[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[Dick]

I germinate everything and anything in warm soil so that a decent root 
system can sustain the plants through more extreme weather. Think, however, 
about inexpensive, temporary fabric row covers or any temporary cover that 
lets a lot of light through for photosynthesis to happen and which 
encourages feeder roots to function and develop to extend the period in 
which the organism can develop endurance and function when severe weather 
hits. A sunny window, a makeshift greenhouse if you don't have the real 
thing, that you can transplant into full sun when soil is warm and frost 
risk is low.  Most root and leaf crops are better started in the fall and 
grown through the winter.

This is hardly an adequate response to a subject so broad but if you live in 
the Salt River basin, there is a wide latitude with a lot of room for 
guessing.

In general, you can plant anything you purchase of the shelves of an 
established nursery. I would include large companies like Home Depot and 
Lowes in that definition because representatives from major wholesalers are 
their suppliers and they cannot afford a lot of failures.

You can be fairly certain that Tomatoes on their shelves are there at the 
right time. But, unless you have a close relationship with God, no one can 
predict weather with 100% accuracy but you have a leg up on the odds if you 
buy whatever is on their racks.

Most of the leaf crops like lettuce, cabbage and spinach are much more at 
home in cool weather to avoid bolting.

Your commentary invited.

Dick Gross, Master Gardener Volunteer
Maricopa County Cooperative Extension.

Bcc: VOSG members.


 ----- Original Message ----- 
From: <yafadance at yahoo.com>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 5:08 PM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


> DIanna
> 85022
> yafadance at yahoo.com
>
> All of the wildflower and vine recommendations I have read talk about when 
> to plant plants; how do I know when to plant seeds? Things like Queens 
> wreath, evening primrose, penstemons, salvia, verbena?
> Thanks
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Arid_gardener mailing list
> Arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu
> http://CALS.arizona.edu/mailman2/listinfo/arid_gardener
>