   October's Gardener - October 7, 1998 Orville Gilmore, Yavapai County Master Gardener When gardeners get together at the beginning of October, there are likely to be two topics of conversation: The recent Monsoon rains (or lack thereof), and the coming frosty nights. The Monsoon rains, of course, always seem scanty. When have we ever had enough? But this year's 6.26 inches in July, August, and September was not all that bad. This measurement, however, is unofficial as September is still with us as I write. Another rain at the end of the month would make a happy liar out of me. Tuzigoot measured 2.88 inches in July, 1.28 in August, and my rain gauge has collected 2.10 inches so far in September. Over the long haul (1949-1990) the average Monsoon season rainfall has been 5.45 inches. Last year we collected 4.73 and the year before 5.04. With that extra inch of rain, it is no wonder the foothills look so beautifully green this year. Remember, though, that Monsoon rainfall is spotty, falling (or not falling) "on the just and the unjust alike." So what my Cottonwood garden collected is likely quite different from yours in Camp Verde, Sedona, or Jerome--or even just across town, or maybe in the next block. The same holds true for frosts. Our Verde Valley is a collection of microclimates. Generally, in mid-October it is time for the first freeze, but not always. Sedona has seen a killing frost as early as September 21 (1968), and Cottonwood on October 3 (1972). In a ten year period (1966-1975) Sedona has experienced five killing frosts before mid-October and five after. Montezuma Castle recorded four and six, and Cottonwood had two before October 15 and eight after. The general rule is, "If October frosts don't get your tender plants, the first two weeks of November surely will." Remember to protect those plants you want to keep growing. Although October is the time to kick back and relax from strenuous garden chores, you might want to clean up the summer garden. And don't forget to clean up under your fruit trees as well. Rake up and destroy all dried up or rotten fruit . It may be home for the pests you have been trying to control all summer. The fruit that falls naturally is often infested. It is also a good time to plant bulbs for your spring garden. Or set out evergreens whose roots will have a chance to develop in the cool and relatively moist winter months before next summer's heat stresses them. If you didn't plant your green manure crop in September, now is your last chance. See Jeff Schalau's column on Cover Crops in the September 16 Journal Extra. For more information call the Master Gardener line in the Cottonwood Extension office at 646-9113. Or e-mail us at mgardener@kachina.net. Be sure to include your address and phone number. |