photo: Greg Starr
Seasonal Guidelines
Hopefully by now you are in the habit of covering and protecting those frost tender plants. Even a plant that is supposed to be frost hardy can be rendered tender if newly planted, or unusually exposed, like planted in a container. Also avoid feeding most plants during this time; new growth is much more prone to frost damage.
While most of the landscape is slowing down, the vegetable garden is very active; always plant in succession so you always have great vegetables to choose from. All winter long, you can keep planting seeds of root vegetables, cilantro, parsley, dill, fennel, peas, greens (lettuces and cabbages), and you can keep putting out transplants of cauliflower and broccoli. Bear in mind that you may have to cover crops on the coldest nights. Consider making a frame covered in frost cloth: make it high enough to cover the tallest stuff, and put those frames over plants to ward off icy climes. Weigh them down so they don’t go sailing away. Just remember to take off those covers during the day. Vegetable gardens want full sun, especially in the winter.
Species of Interest
Agave parryi var. truncate – Artichoke agave
This is one of the most handsome agave species, resembling large artichokes. Plants are compact, relatively problem-free, and frost hardy in Tucson. They lend themselves well to container culture or in landscapes. Plants can be prone to javelinas, especially in dry years when there isn’t a lot else for them to eat. Growth forms best in full sun and combine well with other native shrubs and wildflowers. They are moderately slow growing and prefer well-drained soils.
You can find this variety at B & B Cactus Farm (11550 E. Speedway Blvd., 721-4687, BandBCactus.com) and at Bach’s Cactus Nursery (8602 N. Thornydale Rd., 744-3333, Bachs-Cacti.com).
