   September Weather - September 2, 1998 Orville Gilmore, Yavapai County Master Gardener September brings sighs of relief from Verde Valley residents and Verde Valley tomatoes alike. No more temperatures over 100 degrees to discourage both, and the cool nights persuade those tomatoes to set heavy crops that will bear before the October or November freezes. In the past two years, however, the Tuzigoot weather station has recorded plenty of high temperatures in the nineties and even a couple of 98's, but only at the beginning of the monthCleftovers from August. In fact, last year there were only four days with high temperatures below ninety. And the mean temperature (halfway between the average high and the average low) was 3.5 degrees above the fifty year average at 77.5 degrees. 1996, however, was friendlier. The mean temperature was below average at 72.8 degrees and there were only 12 days above ninety. Moisture from the monsoons in the past two years has been generous in September. About an inch above the 1.35 inch average. However, at this writing (mid-August) those monsoons have been disappointing, at least at my garden site. If anybody in charge is listening, I could use another generous September monsoon. What do gardeners do in September besides trying to give away excess tomatoes and squash? If you think it is time for a good green manure crop, plant some winter rye. It might knock the nematodes right out of your soil besides adding rich organic material. But be aware that when you come to turn the sod over in the spring, it will take more than a tiny rototiller to do it. You might also plant cool weather grasses for lawns and pastures. Call the Master Gardener Line for more information. This is also the time to start planning for and planting your spring and early summer bulbs, or think about planting a wildflower meadow. Summer blooming perennials need to be divided every two to four years, another good September job. For more information on any of the above topics, stop in at the Cooperative Extension Office or call 646-9113. We can be reached also by e-mail at mgardener@kachina.net and be sure to include your address and phone number. |