Fall Planting

While it is still hot and some weeks there is not enough rain, it is time to be thinking of planting your fall garden.  Some general guidance on planting dates can be had from the Arizona Master Gardeners Manual which you can read online by clicking the link. They have the state divided into zones based on elevation. I usually work with the recommendations for zones 3 & 4, depending on what I'm planting. Zone 3 is 2000-3000 feet and zone 4 is 3000-4500 feet. Here in Claypool, I'm about 3300 feet.

In general I start off planting root crops like carrots, turnips, beets and parsnips in August. If it is hot and dry I will sprinkle the seed beds twice a day and keep them covered with burlap, shade cloth, a row cover or old black window screens. This shades the soil, keeping it cooler and helps keep birds out of it.

In September, as the weather cools even more (at least I hope!), I'll start planting things that like it cooler, like spinach, lettuce and cilantro. Again I cover the seed beds and sprinkle twice a day until the seeds are up. If you can get your seeds in just before a rain storm, that is a great way to get them started!

When you look at the planting charts from the Manual you will see that for some vegetables there is a large difference in planting times between the two zones. I am still working out the best dates for planting things in my garden, so I often plant at both times suggested to see which one works out the best.

If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener the course will begin soon,

BECOME A MASTER GARDENER: Master Gardener Training course is beginning- sign up at at the college. Classes begin August 23, run thru Dec 6. The classes will be on Thursday nights, 6 to 9 pm at the Gila County Central Heights facility. suite 900 (the large meeting room). 

More information can be had at the Gila County Master Gardener's Facebook page or by calling the Extension Office at (928) 402-8589