Southwestern Deserts
October, 2012
Regional Report
Shows & Events
Tour de Coops
Keeping chickens in urban areas is becoming almost commonplace. Learn how to raise your own hens to provide fresh eggs and eat your garden bugs at the fourth annual Tour de Coops, a self-guided tour of Phoenix-area yards showcasing a wealth of creative chicken coops on Saturday, November 10, 2012, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Valley Permaculture Alliance, tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of the tour. Children under 14 are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information and to buy tickets, go to http://tourdecoops.vpaaz.org/.
Clever Gardening Technique
Avoid Overwatering
It may seem counterintuitive, but in arid climates, many horticultural experts find that overwatering kills more plants than underwatering! Wet root zones cause root rot, especially for native plants that evolved to withstand long periods of drought. As a guideline, wait to apply more water until the top one-third of soil in an established plant's root zone is dry. (New transplants will need more frequent irrigation.) Most importantly, observe your plants for signs of water stress, such as wilting, drooping or yellowing.
