September 08th, 2023

Hey Green Thumb Enthusiasts ,
A warm shout-out to our dedicated skeleton crew for their efforts last Sunday, which bore fruit as we expertly thinned out the broccolini in our beloved keyhole garden. We didn't merely discard these little champions; instead, we rehomed them in pots to nurture their continued growth. Their resilience reflects the essence of our gardening journey.
Special kudos to Brian , who has masterfully laid the groundwork for our forthcoming waterfall garden this week, much like a garden gnome coming to life in the shadows of the night. The bricks of layer one stand ready, a testament to his dedication. We're grateful for his craftsmanship.
A hearty round of applause for John , our steadfast sentinel of hydration and the guardian of garden cleanliness. His watchful eye keeps our water bottles as chill as our cucumber vines, and our garden as pristine as a sunflower in full bloom. John's dedication extends even further – he took it upon himself to ensure our garden table stayed beer-can-free this week, preserving our garden's tranquility. A tip of the hat to you, John!
This Sunday at the Garden:
Om has found his way back home after scouring the countryside for magical seeds! As the harvest moon looms, it's time to usher the remaining seedlings, both the broccolini and the sweet beets, from the keyhole's nurturing embrace to new homes in our garden. Let's ensure they thrive in their new abodes. The Green Thumb Squad, under Om's guidance, will carefully transplant the seedlings into their new vessels, fostering their growth. Simultaneously, we must rejuvenate our beds, tidying them up in preparation for the next season.
The A-Team, comprising Roscoe, Kim, Brian , and John, shall continue their work on the multi-tiered waterfall garden. Planting in tiers offers numerous benefits, such as optimal space utilization, enhanced aesthetics, and improved water distribution. Additionally, it allows for a raised garden bed that will accommodate our universally accessible theme and design. This week, the A-Team will continue to build the waterfall garden as the seedlings are rehomed so the transition can happen smoothly.
The Garden Council shall convene around the picnic table to discuss our impending fall planting strategy in Zone 9. Zone 9, as defined by the USDA, encompasses areas with average annual minimum temperatures ranging from 20°F to 30°F, making it a warm and inviting locale for year-round gardening.
We will also delve into the fascinating world of companion planting in Zone 9 during the fall season. Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves placing certain plants together to enhance growth, reduce pests, and improve overall yield. In our region, it takes on added significance due to the climatic challenges we face. 
Here are some essential companion planting examples for Zone 9 during the fall:

• Herbs: Fall is an excellent time to plant herbs in Zone 9. We can add basil,cilantro, oregano, and parsley to the garden beds. These herbs thrive in the milder fall temperatures, and we can enjoy fresh herbs well into the winter. 
• Leafy Greens: Plant leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale in early fall. These cool-season crops appreciate the moderate temperatures and can be harvested for salads and cooking throughout the season. 
• Root Vegetables: We will be planting carrots, beets, and radishes. Their growth benefits from the warm soil and cooler fall air temperatures, resulting in sweet and tender root crops. 
• Brassicas:  Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can be successfully started in late summer for a fall harvest. The mild winters of Zone 9 allow these crops to thrive, and they're less prone to bolting. 
• Peas and Beans: Bush beans and snap peas can be planted in early fall. These legumes appreciate the cooler weather and produce well before winter sets in. 
• Tomatoes: While most tomatoes prefer the warmth of spring, certain varieties suited for fall planting can thrive in Zone 9. Let’s look for quick-maturing and heat-tolerant varieties.  The Arizona Worm Farm has a bunch of excellent seedlings for sale right now.  
• Peppers: Plant peppers in late summer or early fall. They will continue to produce fruit well into the fall months in Zone 9's mild climate. 
• Citrus Trees: Fall is an ideal time to plant citrus trees. They have a chance to establish their roots before the summer heat returns. 
• Marigolds: Marigolds are excellent to deter pests and enhance the health of our garden. Companion plants like nasturtiums andborage can also provide multiple benefits, including attracting pollinators.  We have three previously loved barrels to use—maybe we could place one or two in the pollinator area and plant borage in them.

Lastly, the community's efforts in compost management have been commendable. We are now focusing on pile number two; therefore, let pile number one continue its transformation undisturbed. Let's place a tarp or sign over pile number one to prevent any inadvertent disturbances, reminding everyone that it's akin to a delicate cake baking in the oven – patience is our ally. Please continue to bring your veganic food scraps to keep the fires burning. We need this compost for our fall plants.
With the latest grant ($1400) that Community Harvest Community Gardens nonprofit procured for citrus trees , we need to discuss where we will plant the trees and what varieties to get. Fall is the ideal time to plant citrus trees. I will then present the proposed plan to ABM to see if they are okay with our planting there; if not, Community Harvest Community Gardens nonprofit will explore an alternative location.
 Cactus Kelly  has offered to take us all on a foraging voyage around the foothills of South Mountain on October 21st!  Mark your calendars  and join us for a few hours of learning about our desert  and its edible benefits. 
In closing, I make a heartfelt plea: we still require a couple of volunteers for the Garden Fair table at Ironwood Library on September 16th, from noon to 2:30 PM. Let's ensure our presence shines at this event, showcasing the fruits of our labor.
With gratitude and green thumbs,

Kimberly