesticides and herbicides. Is there anything that I can used to kill weeds that won't harm me or my dogs? > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Arid_gardener mailing list > > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener > From ehawk9675@juno.com Tue Feb 6 01:15:15 2001 Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 18:15:15 -0700 From: Eldon W Hawkins ehawk9675@juno.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Grapefruit Rind I have extremely thick rind on my grapefruit. Is there a particular cause? ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. From rockys_email@yahoo.com Wed Feb 7 02:51:13 2001 Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2001 19:51:13 -0700 (MST) From: rockys_email@yahoo.com rockys_email@yahoo.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page We have a tree in the back yard. Last year no fruit but this year it had a good crop. They look like a orange, smell like a orange, taste like a orange but they are red on the inside. If picked a little early the bottom half of the inside is red and the top half is like a normal orange. If left on the tree they turn full red on the inside. But still taste and smell like an orange. Some people call them a native Arizona orange. Others call them a blood orange. But most have never seen one. So what kind of orange tree do I have? I live in NW Tucson. Thanks.. From GrdnrnAZ@aol.com Wed Feb 7 03:41:51 2001 Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2001 20:41:51 -0700 (MST) From: GrdnrnAZ@aol.com GrdnrnAZ@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I have a citrus tree(grapefruit) that was planted just under two years ago. My question is, how many drip emitters are needed under such a tree. I run the system for six hours at a time, usually once every five days in the summer and once every three weeks in the winter, this providing no signifigant rain occurs. Someone told me twenty two gallon an hour emitters. Is this your suggestion? Also, I would think that a layer of mulch in the tree basin would be helpful. When should it be applied and what type of mulch do you suggest? Would shredded bark be ok? How deep should it be applied? Thanks for your time. Max From millero@worldnet.att.net Wed Feb 7 06:11:28 2001 Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2001 23:11:28 -0700 From: olin millero@worldnet.att.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Sounds like blood orange to me. There are several varieties grown in Phoenix around GCC and Sahuaro Ranch Park but most don't get the deep red color one commonly sees in the Mediterranean region. With Tucson's higher elevation and cooler climate there is a better chance of getting a deeper red color. -Olin ----- Original Message ----- From: > We have a tree in the back yard. Last year no fruit but this year it had a good crop. They look like a orange, smell like a orange, taste like a orange but they are red on the inside. If picked a little early the bottom half of the inside is red and the top half is like a normal orange. If left on the tree they turn full red on the inside. But still taste and smell like an orange. Some people call them a native Arizona orange. Others call them a blood orange. But most have never seen one. So what kind of orange tree do I have? I live in NW Tucson. Thanks. From scorpion10310@juno.com Wed Feb 7 16:10:10 2001 Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 09:10:10 -0700 (MST) From: scorpion10310@juno.com scorpion10310@juno.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page What care should you give pamelo(pumelo)'s.,when to pick fruit? Meat of fruit seems dry. Thks From djacksonsprint2@earthlink.net Wed Feb 7 16:10:29 2001 Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 09:10:29 -0700 (MST) From: djacksonsprint2@earthlink.net djacksonsprint2@earthlink.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page From djacksonsprint2@earthlink.net Wed Feb 7 16:14:06 2001 Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 09:14:06 -0700 (MST) From: djacksonsprint2@earthlink.net djacksonsprint2@earthlink.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I have 150 older grapefruit trees. I enjoy the shade and beauty of the trees but there is only so much grapefruit a person can eat. We can't even give it away. My questions are 1) will it hurt the trees to just leave the fruit on and if so 2) is there anything we can spray or feed the trees to diminish the fruit production. thank you From Godfatherdom@aol.com Wed Feb 7 18:56:46 2001 Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 11:56:46 -0700 (MST) From: Godfatherdom@aol.com Godfatherdom@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page To paint the trunk of a tree is there any specific type I should or should not use? Thank you. From daletate@swbell.net Wed Feb 7 22:55:01 2001 Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 15:55:01 -0700 (MST) From: daletate@swbell.net daletate@swbell.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Hello, I just purchased four plants of Dalea greggii while in Tucson this past week. They are in gallon containers and were quite expensive, $4.50 each at retail. Now will some one tell me when and how to transplant them and the care I should give them until they go in the ground. I'm guessing I'll need to hold them for about five weeks in El Paso Texas. Also, how are they propagated in commercial nurseries. Thanks Dale Tate Thanks Dale Tate From RodMcQ6@aol.com Wed Feb 7 23:40:39 2001 Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 18:40:39 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Protecting a tree from sunburn Trees can be protected from sunburn by painting with whitewash or a water based paint. Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener From RodMcQ6@aol.com Wed Feb 7 23:40:43 2001 Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 18:40:43 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re:Citrus Watering Your citrus should be happy with 5 two gallon drippers placed at the drip line of the tree and at 7 to 10 day intervals in the summer and 30 intervals in the winter. Watering 6 hours should give you enough water to satisfy the tree until its crown reaches 8 feet in diameter. A 4 inch mulch of shredded bark would work fine. Check out this website on citrus watering: www.ag.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1151 Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Arborist From RodMcQ6@aol.com Wed Feb 7 23:40:41 2001 Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 18:40:41 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Pummelo care The harvest time for the pummelo is about the same as for grapefruit, ie December and January. If you live in a colder part of the valley the dryness could be caused by frost damage. Excellent information is available on citrus care in U. of A. Cooperative Extension bulletin # 8464, Citrus Trees In The Home Garden at 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix 85040 for only $1.00. Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener From sjbass@qwest.net Thu Feb 8 01:16:44 2001 Date: Wed, 07 Feb 2001 18:16:44 -0700 From: Sue Bass sjbass@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Dalea greggii Dale: I don't know what the climate around El Paso is like as far as how cold your winters are, but it is generally best to transplant after danger of frost has past. A simple rule found in Eric A. Johnson's book, "Johnson's Guide To Gardening Plants For The Arid West, Pruning, Planting & Care", is that if in doubt about the proper time to plant for your region, plant anytime you can usually count on four weeks or more of mild weather to follow. This will allow plants to establish before stress, in the form of heat or cold, comes on. As for specific care of your Prostrate Trailing Indigo Bush as Dalea greggii is commonly called, you should space them when planting at least 4 to 6 feet on centers and at least 6 feet from curbs, walks, or other plants. Plant in soil with good drainage. A gallon-sized plant can cover 6 to 10 square feet in one season. After a few years, plants will begin to develop a mounding habit and lost their flat look. You can then shear into old wood to 6 inches above ground level in early spring to create fresh growth and a more groomed appearance. New growth will develop as temperatures warm. Recovery is rapid. Old wood can build up within three years so it is best to cut back plant to renew before it reaches a woody stage. Prune to control as needed or plants grow like slow-moving lava flow to smother nearby accent plants or dwarfish plants. It is a self-fertilizing legume. This is information from the the previously mentioned book. Until you plant your plants, give them plenty of sun as they are full sun to partial shade plants and allow soil to dry between waterings. They are a low water use plant. They are native to Texas and Mexico and are hardy to 15F to 20F degrees. You can contact your local county Cooperative Extension office for additional planting information pertinent to your area. Sue Bass Master Gardener daletate@swbell.net wrote: > Hello, > I just purchased four plants of Dalea > greggii while in Tucson this past week. They > are in gallon containers and were quite > expensive, $4.50 each at retail. Now will > some one tell me when and how to transplant > them and the care I should give them until > they go in the ground. I'm guessing I'll need > to hold them for about five weeks in El Paso > Texas. > Also, how are they propagated in commercial > nurseries. > > Thanks > > Dale Tate > > Thanks > Dale Tate > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From jhayesfamily@prodigy.net Thu Feb 8 02:20:24 2001 Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 19:20:24 -0700 (MST) From: jhayesfamily@prodigy.net jhayesfamily@prodigy.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page What is the best way to compost? I've seen many systems one can buy, but what fits for our climate? From JMM1014@aol.com Thu Feb 8 03:43:28 2001 Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 20:43:28 -0700 (MST) From: JMM1014@aol.com JMM1014@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I have a 15 year old Lemon Tree that needs to be pruned. Can you tell me when the best time to prune is? And how much should I prune? From susanberquist@msn.com Thu Feb 8 13:15:10 2001 Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 06:15:10 -0700 (MST) From: susanberquist@msn.com susanberquist@msn.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Where can I find which days in Nov Dec and Jan were rain days in Phoenix? From s2@AuroraNow.org Thu Feb 8 13:57:49 2001 Date: Thu, 08 Feb 2001 06:57:49 -0700 From: Sherryl Stalinski s2@AuroraNow.org Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Composting I read a little ditty several years ago that worked to keep my memory refreshed for several years: "Two parts green to one part brown Turn it over to break it down." The green (table & yard scraps) and brown (dirt) ingredients may vary from region to region, but the process is the same. A bin made of chicken wire (3'x3'x3') and wood framing is the simplest. Expensive composting "equipment" seems unnecessary. Moisture is necessary, though. If your compost is too dry, it won't decompose. If it's too wet, it will start to smell. Rule of thumb is that it should be about as damp as a squeezed out rag. -- Sherryl Stalinski, Executive Director Aurora Now Foundation http://auroranow.org || e-mail: s2@AuroraNow.org **************************** "I became convinced that we're here for each other. " --R. Buckminster Fuller ---------------------------- From s2@AuroraNow.org Thu Feb 8 14:50:05 2001 Date: Thu, 08 Feb 2001 07:50:05 -0700 From: Sherryl Stalinski s2@AuroraNow.org Subject: [Arid_gardener] cuttings from natives Can anyone give me pointers or share experiences of taking cuttings from desert natives? I'm trying some softwood cuttings of brittlebush, jojoba and desert lavender salvia that I'm treating like any other cutting (only I'm using my usual sand and desert compost mix instead of potting soil). My usual routine is to dip the cutting in rooting hormone, put it in the soil mix and keep a plastic bag around it, keep it moist until I see signs of growth--usually about 4-5 weeks. This has worked for me quite well with hibiscus and others. Should it work with natives? I haven't had much success with brittlebush from seed, so I figured I'd try cuttings. Has anyone else had experience re: care while rooting and transplanting of natives? Also, does anyone know the germination period for penstemons (on average). I have desert beardtongue, which I cold stratified and have just germinated after 8-10 days. The p. spectabilis which I was told *didn't* need to be stratified has yet to germ. after 4 weeks. And finally... For those of you in the Tucson area, I HIGHLY recommend a visit to the Desert Museum soon! We live only a few miles away so a friend and I went up for lunch yesterday and I can't remember ever seeing so much bloom. I didn't want to leave! -- Sherryl Stalinski, Executive Director Aurora Now Foundation http://auroranow.org || e-mail: s2@AuroraNow.org **************************** "I became convinced that we're here for each other. " --R. Buckminster Fuller ---------------------------- From saz621@primenet.com Thu Feb 8 15:28:36 2001 Date: Thu, 08 Feb 2001 08:28:36 -0700 From: Mary Irish saz621@primenet.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: cuttings from natives Sherryl, You should be able to take cuttings of the plants you describe in precisely the same way you would any other perennial. They are all best from softwood cuttings in either fall or spring. The greatest challenge in preventing fungal infestations once they are potted up and growing in containers in the summer. To alleviate that a product called Root Shield has proven to be very effective. It may only be available from nursery supply houses, I can't be sure. I would surmise that Penstemon spectabilis would indeed need cold stratification, as do almost all penstemon seed. I have been told that soaking them in a hydrogen peroxide solution also helps germination but I have not tried it myself. Good luck, Mary Irish Sherryl Stalinski wrote: > Can anyone give me pointers or share experiences of taking cuttings from > desert natives? I'm trying some softwood cuttings of brittlebush, jojoba > and desert lavender salvia that I'm treating like any other cutting > (only I'm using my usual sand and desert compost mix instead of potting > soil). My usual routine is to dip the cutting in rooting hormone, put it > in the soil mix and keep a plastic bag around it, keep it moist until I > see signs of growth--usually about 4-5 weeks. This has worked for me > quite well with hibiscus and others. Should it work with natives? > > I haven't had much success with brittlebush from seed, so I figured I'd > try cuttings. Has anyone else had experience re: care while rooting and > transplanting of natives? > > Also, does anyone know the germination period for penstemons (on > average). I have desert beardtongue, which I cold stratified and have > just germinated after 8-10 days. The p. spectabilis which I was told > *didn't* need to be stratified has yet to germ. after 4 weeks. > > And finally... > For those of you in the Tucson area, I HIGHLY recommend a visit to the > Desert Museum soon! We live only a few miles away so a friend and I went > up for lunch yesterday and I can't remember ever seeing so much bloom. I > didn't want to leave! > -- > Sherryl Stalinski, Executive Director > Aurora Now Foundation > http://auroranow.org || e-mail: s2@AuroraNow.org > **************************** > "I became convinced that we're here for each other. " > --R. Buckminster Fuller > ---------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From s2@AuroraNow.org Thu Feb 8 16:15:21 2001 Date: Thu, 08 Feb 2001 09:15:21 -0700 From: Sherryl Stalinski s2@AuroraNow.org Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: cuttings from natives > The greatest challenge in preventing > fungal infestations once they are potted up and growing in containers in the > summer. To alleviate that a product called Root Shield has proven to be very > effective. One of the MGs here had heard that watering with chamomile tea prevents damp off, and I'm happy to report that using it on my soaptree yuccas that had just started to germinate has eliminated the fuzzy white that had developed (whether it was just mildew or damp off, I have no idea). My seedlings are all fuzz-free now :-). I can't remember which MG here made the recommendation, but thanks! Would you recommend transferring the cuttings to containers for the summer and putting them out in the fall? I figured, especially with the brittlebush that gets a deep taproot, I'd want to put them in the ground as soon as they seemed decently rooted. Thanks again, -- Sherryl Stalinski, Executive Director Aurora Now Foundation http://auroranow.org || e-mail: s2@AuroraNow.org **************************** "I became convinced that we're here for each other. " --R. Buckminster Fuller ---------------------------- From bbpotts@az.rmci.net Thu Feb 8 17:20:34 2001 Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 10:20:34 -0700 (MST) From: bbpotts@az.rmci.net bbpotts@az.rmci.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page My navel orange tree that is 2 years old has spiney limbs should these be trimmed? These limbs occure in various locations in the tree not just in the lower areas. Is there a way to eliminate these limbs? From millero@worldnet.att.net Thu Feb 8 17:31:45 2001 Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 10:31:45 -0700 From: olin millero@worldnet.att.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Rainfall in Phoenix Be aware that rainfall is quite different around the valley. It can be pouring rain in Southwest Phoenix or at the Airport and in Northwest Phoenix we do have a drop of rain. So if you are looking for all of Phoenix it might be pretty hard to find. For rainfall at Sky Harbor, you would need to find a National Weather Service database or you may be able to get it from the AZ Republic Archives. For general average data of interest for gardening, The Arizona Meteorological Network has an excellent database. Go to http://ag.arizona.edu/AZMET/ Select the box "Data Access" . There you have a choice of a number of station locations around the valley. I usually select either Phoenix Greenway (closer to me) or Phoenix Encanto (more centrally located). For Example: If you select Phoenix Encanto, this brings up the monthly menu for each year. For November and December, you would select "Monthly" on the 2000 line and on the 2001 line for January. For January 2001, you will find rainfall was recorded on at the Encanto station 1-6,8,9,12,16, and 27 for a total 1.71 inches. But at Phoenix Greenway there was recorded rainfall on 1-8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 27 for a total of 2.39 inches for January. Olin ----- Original Message ----- From: To: Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2001 6:15 AM Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page > Where can I find which days in Nov Dec and Jan were rain days in Phoenix? > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener > From bjchambe@dcaccess.com Thu Feb 8 18:17:01 2001 Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 11:17:01 -0700 From: BJ bjchambe@dcaccess.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Mesquite Trees This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C091C0.A8D2A7A0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Arid_gardener; We planted screwbean mesquite trees last summer in our back yard. = We have no idea how to care for them. We want to prune them soon to = encourage them to become trees verses shrubs and then fertilize them. = Any information you can give us about taking care of them would be = helpful. Barbara & John ------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C091C0.A8D2A7A0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Arid_gardener;
    We planted screwbean mesquite trees last summer = in our=20 back yard.  We have no idea how to care for them.  We want to = prune=20 them soon to encourage them to become trees verses shrubs and then = fertilize=20 them.  Any information you can give us about taking care of = them would=20 be helpful.
Barbara & John
------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C091C0.A8D2A7A0-- From Krulich@aol.com Thu Feb 8 20:02:25 2001 Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 15:02:25 EST From: Krulich@aol.com Krulich@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Citrus fertilizer Hello, I have a question regarding fertilizing my citrus trees. I have some Arizona's Best citrus food, 13-10-4, that I bought about 1 and a half years ago. The directions aren't very specific as to how much to use for ground planted trees. It mostly deals with container trees. How much of it do I need to use for trees that are over 20 years old? Also, it says it only has 0.20% iron. That doesn't seem like enough iron. I checked at the store and the same stuff that I bought 1 and a half years ago now has 2.00% iron. Is 0.20% iron enough? I heard that the citrus food loses quality over time. If that's true, should I buy some new fertilizer? I bought a 40 lb bag and there is still a lot left that I would hate to see go to waste. Thanks for your time. Tom From Nonelson@aol.com Thu Feb 8 21:34:03 2001 Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 16:34:03 EST From: Nonelson@aol.com Nonelson@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Lady Bank's Rose --part1_72.7ad9bae.27b46acb_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Several years ago, while in Tombstone, I got a cutting from the Lady Bank's Rose in one of the museums. This is supposed to be the largest Rose Tree in the world; at least according to the Guiness Book of Records. It has grown and prospered in my Phoenix home, however, several times I have tried to take cuttings from mine, with a singular lack of success. Can some one please advise me how to take successful cuttings from this plant. Thank you Neil Nelson nonelson@aol.com --part1_72.7ad9bae.27b46acb_boundary Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Several years ago, while in Tombstone, I got a cutting from the Lady Bank's
Rose in one of the museums. This is supposed to be the largest Rose Tree in
the world; at least according to the Guiness Book of Records. It has grown
and prospered in my Phoenix home, however, several times I have tried to take
cuttings from mine, with  a singular lack of success. Can some one please
advise me how to take successful cuttings from this plant.
Thank you

Neil Nelson
nonelson@aol.com --part1_72.7ad9bae.27b46acb_boundary-- From rap1020@home.com Thu Feb 8 21:37:12 2001 Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 14:37:12 -0700 (MST) From: rap1020@home.com rap1020@home.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I have gardenia plant on the north side of my house out of direct sun. I supplement the soil to maintain acidity. The newer leaves are slightly yellow with brown spots on them. The buds form but turn brown and drop off prior to bloom. What is wrong? What can be done? From stognermd@netdoor.com Fri Feb 9 01:59:07 2001 Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 18:59:07 -0700 (MST) From: stognermd@netdoor.com stognermd@netdoor.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page i want to buy a Warren pear tree. Know where I can find that particular type? thanks. steve From Annecissi@aol.com Fri Feb 9 03:49:49 2001 Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 20:49:49 -0700 (MST) From: Annecissi@aol.com Annecissi@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I have an orange and grapefruit tree--they have lots of lower branches and most of the fruit was on these lower braches.However, before the fruit was ripe the branches was on the ground--everything I read says you should not prune citrus but I lost a lot of fruit to "critters and bugs". Can these lower branches be trimed and if so, how much? Thank you! From bcvoax@aol.com Fri Feb 9 16:39:20 2001 Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 09:39:20 -0700 (MST) From: bcvoax@aol.com bcvoax@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I live in Sun Lakes and I have four citrus trees in my backyard, they are aprx. 6 years old. A lemon tree that appears healthy but had only one lemon this year. Next to it is an Arizona sweet orange which appears to be healthy but had small fruit. Next to it is a pink grapefruit tree which had only five small grapefruit on it this year and only about one-third of the tree has mature leaves it continually drops its leaves, looks sad. The last tree is a tangelo tree which doesn't look bad but did not bare any fruit. all of the trees are on the same watering system were fertizized three times last year and received a dose of ironite. Help From patricbain@aol.com Fri Feb 9 17:12:37 2001 Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 10:12:37 -0700 (MST) From: patricbain@aol.com patricbain@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Variety of tomato which can be grown in Maricopa county in a container or direct into bed successfully. From bmorriss@speedchoice.com Fri Feb 9 18:31:18 2001 Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 11:31:18 -0700 (MST) From: bmorriss@speedchoice.com bmorriss@speedchoice.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page we have our own composting bin, but we're experiencing problems w/ roaches in the bottom portion of the bin. What can we do to eliminate this? From RodMcQ6@aol.com Fri Feb 9 22:00:42 2001 Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 17:00:42 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Citrus, pruning mature trees Mature citrus need very little or no pruning other than removing dead wood and twiggy inside growth. The lemon tree is quite vigorous and the outside growth may have to be pruned to keep within bounds. Never prune more than 25% at one time and be very careful not to expose limbs or the trunk to the sun without protecting them with white water based paint or a wrap. Now would be a good time of year to do this. Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Arborist From RodMcQ6@aol.com Fri Feb 9 22:00:39 2001 Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 17:00:39 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re:Pruning young citrus Young trees and especially citrus should not be pruned except to remove dead or crossing branches. Food manufacturing capabilities are reduced each time a leaf or a branch is removed. Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Arborist From RodMcQ6@aol.com Fri Feb 9 22:00:43 2001 Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 17:00:43 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Mesquite Tree Care Barbara and John, Do not remove any growth from the trunk of your screwbean mesquites if the trees still require staking. If the trees are multiple trunk and you want a sngle trunk you could select the most vigorous trunk and remove the rest. Do as little pruning on your trees as possible until they are two to three years in the ground. Two to three ounces of fertilizer applied two to three times during the growing season would benefit the trees. Be sure to water in well. Mesquites can survive in our desert climate with very little supplimental water once they are established, however they won't grow very fast. I would suggest deep watering at widely spaced intervals. Check out this website on irrigation: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/arboriculture/watering.html Good luck Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Arborist From RodMcQ6@aol.com Fri Feb 9 22:00:41 2001 Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 17:00:41 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re:Propagation from cuttings Neil There is excellent information on plant propagation at the folowing website: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/propagation/asexual.html Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener From RodMcQ6@aol.com Fri Feb 9 22:00:38 2001 Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 17:00:38 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Citrus fertilizer Tom U. of A. recommends that a mature citrus tree be fertilized with one pound of actual nitrogen per year applied in three applications starting in February. The fertilizer that you have has 13% nitrogen; to obtain one pound of nitrogen you must use 7.69 pounds of fertilizer. I would round it of to eight pounds. Iron is not a critical item in most low desert soils for citrus nor is the age of the fertilizer a concern. I would use it. Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Arborist From stevebethparker@kna.to Sat Feb 10 04:48:26 2001 Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 21:48:26 -0700 (MST) From: stevebethparker@kna.to stevebethparker@kna.to Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I just planted 2 agovey (spelled wrong im sure.) and a 2nd year med palm tree. how much water and how often,do each plan need. clueless and in need of help...steve From millero@worldnet.att.net Sat Feb 10 13:42:08 2001 Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 06:42:08 -0700 From: olin millero@worldnet.att.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Fw: bottle tree question ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steph - home" > --part1_ba.11666a00.27b6b9b5_boundary Content-Type: message/rfc822 Content-Disposition: inline Return-path: From: Awinant@aol.com Full-name: Awinant Message-ID: <8a.2196ec2.27b31401@aol.com> Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 16:11:29 EST Subject: olives... To: JeanSciFi@aol.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: AOL 4.0 for Windows 95 sub 113 Hi.... you dont know me but I found your correspondence with stack@goodnet.com on the web. The problem is that her email address doesnt exist anymore... Im a bit confused, so far Ive been following her directions for olive curing, thought that since youve tried it you might be able to help me? I picked medium sized black olives (deep purple on the inside) and put them in the brine with the concentration she suggested. I notice now that some of the olives are turning whitish on the end or ends, sort of like they are losing their pigment. In some cases it has spread through the entire olive. Is this something to be concerned about? Also, in one of my jars a mold is developing on the top, luckily today is the day I had stronger brine... What should I do about that, if anything. Thanks very much for your help, Id really appreciate your response if you have the time. Alex Winant --part1_ba.11666a00.27b6b9b5_boundary-- From susy_1@msn.com Sat Feb 10 19:09:22 2001 Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 12:09:22 -0700 (MST) From: susy_1@msn.com susy_1@msn.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page recently planted mature common white calla lillies in "mini oasis" on E. side of house. when took them out of the pots they were all "root-bound", each plant having 1 flower. live in Cave Creek just N. of scottsdale. they are in a largely shaded area & have survived the transplanting well. have never grown them before & will appreciate any info. you have about growing in our climate. when the flowers wilt should we cut them? how often should we feed? what months will they grow? when they die off do we cut them down to ground level? thank-you for anything you know about this. susan From jjgerl@earthlink.net Sat Feb 10 23:51:42 2001 Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 16:51:42 -0700 (MST) From: jjgerl@earthlink.net jjgerl@earthlink.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Help, I have 6 hibiscus plants (about 4' tall) that were planted in November. They continue to bloom, but keep getting yellow leaves (which I pick off). What do you think is happening? Also I would like to know: 1) When and how much should I prune these plants, and 2) Can you give me the name of something to use to fertilizer these plants? Thanks so much - A Real Novice From umiller@azdps.com Sun Feb 11 00:52:28 2001 Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 17:52:28 -0700 From: Ursula Miller umiller@azdps.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Hibiscus Yellowing and Pruning Go to this site http://ag.arizona.edu/pipermail/arid_gardener/2000-April/003859.html for an answer to this question, which came up before. Also, you can go to this site http://ag.arizona.edu/pipermail/arid_gardener/ and type in hibiscus for previous hibiscus discussions. There is a lot of help in those many questions and answers and some other web sites to visit for hibiscus information. I personally love these plants because they're so very green all year and have those wonderful flowers. When they start yellowing I give them some Schultz Iron Green which has iron, nitrogen and other goodies in it. That always does the trick. You can buy this product in home stores, Walmart, etc. -Ursula -----Original Message----- From: arid_gardener-admin@Ag.Arizona.Edu [mailto:arid_gardener-admin@Ag.Arizona.Edu]On Behalf Of jjgerl@earthlink.net Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2001 4:52 PM To: arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Help, I have 6 hibiscus plants (about 4' tall) that were planted in November. They continue to bloom, but keep getting yellow leaves (which I pick off). What do you think is happening? Also I would like to know: 1) When and how much should I prune these plants, and 2) Can you give me the name of something to use to fertilizer these plants? Thanks so much - A Real Novice _______________________________________________ Arid_gardener mailing list Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From sjbass@qwest.net Sun Feb 11 03:04:15 2001 Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 20:04:15 -0700 From: Sue Bass sjbass@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Hibiscus care I've copied below some information from Charles Black who owns Hidden Valley Hibiscus in San Diego County, California. You can find many of his hibiscus at valley nurseries including Harpers. Here is what Charles has to say about pruning (keep in mind that the height he is talking about is for a container grown Hibiscus, but this is the time to do it. I'd like to direct you to the HVH web site at: http://www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com/ They provide excellent information on growing hibiscus including recommendations on fertilizers. Very good information on fertilizers including what kinds to avoid. You can also e-mail them directly from their web page with questions on growing them. Charles is wonderful about responding to questions. I have learned a lot about these plants from them. Sue Bass Master Gardener From: Charles Black Date: Mon Dec 4, 2000 5:36am Bill, this is an easy one. Whack em back! Way back. Seriously, hibiscus can be pruned extensively and they just roar back with new branches and fresh foliage. I would cut the main branches low down, leaving only a few leaves and some stubs several inches long. The whole plant should then be no more than a foot high, pot included, and not extend much if any beyond the sides of the pot. The main danger in pruning in fall or winter is that any new little shoots that start to come out are very susceptible to freezing if you expect them to be in temperatures below 32 during the winter. If they will be protected from frosts then there is no problem. The other way to invigorate hibiscus is to root prune them prior to repotting. Not necessary if you are increasing the pot size, however. Charles jjgerl@earthlink.net wrote: > Help, I have 6 hibiscus plants (about 4' tall) that were planted in November. They continue to bloom, but keep getting yellow leaves (which I pick off). What do you think is happening? Also I would like to know: 1) When and how much should I prune these plants, and 2) Can you give me the name of something to use to fertilizer these plants? Thanks so much - A Real Novice > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From umiller@azdps.com Sun Feb 11 12:26:08 2001 Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 05:26:08 -0700 From: Ursula Miller umiller@azdps.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Hidden Valley Hibiscus Site I haven't been able to get to the Hidden Valley Hibiscus site for days. First I thought that maybe he was working on it but it has been down for quite a while so I don't know what's going on. -Ursula Miller -----Original Message----- From: arid_gardener-admin@Ag.Arizona.Edu [mailto:arid_gardener-admin@Ag.Arizona.Edu]On Behalf Of Sue Bass Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2001 8:04 PM To: jjgerl@earthlink.net Cc: arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu Subject: [Arid_gardener] Hibiscus care I've copied below some information from Charles Black who owns Hidden Valley Hibiscus in San Diego County, California. You can find many of his hibiscus at valley nurseries including Harpers. Here is what Charles has to say about pruning (keep in mind that the height he is talking about is for a container grown Hibiscus, but this is the time to do it. I'd like to direct you to the HVH web site at: http://www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com/ They provide excellent information on growing hibiscus including recommendations on fertilizers. Very good information on fertilizers including what kinds to avoid. You can also e-mail them directly from their web page with questions on growing them. Charles is wonderful about responding to questions. I have learned a lot about these plants from them. Sue Bass Master Gardener From: Charles Black Date: Mon Dec 4, 2000 5:36am Bill, this is an easy one. Whack em back! Way back. Seriously, hibiscus can be pruned extensively and they just roar back with new branches and fresh foliage. I would cut the main branches low down, leaving only a few leaves and some stubs several inches long. The whole plant should then be no more than a foot high, pot included, and not extend much if any beyond the sides of the pot. The main danger in pruning in fall or winter is that any new little shoots that start to come out are very susceptible to freezing if you expect them to be in temperatures below 32 during the winter. If they will be protected from frosts then there is no problem. The other way to invigorate hibiscus is to root prune them prior to repotting. Not necessary if you are increasing the pot size, however. Charles jjgerl@earthlink.net wrote: > Help, I have 6 hibiscus plants (about 4' tall) that were planted in November. They continue to bloom, but keep getting yellow leaves (which I pick off). What do you think is happening? Also I would like to know: 1) When and how much should I prune these plants, and 2) Can you give me the name of something to use to fertilizer these plants? Thanks so much - A Real Novice > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener _______________________________________________ Arid_gardener mailing list Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From blguard@worldnet.att.net Sun Feb 11 15:16:46 2001 Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 08:16:46 -0700 (MST) From: blguard@worldnet.att.net blguard@worldnet.att.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I have dwarf myrtles planted as a low hedge. I have had to replace them many times because they turn brown and then die after about 6 months. I tried spraying them with diazinon, because I thought they had cutworms. This seemed to help a bit last year, but now about half of them are turning brown and dying again. I’ve been reading about Cotton Root Rot, and wonder if it could effect myrtles. Any suggestion? From ncornell3@home.com Sun Feb 11 19:26:37 2001 Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 12:26:37 -0700 (MST) From: ncornell3@home.com ncornell3@home.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Re: Old orange tree. I have an orange tree that is at least 45 years old one branch still produces delicious navel oranges. A patch of fungus roughly the size of a baseball mit has taken up residence on an area of the trunk where a large branch was removed many years ago. The tree has a few bare, dark brances but most of it appears to me rather healthy is there away to save this tree or should I have it removed? From RodMcQ6@aol.com Sun Feb 11 22:23:14 2001 Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 17:23:14 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re Orange tree aging At 45 years your orange tree is nearing the end of its life expectancy, however I wouldn't give up on it yet; have the dead pruned out and water and fertilize adequately, it maay last a few more years. Goodd luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener From RodMcQ6@aol.com Sun Feb 11 22:23:10 2001 Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 17:23:10 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Myrtle dying Myrtle is suseptable to Texas Root Rot, however a plant aflicted with TRR will die during the late summer and fall. Could you be overwatering? Myrtle is quite drought tolerant, and if you are watering more often than once per week in summer then it is too often once the plant is established. Check out this website on irrigation: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/arboriculture/watering.html Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener From nhahn@earthlink.net Mon Feb 12 00:42:24 2001 Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 17:42:24 -0700 (MST) From: nhahn@earthlink.net nhahn@earthlink.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I recently bought 2 mandarin trees (Algerian Clementines), and when I brought them home and looked them up in the Sunset Western Gardens book, I learned they need to be cross polinated. Will the two I bought do the trick or does it have to be another variety of mandarin? I have an orange tree, grapefruit and lemon tree already. Would any of them work? Thanks for your help. From standingfox@yahoo.com Mon Feb 12 03:29:22 2001 Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 20:29:22 -0700 (MST) From: standingfox@yahoo.com standingfox@yahoo.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Need to know the last frost dates for Cave Creek area of Maricopa County. Deer Park was the closest listing. If I do plantings now what do you recommend covering the plants with to prevent frost damage. thanks Don Gerstenschlager Cave Creek From Bonnie@labis.net Mon Feb 12 07:37:27 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 00:37:27 -0700 (MST) From: Bonnie@labis.net Bonnie@labis.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I have a dwarf lemon tree that is about ten years old. I do not know how to prune it properly, if at all. I'm told I shouldn't prune it except for the very ends of the branches. I cut off a large branch. Did I make a mistake? And how should I be pruning this tree? Thank you From s2@AuroraNow.org Mon Feb 12 16:31:42 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 09:31:42 -0700 From: Sherryl Stalinski s2@AuroraNow.org Subject: [Arid_gardener] composting info Someone had asked about composting statistics. I just ran across this: > Composting can easily reduce by half the volume of material a household sends to > a landfill. If you don't care about accelerating the processing, just keep adding > material at the > top. Bury fresh kitchen scraps to prevent flies, and try to keep a balance of dry > "brown" materials and fresh "green" material. For more technical information, > try visiting RotWeb: http://www.a-horizon.com/compost/compost_menu.html The website has a great resource of information about composting, both practical "how to" info and "why" info (stats, articles, etc). Hope this helps for those who have been asking. -- Sherryl Stalinski, Executive Director Aurora Now Foundation http://auroranow.org || e-mail: s2@AuroraNow.org **************************** "I became convinced that we're here for each other. " --R. Buckminster Fuller ---------------------------- From sjbass@qwest.net Mon Feb 12 16:26:11 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 09:26:11 -0700 From: Sue Bass sjbass@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Wildflowers Greetings fellow wildflower fans! I wanted to share this note I received from a friend who leads hikes for Gilbert Parks and Rec. It sounds like it is going to be a glorious wildflower season, just a bit earlier than usual. Get out there and enjoy! - Sue Bass The wildflowers are blooming early and it is possible that this year will be even better than the gorgeous bloom we had in 1998. Sunday's Arizona Republic gave this page information for wildflower updates and identification. Take a look if you get a chance and get out there quick in case they don't last! http://www.desertusa.com/flora.html From dsavini@hotmail.com Mon Feb 12 17:21:21 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 10:21:21 -0700 (MST) From: dsavini@hotmail.com dsavini@hotmail.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Where can I plant a pink jasmine vine. 5 Gallon would like to plant it against block fence facing east. Does it take full sun in the summer. Thank you so much for your time. From lindaguy@qwest.net Mon Feb 12 19:35:09 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 12:35:09 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Composting References If you return to the website where you originally posted your question, you will see a section on links, one of which is composting. There are many effective ways to compost and alot depends on the volume of material you have, space in your yard and time to manage it. http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/general/links.htm We also have publications on composting in the vegetables section of our pubs page http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/pubs/pubs.htm#Vegetable You'll have to order it [instructions to do so are there] or you can see if the local library has our notebook in the Reference section, #635. Linda Guy Master Gardener jhayesfamily@prodigy.net wrote: > What is the best way to compost? I've seen many systems one can buy, but what fits for our climate? > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Mon Feb 12 19:38:24 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 12:38:24 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Pruning Citrus Citrus only needs to be pruned to maintain shape, remove diseased or dead wood or crossing branches that rub each other. Leaving the canopy lower protects the trunk from sunburn. Any foliage you can leave on the tree provides that much more in the way of nutrient-manufacturing [photosynthesis] capability to bear more/better fruit. Your tree will probably be fine, but remember that with citrus, less pruning is often more! Linda Guy Master Gardener Bonnie@labis.net wrote: > I have a dwarf lemon tree that is about ten years old. I do not know how to prune it properly, if at all. I'm told I shouldn't prune it except for the very ends of the branches. I cut off a large branch. Did I make a mistake? And how should I be pruning this tree? > Thank you > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Mon Feb 12 19:42:34 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 12:42:34 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Mandarin Pollinization The topic is covered in a great publication that is available online [AZ 1001] at http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/pubs/pubs.htm#Citrus The tree is self-pollinating, but with another Algerian, you'll probably have better fruit production and reduce the risk of increased seed production which another mandarin variety might introduce. Linda Guy Master Gardener nhahn@earthlink.net wrote: > I recently bought 2 mandarin trees (Algerian Clementines), and when I brought them home and looked them up in the Sunset Western Gardens book, I learned they need to be cross polinated. Will the two I bought do the trick or does it have to be another variety of mandarin? I have an orange tree, grapefruit and lemon tree already. Would any of them work? Thanks for your help. > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Mon Feb 12 19:45:56 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 12:45:56 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Irrigation Requirements - Agave and Palms We have publications that can help you at this part of our website http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/pubs/pubs.htm#top Check out the online pubs AZ 1048 Care of Desert Plants and AZ1021 AZ Landscape palms. Also of interest, though you'd have to order it , is 8309 on Cactus, agave, etc. Linda Guy Master Gardener stevebethparker@kna.to wrote: > I just planted 2 agovey (spelled wrong im sure.) and a 2nd year med palm tree. how much water and how often,do each plan need. > clueless and in need of help...steve > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Mon Feb 12 19:49:01 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 12:49:01 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Roaches in Compost We had a rousing discussion a few year's back that you might be able to find in our archives, which is in the same place that you originally placed your question. My personal opinion is that insect life in the compost [a] is not in my home or elsewhere in my yard and [b] serves a wonderful, albeit microscopic compost turning function for me. Several posters, including one of the ag agents, agreed with me. They love water and this sort of material and better that they find it there than trooping into your home to access same! Sorry, I know it's probably not the answer you want to hear. Linda Guy Master Gardener bmorriss@speedchoice.com wrote: > we have our own composting bin, but we're experiencing problems w/ roaches in the bottom portion of the bin. What can we do to eliminate this? > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lime-my-art@home.com Mon Feb 12 20:38:01 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 13:38:01 -0700 (MST) From: lime-my-art@home.com lime-my-art@home.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page We recently planted a dwarf navel orange tree in our yard. How often should we fertilze it and when? Thanks in advance for your help. From like-my-art@home.com Mon Feb 12 20:38:18 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 13:38:18 -0700 (MST) From: like-my-art@home.com like-my-art@home.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page We recently planted a dwarf navel orange tree in our yard. How often should we fertilze it and when? Thanks in advance for your help. From RodMcQ6@aol.com Mon Feb 12 21:25:40 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 16:25:40 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Fertilizing Citrus Do not fertilize newly planted citrus trees until they have been in the ground a year, then apply three tablespoons of fertilizer three times a year, Feb., April, and July. The second year the amount can be increased. U. of A. Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix,85040 has an excellent bulletin on citrus care in the home garden avaiable for $1.00. God luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Arborist From jkandell@email.arizona.edu Mon Feb 12 21:45:38 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 14:45:38 -0700 From: Jonathan Kandell jkandell@email.arizona.edu Subject: [Arid_gardener] sloped basins? Has anyone used sloped square basins, where the flat bottom surface slopes down from ground level at one end to below ground at the other? The plants are grown in the lower 1/8 of the basin, which is filled with good soil. From jimbo1953@aol.com Mon Feb 12 22:16:00 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 15:16:00 -0700 (MST) From: jimbo1953@aol.com jimbo1953@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page my 20 foot saguaro has developed a spot of rotting that is oozing black goo. what can i do? From sjbass@qwest.net Mon Feb 12 22:49:22 2001 Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 15:49:22 -0700 From: Sue Bass sjbass@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Bacterial Necrosis of Saguaro It sounds like your Saguaro may have bacterial necrosis. I'd like to refer you to an on-line information sheet about it at: http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/saguaro.htm Sue Bass Master Gardener jimbo1953@aol.com wrote: > my 20 foot saguaro has developed a spot of rotting that is oozing black goo. what can i do? > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Tue Feb 13 15:32:26 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 08:32:26 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Saguaro Necrosis Check out the following page on our website and see if this doesn't fit what's happening with your saguaro. http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/saguaro.htm Management is discussed there, too. Act quickly to contain this bacterial problem. Linda Guy Master Gardener jimbo1953@aol.com wrote: > my 20 foot saguaro has developed a spot of rotting that is oozing black goo. what can i do? > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Tue Feb 13 19:41:45 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 12:41:45 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Citrus Stem End Problem Does our website's discussion http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/stem-rot.htm sound like your problem? If so, management is discussed there as well. Linda Guy Master Gardener cram1402@aol.com wrote: > Each year my Valencia orange tree produces fruit that, when peeled, reveals a "pithy" dry portion, found on the stem end of the fruit. I had originally thought that it was frost injury, but the valley hasn't been that cold this year. Could it be that I didn't water it at some critical point in its fruiting stage? > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Tue Feb 13 19:57:12 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 12:57:12 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Bulbs in Phoenix This will be totally dependent upon the bulbs. Ones that do well here are Dutch iris and daffodils, although there are others. Ones that will usually not go more than a year include tulips. Keeping bulbs indoors in a cool, dry place over the summer, if there is nobody home, may be a solution. It would be beneficial to address specific bulb varieties, rather than give you very sketchy or generalized info that may not pertain to those that you have or will be receiving. Linda Guy Master Gardener jesue@c2i2.com wrote: > I recieved a once a month bulb assortment, for six months, preplanted in indoor containers. Once they have bloomed, how to I care for them so I can replant them outside. Can I store them until next fall, as we travel in the summer? > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From EMAILATFISHER@aol.com Tue Feb 13 20:04:27 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 15:04:27 EST From: EMAILATFISHER@aol.com EMAILATFISHER@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Plant Music --part1_f3.772e560.27baed4b_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Dear Sir I am a student at Manchester Metropolitan Univsity, Crewe, UK. I am studying the effects of rock and classical music on plant growth and would be grateful if you have any information on the subject. I currently have three sets of broad bean growing: one to rock, one to Mozart, and the other to nothing. The results so far are rather interesting. I would be grateful for any comments you may have. Angela Fisher --part1_f3.772e560.27baed4b_boundary Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Dear Sir

I am a student at Manchester Metropolitan Univsity, Crewe, UK.

I am studying the effects of rock and classical music on plant growth and
would be grateful if you have any information on the subject.

I currently have three sets of broad bean growing: one to rock, one to
Mozart, and the other to nothing. The results so far are rather interesting.

I would be grateful for any comments you may have.


Angela Fisher --part1_f3.772e560.27baed4b_boundary-- From lindaguy@qwest.net Tue Feb 13 20:04:15 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 13:04:15 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Callas If I'm not mistaken, calla [zantedeschia] are rhizomes that are recommended to be divided when the flowers start to get very small. Planting time is recommended in Oct/Nov, with a March/April bloom season. They are said to do well in partial of full shade outdoors; the reference material I had indicated that white callas are easiest to grow, although yellow, black and pink ones are available too. Colors tend to need a slightly more acidic soil. They are nearly evergreen in mild winters, but they are deciduous in frost. I highly recommend that you look at the Sunset Western Garden Book for more specific information based on the types of callas you have. Linda Guy Master Gardener susy_1@msn.com wrote: > recently planted mature common white calla lillies in "mini oasis" on E. side of house. when took them out of the pots they were all "root-bound", each plant having 1 flower. live in Cave Creek just N. of scottsdale. they are in a largely shaded area & have survived the transplanting well. have never grown them before & will appreciate any info. you have about growing in our climate. when the flowers wilt should we cut them? how often should we feed? what months will they grow? when they die off do we cut them down to ground level? thank-you for anything you know about this. susan > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Tue Feb 13 20:09:28 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 13:09:28 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Veggie Planting Times Onions/garlic/leeks are cool season crops that are generally planted in October. Tomatos, on the other hand, are warm season vegetables that can be planted as early as February with frost protection such as wall'o'waters or cloches. A general rule on what grows when: Cool season crops are roots, leaves, flowers or their buds; warm season vegetables are those that yield fruits. Check out our online publication for vegetable planting times at http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/pubs/pubs.htm Linda Guy Master Gardener ahamilton@qwest.net wrote: > when is it time to plant onions and tomatoes. > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Tue Feb 13 20:20:00 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 13:20:00 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Conditions for Giant Bird of Paradise, Banana Giant bird of paradis [Strelitzia nicolai] prefer the type of lighting you've described. The Sunset Western Garden Book suggests that young plants be well fertilized to reach their full dramatic size, then stop feeding. The objective is to acquire and maintain size without growing too much that you need to dig it out and divide it. Keep dead leaves cut as well as excessive growth. Bananas [ensete] are large palm-like perennials that will die back in a cooler winter here. I think they prefer partial shade. Bananas [musa] are said to like full sun, though placement and care varies by species. Check out the AZ Chapter of the Cal. Rare Fruit Club at http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/clubs/clubs.htm They might have more information on bananas. Linda Guy Master Gardener jimlisag@earthlink.net wrote: > will a giant bird of paradise, or banana plant grow in dirrect morning sunlight, and afternoon filtered light? > > Thanks! > Jim and Lisa > > P.S. We are looking for a tropical look w/o using palms behind our pools waterfall. We already have giant bamboo, and would like to add another large leafed plant. > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Tue Feb 13 20:22:38 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 13:22:38 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Compost I don't know the answer but would like to provide you with some links http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/general/links.htm You could also contact the city sanitation departments that distribute recycled trash barrels to households for compost purposes. They no doubt have some statistics. I know that Phoenix has such a program. Linda Guy Master Gardener azwildbd@primenet.com wrote: > For an average household, annually - When a household composts, how much space or how much weight is saved by not going to the landfill? > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Tue Feb 13 20:27:14 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 13:27:14 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Tree Selection The number of trees you place depends on the volume of shade you prefer and the size of the trees. You need also to consider the proximity of power lines, sidewalks or walls whose foundations might be impacted by roots, the amount of water you are prepared to use, and whether you want decidous trees to allow in winter sun. You can get started in our publications listing http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/pubs/pubs.htm which has sections on citrus, desert adapted plants and ornamentals. There are links that discuss plants in the low desert at http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/plants/plants.htm The best thing for you to do is to visit a botanical garden and look at trees that you like that are established, so that you can see size and shape. http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/general/links.htm#adventures Linda Guy Master Gardener pauljnestor@yahoo.com wrote: > I live in Phoenix and my yard is aprox 20' by 45'. I am trying to decide on what trees to put in our yard. We would like a couple of cirus tees and maybe a eucalyptus. How can I find out if you can combine some trees with others? Also how many tree can I fit into our yard considering the size? > Thank you for you time and advise. > Paul > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Tue Feb 13 20:32:28 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 13:32:28 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Fungus Gnats Most of us have some homemade recipe to handle fungus gnats. A single drench is usually not enough...you may drown the larvae but there might still be adults around to lay more eggs. If push comes to shove, you may need to toss all the soil and start afresh. Here's a response we once posted from MG Pauline Marx: Fungus gnats can be eliminated with a soil drench of: 1 quart warm water 2 Tablespoons commercial insecticidal soap Drench the soil without wetting the foliage This can be done once a month until you no longer have the problem Another mixture is 1 quart warm water 1 teaspoon liquid household bleach I personally have also used a purchased product from an organic supply catalog with some success. Our own website discusses the problem at http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/gnats.htm Linda Guy Master Gardener kelly.ryan1@home.com wrote: > What should I do about soil gnats? I had them in just one potted plant in my home which was exposed to partial diffused sunlight, now they have expanded into most of my potted plants. What should I do to discourage their survival? Will my plants, which are now grasping to life, survive? Thank you very much. > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Tue Feb 13 20:36:39 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 13:36:39 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Excess Grapefruit I thought that most of the food banks had volunteer gleaning crews. I've often seen them at work in the yards of my Arcadia neighborhood. I think there's a central function that handles all food banks. How about phoning the Arizona Association for Food Banks to see what they offer? Linda Guy Master Gardener djacksonsprint2@earthlink.net wrote: > I have 150 older grapefruit trees. I enjoy the shade and beauty of the trees but there is only so much grapefruit a person can eat. We can't even give it away. My questions are 1) will it hurt the trees to just leave the fruit on and if so 2) is there anything we can spray or feed the trees to diminish the fruit production. > thank you > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From boneyjjd@aol.com Tue Feb 13 22:37:39 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 15:37:39 -0700 (MST) From: boneyjjd@aol.com boneyjjd@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page When is the best time to prune a Texas sage shrub? From kcountryman@sprintmail.com Tue Feb 13 22:43:59 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 15:43:59 -0700 (MST) From: kcountryman@sprintmail.com kcountryman@sprintmail.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Now that my kids are grown I want to convert our grass yard to desert landscape. What's the best and safest way to kill off the bermuda grass? From jkandell@email.arizona.edu Tue Feb 13 22:45:08 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 15:45:08 -0700 From: Jonathan Kandell jkandell@email.arizona.edu Subject: [Arid_gardener] more space between plants in arid climates? Is the intensive planting spacing suitable to the desert? If you're trying to maximize your use of natural rainwater, you'd want to minimize your plants per sf (since other plants compete for water). No? But if you want to maximize your use of supplementary irrigation, then you'd want to maximize your plants per sf. So one is led in both directions..... jk From lindaguy@qwest.net Wed Feb 14 00:11:52 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 17:11:52 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Pruning Texas Rangers I pruned my various leucophyllums in the last few weeks. Johnson's 'Pruning Planting & Care' in the plants for the aris west series says that January to February are the best times. Linda Guy Master Gardener boneyjjd@aol.com wrote: > When is the best time to prune a Texas sage shrub? > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From lindaguy@qwest.net Wed Feb 14 00:18:31 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 17:18:31 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Intensive Gardening This is an excellent strategy, and I have used it as recently as this cool season, for annual vegetables. I'm not sure how to further respond, because I'm not sure what type of planting you are considering....landscape, flower borders, herb beds, etc. In general close proximity of plants lends to a slight increase in local humidity and makes it easier to apply water in a flood irrigation type of manner. But I have often witnessed in landscapes that people put in plants much too closely together for their eventual growth habit, with the result that massive pruning is required to keep everything in scale. Hope this answers your question. Linda Guy Master Gardener Jonathan Kandell wrote: > Is the intensive planting spacing suitable to the desert? If you're trying > to maximize your use of natural rainwater, you'd want to minimize your > plants per sf (since other plants compete for water). No? But if you want > to maximize your use of supplementary irrigation, then you'd want to > maximize your plants per sf. So one is led in both directions..... > > jk > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From umiller@azdps.com Wed Feb 14 03:44:20 2001 Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 20:44:20 -0700 From: Ursula Miller umiller@azdps.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Watering Shrubs This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0015_01C095FD.BDB20940 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit One of you folks recently had commentary on watering desert plants - that removing drippers and cutting back on watering will retard growth without killing them. I have some Arizona Yellow Bells and Bottlebrush bushes on the side of my house which have grown enormously in two years from little one-gallon plants. The one yellow bells (with orange flowers) is over 6' tall and the other one (yellow flowers) is shorter but very bushy. The bottlebrushes are also full and getting quite tall. I have dripper lines and water them at varying levels during the year (less in winter, more in summer). I'd like to retard this growth which requires constant pruning and also leads to iron deficiency in the bottlebrushes because I'm probably washing the iron out of the soil with all the watering. So I plugged the dripper lines last weekend thinking that occasionally I'll just go out and deep water these plants instead of giving them this regular watering. I can't find that commentary that was posted but think that it applies to me. Can someone resend it or let me know if I did the right thing? I don't want to find out that this was a mistake and have the bushes die. Ursula Miller ------=_NextPart_000_0015_01C095FD.BDB20940 Content-Type: text/html; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
One of you folks = recently had=20 commentary on watering desert plants - that removing drippers and = cutting back=20 on watering will retard growth without killing them.  =
 
I have some Arizona = Yellow=20 Bells and Bottlebrush bushes on the side of my house which have grown = enormously=20 in two years from little one-gallon plants.  The one yellow bells = (with=20 orange flowers) is over 6' tall and the other one (yellow = flowers) is=20 shorter but very bushy.  The bottlebrushes are also full=20 and getting quite tall.   I have dripper lines and water = them at=20 varying levels during the year (less in winter, more in summer).  = I'd like=20 to retard this growth which requires constant pruning and also leads to = iron=20 deficiency in the bottlebrushes because I'm probably washing the iron = out of the=20 soil with all the watering.  So I plugged the dripper lines last = weekend=20 thinking that occasionally I'll just go out and deep water these plants = instead=20 of giving them this regular watering.
 
I can't find that = commentary=20 that was posted but think that it applies to me.  Can someone = resend it or=20 let me know if I did the right thing?  I don't want to find out = that this=20 was a mistake and have the bushes die. 
 
Ursula Miller
 
------=_NextPart_000_0015_01C095FD.BDB20940-- From lindaguy@qwest.net Wed Feb 14 13:59:55 2001 Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 06:59:55 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Pearl Scale In September of last year, a gentleman wrote to the AZ Republic from Scottsdale with advice he had received from Harper's Nursery regarding the treatment of pearl scale. He indicated that the combined use of an insecticide called Merit [I think it's registered for grub treatment, but not yet for pearl scale] helped manage the population. He also regularly applied water-degradable soil sulfur from May through July. By lowering the soil pH, the scale's habitat less hospitable since it prefers alkalinity. It wasn't purported to do the job completely, but rather kept the pearl scale under some semblance of control or at least from spreading. Many people simply try to remove the infected site to prevent spreading. Perhaps a combination of all of these will produce good results for you. Our website's comments on pearl scale can be found at http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/pearl-sc.htm but it has limited recommendations. We also have a publication on the topic, MC 45, which you can order by going to the pubs list on our website at http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/pubs/pubs.htm#lawn Sometimes your local library will have a notebook with our pubs in the reference section [noncirculating], call code 635. I have not fought the good fight personally, so I cannot attest to the efficacy of these strategies. Good luck! Linda Guy Master Gardener mplatt@doitnow.com wrote: > We recently detected pearlscale in our grass > on our residential lot. We removed the pearlscale > as directed by the company (Western Sod) that > we bought the sod from. This was done by physically > removing the soil with pearlscale and refilling with > new soil. > > However, we met a neighbor on one of our walks who > told us that it can also be treated with muriatic > acid. Do you know if that is the case and what would > we mix the muriatic acid with to treat the sod? > > Thanks for your help. Look forward to your > response. > > Mary Platt > > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From s2@AuroraNow.org Wed Feb 14 14:39:20 2001 Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 07:39:20 -0700 From: Sherryl Stalinski s2@AuroraNow.org Subject: [Arid_gardener] What does damp-off look like? I have some seedlings and cutting that look like someone had a pillow fight on them. Instead of just 'fuzz' (which I'm assuming is just mildew?) it looks like little white downy feathers on the soil. I used sterile medium. Is this damp-off? If so, what can/should I do? If I let the soil dry out completely won't my seedlings/cuttings die? I've done cuttings before and have never had this come up. Is this unique to the desert? -- Sherryl Stalinski, Executive Director Aurora Now Foundation http://auroranow.org || e-mail: s2@AuroraNow.org **************************** "I became convinced that we're here for each other. " --R. Buckminster Fuller ---------------------------- From lindaguy@qwest.net Wed Feb 14 14:41:09 2001 Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 07:41:09 -0700 From: Linda Guy lindaguy@qwest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Damping Off We discuss damping-off, including management strategies, at http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/diseases/damp-off.htm [For future reference, you can find a lot of information in our website. In this case, if you use the index function on our home page, you would have seen damping off in the 'D' section.] Since I am on the arid gardener list server, there is no need to separately copy me on your requests! Hope you find this info helpful. Linda Sherryl Stalinski wrote: > I have some seedlings and cutting that look like someone had a pillow > fight on them. Instead of just 'fuzz' (which I'm assuming is just > mildew?) it looks like little white downy feathers on the soil. I used > sterile medium. Is this damp-off? If so, what can/should I do? If I let > the soil dry out completely won't my seedlings/cuttings die? > > I've done cuttings before and have never had this come up. Is this > unique to the desert? > -- > Sherryl Stalinski, Executive Director > Aurora Now Foundation > http://auroranow.org || e-mail: s2@AuroraNow.org > **************************** > "I became convinced that we're here for each other. " > --R. Buckminster Fuller > ---------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From KriegeP@juno.com Wed Feb 14 16:28:24 2001 Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 09:28:24 -0700 (MST) From: KriegeP@juno.com KriegeP@juno.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Pruning Shrub Aster: I have a large bush about 5 feet high and 5 feet wide, which I was told was a shrub aster. It was completely covered with the most beautiful blue asters in fall. It is dormant now, and the leaves are brown. When should I prune it and how much should I prune? From punterbrink@uswest.net Thu Feb 15 01:41:51 2001 Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 18:41:51 -0700 (MST) From: punterbrink@uswest.net punterbrink@uswest.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page We live in Tempe and have 2 mature orange trees (Arizona sweet and Valencia). These trees are probably more than 20 years old. About the middle of January they started dropping leaves. Then on day in the morning the ground was covered with oranges. The tree was producing a beautiful crop but the fruit has been dropping off. The AZ sweet has almost no leaves left. We water and fertilize regularly. What could have caused this? Any help you can give will be appreciated. Thank you From GrdnrnAZ@aol.com Thu Feb 15 02:25:00 2001 Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 19:25:00 -0700 (MST) From: GrdnrnAZ@aol.com GrdnrnAZ@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page How does the frost tollerance of a lisbon lemmon (standard) compare with that of a Red Grapefruit(standard). I have had success with grapefruit and my neighbor has several oranges and tangerines, but neither of us has a lemmom. I live in a cooler area of Tucson (near a wash). Also, what is the maximum width of such a lemmom tree and what about growth rate. Chow......Max From schneider_4871@email.msn.com Thu Feb 15 06:02:42 2001 Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 23:02:42 -0700 (MST) From: schneider_4871@email.msn.com schneider_4871@email.msn.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Rose disease. I have some roses that are suffering the following characteristics: Leaf yellows, wilts and dies, Canes start dying back from cut ends. Stem turns brown, shrivels and then black. Growing tips of stems die. Lack of vigor. I suspect some sort of fungal diseas. This usually only happens to roses I recieve from an Northern California nursery. From schneider_4871@email.msn.com Thu Feb 15 06:07:15 2001 Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 23:07:15 -0700 (MST) From: schneider_4871@email.msn.com schneider_4871@email.msn.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Saguaro problem: The top of the saguaro appears to be dead. Black. It appears limited to only the growing tip. It has also had a spot of rot that I promptly cut out and seems to have healed. It had 3/4 flowers last summer. Is it in trouble? Anything I can do? What resources books/people can I turn to? From pamela@u.arizona.edu Thu Feb 15 21:07:25 2001 Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 14:07:25 -0700 From: Pamela Tremain Koch pamela@u.arizona.edu Subject: [Arid_gardener] fairy duster--to prune or not to prune I have a red fairy dusty that is rather lanky--6 thin stems rising from the ground some two feet or so. It is a year and a half old (but almost died by being eaten by ants last spring) and is in mostly shade during the winter, although from now until late fall it will get a good dose of sun. Will pruning help this bush to thicken up or should I just let it go? Thanks. From Krulich@aol.com Thu Feb 15 23:41:35 2001 Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 18:41:35 EST From: Krulich@aol.com Krulich@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Watering large trees Hi, I have two Aleppo pines - one has a 25' diameter canopy and the other has a 35' diameter canopy. My question is do I have to water them from the trunk (near it) all the way out to the drip line, or can I just water them at the drip line? The reason I ask is because it would take hundreds and hundreds of gallons to water the entire root zone at least 3' deep and I really couldn't afford it. What I would like to do is to lay some soaker hose around the drip line and just water it out there. Also, I have a huge eucalyptus tree with an awkward canopy. The drip line is about 22' from the trunk on one side and only 10' on the other side. Do I need to water it around the drip line or evenly around the trunk? Please let me know what you think I should do. Thanks, Tom From RodMcQ6@aol.com Thu Feb 15 23:44:48 2001 Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 18:44:48 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Lemons ,frost tender Lemons are more frost tender than grapefruit and would not be recommended for the cooler areas around Tucson. Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener From RodMcQ6@aol.com Thu Feb 15 23:44:47 2001 Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 18:44:47 EST From: RodMcQ6@aol.com RodMcQ6@aol.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Rose Disease, blackened canes The symptoms you describe also came from another person and my answer is below. I think that if all the roses that have the symptoms you describe came from one nursery I would not buy from them again. The blackened canes that you describe could be caused by a canker fungus. When the blackened cane starts near the ground the fungus gains access to the cane through an injury to the cane. When the blackening of the cane starts at the tip of the cane, the cause again could be from dead heading or an insect injury. When I notice a blackened cane starting at the tip of the cane I find a bud that is two or three inches below the blackened area and cut back to that spot. When the blackened area is at the base of the cane the only thing that can be done is to remove the cane before the fungus spreads to the whole bush. Be sure to spray the bush with a fungicide and sterilize your pruners after making a cut. I find that when my rose bushes get to be 8 to 10 years old they start to decline. Sometimes severe pruning or transplanting to a new location will help. I find that a 3 to 4 inch organic mulch around the bushes not only helps to insulate from the summer heat and cuts down on moisture loss but as the organic material breaks down it adds humus to the soil. In addition I use an organic fertilizer such as Hickmans Rose food once a year as well as alfalfa meal. For help in growing the best roses why not join one of the five rose societies in the Phoenix area. Good luck. Rod McKusick Master Gardener and Consulting Rosarian _______________________________________________ From ursula@goodnet.com Fri Feb 16 02:11:49 2001 Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 19:11:49 -0700 From: Ursula Miller ursula@goodnet.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] fairy duster--to prune or not to prune Mine got leggy, too, and pruning helped fill it out until the rabbits started eating it. One of my books says that pruning should be done in late spring and to avoid pruning in hot weather. Severe pruning inhibits flowering so don't prune more than 20% at a time. Ursula -----Original Message----- From: arid_gardener-admin@Ag.Arizona.Edu [mailto:arid_gardener-admin@Ag.Arizona.Edu]On Behalf Of Pamela Tremain Koch Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2001 2:07 PM To: arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu Subject: [Arid_gardener] fairy duster--to prune or not to prune I have a red fairy dusty that is rather lanky--6 thin stems rising from the ground some two feet or so. It is a year and a half old (but almost died by being eaten by ants last spring) and is in mostly shade during the winter, although from now until late fall it will get a good dose of sun. Will pruning help this bush to thicken up or should I just let it go? Thanks. _______________________________________________ Arid_gardener mailing list Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener From redibird@yahoo.com Fri Feb 16 03:05:43 2001 Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 20:05:43 -0700 (MST) From: redibird@yahoo.com redibird@yahoo.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page I have built some 8' x 4' raised beds (4') deep and need to know what to fill them with in order to grow vegatables and flowers. From goodingpn@cs.com Fri Feb 16 03:13:59 2001 Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 20:13:59 -0700 (MST) From: goodingpn@cs.com goodingpn@cs.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page i have rock surrounding my verbena. the rock has turned a sooty black.I hosed it down but it came back. what is this and should it be treated? From theoriginalcactusjack@yahoo.com Fri Feb 16 19:10:03 2001 Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 11:10:03 -0800 (PST) From: john peder theoriginalcactusjack@yahoo.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Watering large trees Best to water the last5-10 feet to the dripline and out past the dripline about 5 feet or so. This is the area most if the roots that take up water are locatedfor all plants. Continue to water deep (3-4 feet). --- Krulich@aol.com wrote: > Hi, > > I have two Aleppo pines - one has a 25' diameter > canopy and the other has a > 35' diameter canopy. > > My question is do I have to water them from the > trunk (near it) all the way > out to the drip line, or can I just water them at > the drip line? The reason > I ask is because it would take hundreds and hundreds > of gallons to water the > entire root zone at least 3' deep and I really > couldn't afford it. > > What I would like to do is to lay some soaker hose > around the drip line and > just water it out there. > > Also, I have a huge eucalyptus tree with an awkward > canopy. The drip line is > about 22' from the trunk on one side and only 10' on > the other side. Do I > need to water it around the drip line or evenly > around the trunk? > > Please let me know what you think I should do. > > Thanks, > Tom > _______________________________________________ > Arid_gardener mailing list > Arid_gardener@Ag.Arizona.Edu > http://Ag.Arizona.Edu/mailman/listinfo/arid_gardener __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get personalized email addresses from Yahoo! Mail - only $35 a year! http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/ From jennylynn85220@yahoo.com Fri Feb 16 21:58:21 2001 Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 14:58:21 -0700 (MST) From: jennylynn85220@yahoo.com jennylynn85220@yahoo.com Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page Do you know where I can get a calender of vegetables that grow in my area (Apache Junction AZ)and when the best time to plant them? From jkandell@email.arizona.edu Fri Feb 16 23:32:34 2001 Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 16:32:34 -0700 From: Jonathan Kandell jkandell@email.arizona.edu Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: raised beds, what to fill with At 08:05 PM 2/15/01 -0700, you wrote: >I have built some 8' x 4' raised beds (4') deep and need to know what to >fill them with in order to grow vegatables and flowers. I know some people use commercial soil, or even pure humus. But it's much cheaper to use native soil mixed with compost and amendments. 128 cf of bought soil will cost you some! If you mix in 6" of compost into the top 2 feet, you'd require 16 cf--not too bad. Where do you live and what's the native soil like? jk From pamela@u.arizona.edu Sat Feb 17 00:09:15 2001 Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 17:09:15 -0700 From: Pamela Tremain Koch pamela@u.arizona.edu Subject: [Arid_gardener] transplanting cat's claw This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_005F_01C0983B.31024A60 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable We have some cat's claw and are thinking of moving them--does anyone = know if these vines transplant well? Thanks, Pamela ------=_NextPart_000_005F_01C0983B.31024A60 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
We have some cat's claw and are = thinking  of=20 moving them--does anyone know if these vines transplant = well?
 
Thanks,
Pamela
------=_NextPart_000_005F_01C0983B.31024A60-- From millero@worldnet.att.net Sat Feb 17 02:20:02 2001 Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 19:20:02 -0700 From: olin millero@worldnet.att.net Subject: [Arid_gardener] Re: Vegetable Planting Calendar There is a planting schedule for Maricopa County's low desert at http://ag.arizona.