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October 1, 2007 – Salt Marsh Caterpillars, “Wooly Worms”
Some parts of rural Pinal County are seeing large migrations of “wooly worms”. Their real name is salt marsh caterpillar. They are leaving defoliated cotton fields by the tens of thousands and some homes are seeing an accumulation piling up against walls or crawling up into trees. The large populations moving on a home can be disconcerting, at least. They build up large populations when they find a food source that is compatible with their needs.
If you are in the direct path of a wooly worm migration, the best option seems to be a barrier. Any slick-sided material will work. Aluminum flashing has been used with good results. Another less expensive choice might be to use heavy mil plastic cut six to twelve inches high and stapled to wooden surveyor stakes driven into the ground. It would probably be best to bury two inches of the lower edge so that the insects can not walk underneath. Since they cannot get a foothold on the slick surface, they start walking along the barrier trying to find a way around. They can either be diverted off into another area or captured in a bucket or barrel buried in the ground. If you choose the latter, don't forget to dispose of them appropriately. In large numbers, the decaying insects will give off a rancid odor.

If you have questions, you can reach one of the Master Gardeners at the Cooperative Extension office, 820 E. Cottonwood Lane , Building C, in Casa Grande.

September 24, 2007 – Time to Overseed Bermudagrass Lawns
Now is the time to begin overseeding Bermudagrass and other warm weather lawns to a winter hardy variety. This process is best done on, or around, the first of October. The conversion process is fairly simple and usually quite successful, as long as a few simple rules are followed. For instructions on transitioning summer lawns into winter lawns, email Theresa at tellswor@ag.arizona.edu for a free copy of a publication on this topic.


September 18, 2007 – Fall Planting Season
Today's long range forecast calls for a continued cooling trend winding daytime highs down towards 90 degrees F. by the end of the month. Therefore, we believe that it will be safe to begin the fall tree and shrub planting season on October 1. The fall planting season is ideal for planting containerized trees and shrubs because the continued warm temperatures will allow for good root growth during the fall, winter and spring seasons. Then, when the strenuous and often deadly heat of June and July arrives next year, the plant will have a much more mature and stronger root system than those planted in the spring. For more information on planting trees and shrubs, email Theresa at tellswor@ag.arizona.edu for a free copy of a publication on this topic.

September 14, 2007 – Plant Clinic in Maricopa Tonight!

September 12, 2007 – Time to Plant Fall Gardens
August and September are exciting times for home gardeners because they make up the prime planting window for fall vegetables and flowers!

September 10, 2007 – Sweet Potato Whitefly Update
Sweet potato whiteflies can be a huge problem for gardeners and landscapers in the low desert areas of Pinal County .

August 31, 2007 - White-Lined Sphinx Moth Larvae
Just this week, large numbers of yellow and black-striped caterpillars have appeared in various locations around Pinal County crawling across highways and feeding on desert weeds and grasses. Even though they arrive in large numbers, there is no need to worry because they are quite harmless. About two weeks earlier this year than normal, they are a regular part of late summer and can be considered a welcome indication that the hot temperatures of summer are about to give way to the cooler temperatures of fall. The animals are the immature stage of a moth called the white-lined sphinx moth. Sometimes a nuisance as they invade yards close to the native desert, they normally do little harm to gardens and landscapes. For more information, email Rick Gibson at gibsonrd@ag.arizona.edu for a copy of a news column written September 20, 2006 on the topic.

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