Normally, Fall planting should only begin after the average daytime high temperature drops below 90F. That rule of thumb is not really about air temperature as much as it is about soil temperature. Most trees, shrubs, and other plants don’t like to have their roots in warm soil. But when the air temperature is below 90F, the chances are good that the soil is cool enough for planting. This has not been a normal year, however, and 90+F temperatures are still in the forecast. So it’s time to throw caution to the wind and start planting anyway.
Save money on rare plants
You may find popular as well as unusual plants for sale at these 3 plant sales this coming weekend. All plants, like the yellow flowering Tecoma, are suitable for desert gardens and some are Sonoran desert natives. Entry to each of these plant sales is free.
- Tohono Chul Plant Sale is on Saturday and Sunday, October 14 and 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2. Pima County Master Gardeners Plant Sale is on Saturday, October 14 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
3. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Plant Sale is on Sunday, October 15 from 7 am to 2 p.m.
And if you want to try your hand at growing your own healthy vegetables there is a plant sale for you. It only offers vegetable starters–all organic.
4. Tucson Village Farm (adjacent to the Master Gardeners) is on Saturday, October 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Now about quince tasting
You may have never heard this, but Tucson was, once upon a time, famous for its quince trees. There are reports in Mormon immigrant diaries about arriving in covered wagons in Tucson, hoping to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables before continuing on West only to learn that the one fruit tree grown here was the quince. Quinces are sour, hard fruits that make a very tasty jam when cooked, but are inedible when picked fresh off the tree. It was very disappointing to these travelers.
This weekend, the Mission Garden is holding a Tasting History about Quinces to show the good side of this fruit. There will be cooking demonstrations, tastings and even quinces from the Mission Garden’s own orchard for sale.
This two-day event is on Friday, October 13, 9 to 11 a.m. and on Saturday, October 14, from 9 to 11 a.m. Free admission, but they would appreciate a donation.
And don’t forget “Tucson Meet Yourself”
Fun season in Tucson is finally beginning. This popular festival will be held at Jacome Plaza, in front of the main library downtown, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 13-15th. You can listen to the music from around the world and see dancers for free, but bring money for the delicious food.
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