Water harvesting first use! YA!

According to this the weather issues would of been avoided had I one of these little book. It tells better of when to plant here and even includes the moon phases.
A lot of work was done by me to study the phase of the moon for gardening. From now on I think that this will become a yearly tool.

close up of the Assembly for the tank spicket.
He set this up facing the ground as to keep me from being struck in my leg as I walk by it.

The bib is now set on the main tank
tip here a bit of Vaseline helped to cinch the parts no leak at the valve YA!!

I left the slow trickle for 5-7 minutes here.

start point
After 5-7 minutes and just the one set of squash the tank came down to the 200 liter mark.
After watering the pumpkin and the spaghetti squash.

So it looks like 150 liters is the usage for the things growing now..

It is so wonderful not to have to drag the hose around!

Over at the main bib we set up a 4 point bib (found it in the garden clearance $6.)and it will be wonderful!

The main hose will stay over on the harvesting tank

A new 50 ft. hose (got it for $7 ya! on clearance) will be used for the dogs water.
One for the compost, one for the hens and the other left open to keep for direct use.

Outdoor Wedenesday

This morning the garden called may name loudly
With a pitiful "save me"!

Our heat has been over the top.
As have gone the rain clouds...over the top of our neighborhood and onto the next!
92* with 32% humidity got to me and after two hours I started to throw up...
OPPS.
Inside went I to a cool shower a glass of water then another of carrot juice and I sit here a limp rag of a gardener imagining that I am with you dear Southerners in the sweet cool of your fall.

Working under the gazebo The pile of debris into the tin barrel to clear up the ground.
This iron bed frame was free on craigs list.
It was around the tank but as I was taking the hose back to the main yard I fell into the gap in the earth where we removed some of the concrete and brick boarder.
I think It will get set here after all.
I need to keep my knee safer.
Oh I am alright a little sore from twisting it a bit I think it is alright.

After watering, working the mulch straw around the plants and finishing up the 8 foot of bed I did.
The umbrellas were set for the heat of the day.

All of the straw that was in the extension space is now moved under the wheel barrow.
It is decomposing and will continue to be put to good use.

Now that area is clear so The work on that South bed can commence.
The main extension bed is 3/4 full and well decomposed.
To plant toward the end of the month.

That silk tree so beautiful
Well when it was inside my home the Lab lifted leg on it and spoiled it.
Needless to say he is an outside dog now.
Well anyway it was a gift from my MILove
It will searve me well to keep the compost and the storage can disguised.
The left over two straw bails are a nice sitting spot to rest in the shade.

This had a big problem.
Bermuda grass...no way except poison to kill it...or perhaps I have a good idea here.

That 8 foot span is screened and till with horse manure, bone meal, humus, 10-10-10, composted straw. I watered it and then went back and used the hoe to turn it again.

summer squash is still alive...
The Lab broke the water bottle to the dog bowl...
idea...I filled it and as the soaked filled the bed the jar leaked more slowly to water there. I think in principle it will serve well as a feeder jar or for compost tea later.

zucchini to the right and the spaghetti squash to the left
Some cosmos may have survived.

Pumpkin

Two lone bean plants survived

Two or three corn and a pea plant...

but the heat and drought got the better of my garden so far...
The earth is just to hot and I lost

cucumber
chive
carrot
raddish
corn
bean
pea
sunflower
a good $15. in seed to replace arg!

The soil temps matter more than anything the almanacs may tell you.

The straw pile moved it is much nicer out there.

I raked the grounds under the gazebo and had to call it a day or die.
Probably no joke for I got a bit of sun stroke this morning.

OH FOR FALL!!!!!!!!!

HERB CULTURE AND USE

COMMON NAME Scientific Name	Plant Height	Spacing	Cultural Hints	Uses
ANNUALS
BASILS Ocimum species	20-24"	12"	Grow from seed. Sun when crushed. Purple variety is a good accent plant.	Use in anything with tomatoes. Insect repellent.
BORAGE Borago officinalis	24"	12"	Grow from seed, self-sowing. Best in dry, sunny areas.	Young leaves in salads for cucumber flavor.
CHERVIL Anthriscus cerefolium	10"	3-6"	Sow in early spring. Partial shade.	Aromatic leaves used in soups & salads. Chef's favorite.
CORIANDER Coriandrum sativum	24"	18"	Grow from seed. Sow in spring in sun or partial shade.	Seed used in confections, leaves in salad oriental & eastern food.
DILL Anethum graveolens	24-36"	12"	Grow from seed sown in early spring. Sun or partial shade.	Feathery foliage and seeds used in flavoring and pickling.
PARSLEY Petroselinum species	6"	6"	Grow from seed started in early spring. Slow to germinate. Sun. Biennial.	Brings out flavor of other herbs. Fine base & seasoning. High in vitamin C.
PERENNIALS
CATNIP Nepeta cataria	3-4 ft.	18"	Hardy, sun or shade. Grow from seed or by division.	Leaves for soothing tea.
CHIVES, GARLIC CHIVES Allium species	12"	12"	Little care. Divide when overcrowded. Grow from seed or division	Favorite of chefs. Good indoor pot plant. Cut long strands at base; Mild onion or garlic flavor.
FRENCH TARRAGON Artemisia dracunculus	24"	24"	Sun or semi-shade. Grow from cuttings or division.	Aromatic seasoning; principle flavor in bearnaise sauce; great with fish or chicken
LAVENDER Lavandula species	24"	18"	Propagate from cuttings. Grows in dry, rocky, sunny locations with plenty of lime in soil. Require pH 6.5 to 7.2	Use flowers & leaves for sachets, potpourri.
LEMON VERBENA Aloysia triphylla	36"	36"	Tender perennial; propagate from cuttings. Sun or partial shade.	Strongest lemon scent. Leaves used in teas or in lemon-based potpourri.
LOVAGE Levisticum officnale	3-4 ft.	30"	Rich, most soil. Grow from seed planted in late summer. Sun or partial shade.	Of the carrot family; strong celery flavor.
MINTS Mentha species	1-3 ft.	18"	Grow from cuttings or division. Sun or partial shade.	Aromatic; used as flavoring. Unusual varieties include orange, blue balsam, ginger, chocolate.
OREGANO Origanum species	24"	9"	Grow from seed, cuttings or division. Sun.	Flavoring for tomato dishes & pasta.
ROSEMARY Rosmarinus species	3-6 ft.	12"	Grows in well-drained, nonacid soil from cuttings. Sun. Marginally hardy; plant in protected site.	Leaves flavor sauces, poultry, meats, rice, and soups. Good for topiary, bonsai.
SAGE Salvia species	18"	12"	From seed or cuttings. Sun. Renew every 3 to 4 years.	Seasoning for meats especially pork; herb teas.
THYME Thymus species	8-12"	12"	Light soil, well-drained. Renew every 2 to 3 years. Grow from cuttings or division. Sun.	Aromatic foliage for seasoning meats, soups, sauces, and dressings. Many varieties including lemon, orange, nutmeg, and woolly.

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soil temperatures

SOIL TEMPERATURE CONDITION FOR VEGETABLE SEED GERMINATION1 VEGETABLE MIN. (°F) RANGE (°F) OPTIMUM (°F) MAX (°F) DAYS TO GERMINATION ASPARAGUSa 50° 60° - 85° 75° 95° 21 - 30 BEANd 60° 60° - 85° 80° 95° 7 - 14 BEAN LIMAe 60° 65° - 85° 85° 85° 10 - 14 BEETb 40° 50° - 85° 85° 95° 7 - 14 CABBAGEa, b 40° 45° - 95° 85° 100° 7 - 10 CARROTb 40° 45° - 85° 80° 95° 10 - 21 CAULIFLOWERa, b 40° 45° - 85° 80° 100° 3 - 10 CELERYa 40° 60° - 70° 70° 85° 14 - 21 CHARD SWISSb 50° 50° - 85° 85° 95° 7 - 14 CORNd 50° 60° - 95° 95° 105° 7 - 10 CUCUMBERc, d 60° 75° - 95° 95° 105° 7 - 10 EGGPLANTc 60° 40° - 80° 85° 95° 7 - 12 LETTUCEa 35° 40° - 80° 75° 85° 7 - 14 MUSKMELONe 60° 75° - 95° 90° 100° 7 - 10 OKRAe 60° 70° - 95° 95° 105° 8 - 12 ONIONa 35° 50° - 95° 75° 95° 10 - 14 PARSLEYb 40° 50° - 85° 75° 90° 10 - 21 PARSNIPb 35° 50° - 70° 65° 85° 14 - 21 PEAb 40° 40° - 75° 75° 85° 8 - 10 PEPPERc 60° 65° - 95° 85° 95° 14 - 21 PUMPKINd 60° 70° - 90° 95° 100° 7 - 10 RADISHb 40° 45° - 90° 95° 95° 3 - 7 SPINACHb 35° 45° - 75° 70° 85° 7 - 10 SQUASHd 60° 70° - 95° 95° 100° 9 - 12 TOMATOc 59° 60° - 85° 85° 95° 5 - 14 TURNIPb 40° 60° - 105° 85° 105° 6 - 7 WATERMELONe 60° 70° - 95° 95° 105° 7 - 10

1Compiled by J.F. Harrington, Dept. of Vegetable Crops, University of California, Davis. 2Daily fluctuation to 60° or lowers at night is essential

aHardy vegetables to grow as transplants. bHardy vegetables for direct seeding. cTender vegetables to grow as transplants. dTender vegetables for direct seeding. eTender vegetables for direct seeding, 2 weeks after last frost.

Planting alterations!

This week Aug 21-26
( Aug 20 is the new moon never plant on the day of the new moon)
plant....seed...
Borage seed East bed
Marigold seed East bed
Dill seed (bed not ready plant Sept 18-20) South bed extension East corner
Annuals seed
Lettuce seed indoors to transplant Sept 18 th

Aug 27-Sept 3th
Sweet Corn seed Sept 2&3 Center Main
Popping Corn seed Sept 2&3 Center Main

Sept 4-10
weed/cultivate/reap/plow
Get South bed finished
Get East Bed ready down to till for root crop

Plant
Sept 3-10
Beet seed ( must get ready can be done Oct 3-11, 17-25) South bed extension East corner
Parsnip seed (bed must get ready) East bed
Leek seed ( must turn it) Center Extention



Sept 4-24 plant
Radish seed (main garden must go down to till) East bed
Sweet William seed



Sept 18-24
Transplant
Sept 19-24
Plant
(Never plant on a full moon)
Parsley(soak seed over night) East bed
Kale seed East bed
Parsnips (again) seed East bed
Radish (again) seed East bed
Basil seed in ground ( or put in the transplants Sept 18-30) East bed
Turnip seed East bed
Carrot seed East bed
Snap Dragon seed
Broccoli seed Center Extension bed
Leek (again) seed Center Extension bed
Broccoli raab seed Center Extension bed
Beet (again) seed South bed extension East corner
Swiss chard seed South bed extension
Spinach seed South bed extension
Dill (again) seed South bed extension East corner
Bok Choy seed South bed extension
Sage seed South bed extension
Thyme seed South bed extension
Cauliflower seed South bed extension
Mache corn salad seed (broad cast)
Lettuce seed
Alyssum seed

DO NOT PLANT
Sept 11-17
weed/cultivate/reap/plow

Oct. 1&2
Plant seed
Above ground with inside seed

Oct 3-11, 17-25
Radish seed East bed
Turnip seed East bed
Carrot East bed

plant onion seed Center Extension bed

Beet seed South bed extension


Oct 19-25
Cauliflower seed South bed extension

Oct 12-16
DO NOT PLANT
weed/cultivate/reap/plow

Aug 20
Seed to sow indoors
Celery to go out in 6-8 weeds?
Lettuce indoors to go out in Sept 18th-30th
Basil indoors East bed

Last night I studied the planting dates and the moon phases. I made a calender of sorts.
My own almanac. Remember the old Farmers Almanacks .?...I understand now...
This is sorta tricky stuff. Hard to wrap the brain around.
I now have my calender for this zone...1200 ft. above sea level...

The New Moon is today.
This is my schedule for the next 10 weeks I will try to explain...

My process was this

1. I marked all the seeds with the elevation proper dates to plant
2. Then I labeled the calendar color coded as to the moon phase indicators.
3. I went back and adjusted the plant date to correspond with the moon phase indicators.
4.In doing that I paid attention to the type of plant

a. above seed in
b. above seed out
c. root or bulb
d. transplant or sow
e. plant indoors....here I took back the plant in ground seed or plant and calculated the date to put the transplant in ground and will set indoors those that are applicable.

The new gate

Each section has a spick in the ground with the pole holding the two together

The post hole is set so the post is just above ground so the whole does not fill in with earth.
At the gate the method was that by lifting up the pole out of the post sunken into the earth...

The tightened washer set to stop just as the pole clears the hole...

set the pole down and into the hole.
It swings open , both gates if needed for the wheel barrow.

He did a nice job of it.
Thank you Sweetie!

Garden Plans for this month Arizona Desert 1200 ft. and Moon Phase

Moon Planting Rule
New Moon To Full Moon:	Sow, Transplant, bud and graft.
Full Moon To New Moon:	Plow, Cultivate, weed and reap.
New Moon To First Quarter:	Good for Planting above-ground crops with outside seeds, flowering annuals.
First Quarter To Full Moon:	Good for planting above ground crops with inside seeds.
Full Moon To Last Quarter:	Good for planting root crops, bulbs, biennials, and perennials.
Last Quarter To New Moon:	Do Not Plant

Last QTR.
The next three days to get the beds finished
pull weeds, cultivate, destroy pests, and turn sod, set the liner and find more block , mix the sand in and have the extension south bed ready...

set seed in starters indoors for...Onions,Tomatoes,peppers, celery? research
Ready the beds for lettuce? Out front???
Research those item up coming whether to do starters indoors
Get arbor painted and have Steve set it and weld it. Dig holes for grapes
Finish removing the stone under bedroom window and begin to dig out the soil to amend and do a flower listing
flower starters for nest month?
Starters of herbs for the root bed?
Marigold starters

New Moon Aug 20 to ~first Qtr Aug 26th
by Thursday the 20th 1st Qtr. Examples: I need to have the beds ready to plant the ....cabbage, celery, endive, and spinach Lettuce (also in pots?) Flowering annuals



27th Aug Qtr. Sept 3rd
Examples: to sow/transplant the beans, peas, peppers,
squash (done), eggplant (not for me), tomatoes a must :), cucumbers (done).

Full Moon Sept 4th ~to last Qtr Sept 11th
3rd Qtr. Examples: then the onions , potatoes (timing)?, rhubarb (some day), grapes (save up for the plants) consider the planting of for this year$$$, winter wheat (not me), and berries (next year?) or later in the winter I need to do more research Carrots YES ME and those that follow leeks, turnips, rutabaga, radish, parsnips. Marigolds here, borage, parsley

Sept 11 last Qtr. Do not plant...
Ready the floor beds...
feed the lawn
pull weeds, cultivate, destroy pests, and turn sod

goodness this is confusing!!!!!


Now not all items listed are ready here in our zone at 1200 ft.