Need help getting started?
Gardening in the desert Southwest is a little different and takes some time to perfect. The Dixie Gardener, sponsored by the Washington County Extension Office, has put together some great resources for gardening in our area. Check out their website for spring and fall planting tips, as well as a planting calendar.
One of our past gardeners created a helpful spreadsheet of plant varieties that do well in this area. She has included information on where to buy the seeds, when to plant, and how to plant. Download and print the file below as a handy reference and keep notes of what you do this year to help you when planning for the next.
VEGETABLE PLANTING LIST | |
File Size: | 58 kb |
File Type: | xls |
STAY TUNE HERE FOR TIPS AND TRICKS WE LEARN AS WE GO!
Organic pest control
Here is a link to the article on Squash Bugs mentioned in the April 2011 newsletter. It's quite lengthy, but has some good information. Squash bugs are definitely a problem we have at the garden. If you find something that helps, share it with others.
Garlic & Chili Bug Spray - Why Not Give it a Shot
An alternative to commercial insecticides:
Preparing a tea made from garlic and chili peppers as an insect spray will help save money, your plants from harmful additive, and help to try and maintain some natural balance in your garden. Here is the recipe – DO NOT STRESS – KEEP IT SIMPLE!
When spraying for first time take notice of what you see and check back in on the situation in a day or two. Continue spraying every couple of days, be sure to take note so it’s clear as to whether your solution is working – if not increase the amount that you are spraying. In what might take a week to 10 days before you see the results that you would like – know that your plants and harvest are and will be healthy – the invader are by now dead and discouraged from returning. There might be some eggs left behind so keep your spray handy incase you see some that hatch later and spray every week to ten days.
This spray will suffocate scale and mealy bugs. Kill ants, aphids, caterpillars, and grubs, be selective we want to mind our beneficial friends.
Preparing a tea made from garlic and chili peppers as an insect spray will help save money, your plants from harmful additive, and help to try and maintain some natural balance in your garden. Here is the recipe – DO NOT STRESS – KEEP IT SIMPLE!
- 2-3 garlic bulbs (about 6-10 cloves per bulb)
- 6 large or 12 smaller hot chilli peppers (any variety will do, or if unavailable try 1-2 tablespoon hot chilli powder)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 squirts of liquid detergent (approximately 1 dessertspoonful)
- 7 cups water. (Use about 2-3 cups in the blender, and top up with the rest later)
When spraying for first time take notice of what you see and check back in on the situation in a day or two. Continue spraying every couple of days, be sure to take note so it’s clear as to whether your solution is working – if not increase the amount that you are spraying. In what might take a week to 10 days before you see the results that you would like – know that your plants and harvest are and will be healthy – the invader are by now dead and discouraged from returning. There might be some eggs left behind so keep your spray handy incase you see some that hatch later and spray every week to ten days.
This spray will suffocate scale and mealy bugs. Kill ants, aphids, caterpillars, and grubs, be selective we want to mind our beneficial friends.