ABOUT THE COLLECTION

Arizona Cooperative Extension is an outreach arm of The University of Arizona and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). The repository collection includes current and historical Extension publications on these topics: Animal Systems; Consumer Education; Farm Management and Safety; Food Safety, Nutrition and Health; Gardening/Home Horticulture; Insects and Pest Management; Marketing and Retailing; Natural Resources and Environment; Plant Diseases; Plant Production/Crops; Water; and Youth and Family. Current publications are also available from the Cooperative Extension Publications website.

QUESTIONS?

Contact College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Publications at pubs@cals.arizona.edu.

Recent Submissions

  • Arizona Landscape Palms and their Management

    Schuch, Ursula K.; Quist, Tanya M. (College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2023-04)
    Palm trees offer versatility and dramatic impact unparalleled among other desert adapted plants for low and mid elevation landscapes in Arizona. They broaden the plant palette for designers, contributing dramatic foliage, flower and fruit structures, bold shapes, diverse textures, and sizes. Palms are treasured for creating a feeling of relaxed luxury and infusing the landscape with exotic and tropical flavor. Although usually associated with iconic California landscapes, many palm species work well in Arizona when selected and managed judiciously to ensure long-term health and landscape sustainability. Palms suitable for Arizona climates need to tolerate freezing temperatures, high heat, and low humidity. This publication covers 18 palm species that can be successfully cultivated in Arizona given appropriate growing conditions. We describe how palms differ in form and growth from other trees as a result of their unique biology, considerations for using them effectively in the landscape, and cultural practices for planting, transplanting, maintaining, and controlling their pests and diseases. This content provides a basis for understanding suitability of various palm species for Arizona climate and microclimates, and the long-term commitment required to ensure performance, longevity and aesthetic contribution to a landscape.
  • Calendario de siembra de hortalizas en el condado de Maricopa

    Young, Kelly Murray; Umeda, Kai (College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2022-06)
    En el condado de Maricopa se puede cultivar con éxito casi todo tipo de hortalizas y frutas si se seleccionan las variedades adecuadas y se plantan en el momento adecuado. El clima, la estación del año y las posibles plagas influyen en la selección sobre qué plantar y cuándo. En los viveros, los jardineros profesionales le pueden aconsejar sobre las distintas especies más populares de hortalizas y frutas que se adaptan adecuadamente a las condiciones del desierto.
  • Compostaje a pequeña escala en el bajo desierto de Arizona

    Young, Kelly Murray (College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2023-09)
    El compost es materia orgánica descompuesta, producida por el trabajo de millones de bacterias, hongos y otras bacterias organismos presentes en el suelo. Un buen compost es de color muy oscuro, y huele dulce como la tierra del bosque. Se puede incorporar compost en el suelo del jardín o esparcido sobre la superficie del suelo como mantillo.
  • Estrategias para la jardinería y la restauración con pelotas de semillas en paisajes áridos

    Gornish, Elise S. (College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2022-12)
    Las pelotas de semillas (también conocidas como bolas de semillas o bombas de semillas) son estructuras típicamente hechas de arcilla, abono, agua y semillas (pero pueden incluir gran variedad de ingredientes como tierra, polvo de rocas, arena para gatos, granos de café, pimienta de cayena, arena, humus de lombriz y hongos micorrícicos). Estas estructuras pueden mitigar las condiciones que contribuyen a la mala restauración de las tierras áridas (Madsen et al. 2016), incluida la sequedad que exacerba el estrés por desecación de las semillas, y crea capas de tierra seca que limitan el crecimiento de las plántulas, así como la pérdida de semillas por depredación (típicamente por roedores y hormigas). Las pelotas de semillas también sirven para mejorar el contacto de las semillas con el suelo y reducir la redistribución de las semillas por el viento. En teoría, las semillas están protegidas por la estructura hasta que la lluvia elimina la arcilla que las envuelve y una pequeña bolsa de nutrientes con abono de la bola de semillas nutre a las plántulas a medida que emergen. Las pelotas de semillas son baratas y fáciles de hacer y pueden mejorar la germinación de las especies sembradas.
  • Gardening with Children in Early Care and Education Centers and Classrooms

    Wilson, Hope; Speirs, Katherine E.; Derfus, Rhegan; Garcia, Dominique (College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2023-09)
    Gardens provide a hands-on learning environment for engaging young children. While they do require some planning and resources to build and maintain, incorporating gardening activities into your early childhood classroom or center can be rewarding for teachers and children. Below we provide suggestions for planning a garden, gardening activities and how to use gardening activities to promote learning and development.
  • Growing Herbs In Tucson

    Lesenne, Anne (College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2023-08)
    In Southern Arizona we are fortunate to be able to grow a wide variety of herbs year-round. Unlike some parts of the country where fall signals the end of the growing season, here in the Sonoran Desert, we have two main growing seasons, a cool-growing season that last from about October through May and a warm-growing season that lasts from May through mid-September. Different herbs thrive in each season, and a few will, with a little help, happily grow all year long.
  • Jardinería en contenedores o macetas en el desierto del suroeste

    Young, Kelly Murray (College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2022-06)
    Usted no necesita acceso a un terreno para crear un jardín. Si se cumplen ciertas condiciones, usted puede cultivar plantas en contenedores o macetas en espacios muy pequeños.
  • Plants for Pollinators in the low desert of Arizona

    Lesenne, Anne (College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2023-08)
    Pollinators depend upon floral resources for their pollen and nectar. Nectar provides pollinators energy while pollen provides them proteins, nutrients, and lipids. Some pollinators depend upon one specific type of plant for their food or habitat, but most are generalists who thrive with a wide variety of plants to feed from. The goal is to have pollinator plants blooming at all times of the year. (Carroll, 2017) This is especially true for beekeepers who need to provide forage to keep their bees healthy. By providing floral resources in close proximity to apiaries the bees will be able to find nectar and pollen to maintain the health of the hive with little or no supplemental feeding by the beekeeper necessary. (Watkins de Jong, 2019)
  • Riego Con Ollas

    Nickel, Amy; Brischke, Andrew (College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2023-10)
    La jardinería en el desierto presenta una serie de desafíos que incluyen: suelos pobres, altas temperaturas, sol intenso, poca humedad y vientos frecuentes. Todos estos factores se ven agravados por una árida a un clima semiárido con escasas precipitaciones, lo que hace riego un componente vital para cualquier jardinería exitosa empeño. El riego por goteo es ampliamente aceptado como uno de los más sistemas eficientes para regar en jardines y paisajes desérticos porque minimiza la pérdida de agua por evaporación o escorrentía entregando cantidades medidas de agua directamente al suelo (Schuch, 2016). Sin embargo, el riego por goteo puede no ser adecuado para áreas remotas con baja tecnología y/o sin presión y sistemas de agua sin filtrar. Los sistemas de goteo pueden ser costosos, dañados, y los emisores se pueden bloquear fácilmente con sedimentos, sal y varios insectos (Ezekiel et al., 2017). Poco fiable o poco práctico fuentes de agua para riego pueden desanimar a aquellos que desean desarrollar un jardín. Para estas situaciones, utilizando la antigua el método de riego con olla puede ser una opción.
  • Seed ball strategies for gardening and restoration in arid landscapes

    Gornish, Elise S. (College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2022-11)
    To overcome challenges associated with gardening and restoration in arid landscapes, many techniques have been developed, including the strategic placement of irrigation lines, the application of mulch, and the improved selection of plant species and varieties. One technique that shows particular promise across both research and practitioner groups is the use and deployment of seed balls. Seed balls (also referred to as ‘seed pellets’ or ‘seed bombs’) are structures typically made of clay, compost, water and seed (but can include a huge range of ingredients including soil, rock dust, cat litter, coffee grounds, cayenne pepper, sand, worm castings and mycorrhizal fungi). These structures can ameliorate conditions that contribute to failure in arid land restoration (Madsen et al. 2016), including dry conditions that exacerbate seed desiccation stress and create soil crusts that limit seedling establishment, as well as seed loss via predation (typically by rodents and ants). Seed balls also serve to enhance seed to soil contact and reduce seed redistribution by wind. In theory, seeds are protected in the structure until adequate rainfall removes the surrounding clay and a small pocket of nutrients from the compost component of the seed ball nourishes the seedlings as they emerge. Seed balls are cheap and easy to make and can enhance germination of seeded species (Pedrini et al. 2017).
  • The Terrarium – An Oasis of Humidity for Plants

    Chamberland, Michael (College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2023-05)
    A terrarium (plural: terraria or terrariums) is an enclosed or mostly-enclosed growing environment for plants. A terrarium encloses an environment with high humidity and moist soil. Terraria are useful in Arizona’s arid environment where the air is dry indoors and outdoors. Using terraria, it is possible to grow plants with high moisture needs without using a lot of water. This is useful for growing and exhibiting moisture-loving plants. Water-cycling, a microcosm of the Earth’s hydrologic cycle, can be demonstrated in closed terraria. The moist environment is maintained with limited water input, a real advantage in a region concerned with water conservation. Terraria can be designed as attractive displays for unusual specimens, promoting an interest in the diversity of plants.
  • Understanding Plant Names

    Chamberland, Michael (College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2023-12)
    Having the correct name for a plant is important. A name is key to finding information about a plant from the internet or reference books. Is the plant native to Arizona? Is it toxic? Can it withstand freezing? How big can it grow?
  • Urban, Small-scale, and Beginner Farmer Needs Assessment in Arizona

    Mostafa, Ayman; La Ravia, Taylor; Harrington, Kyle (College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2022-10)
    A needs assessment is a formal process that allows one to compare the current outcomes of a situation to the desired outcomes (Stefaniak et al., 2015). This process allows one to make constructive change for the better, focusing on closing the gaps between what a group has versus what they need (Kaufman & English, 1979).
  • Pointleaf Manzanita (‘Little Apple’) Arctostaphylos pungens

    Barton, David R.; Howery, Larry D. (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2019-02)
    Arizona residents who live in the desert valleys with its surrounding mountains (sometimes called “sky islands”) are a fortunate bunch. Biodiversity of plants and animals throughout our state is among the best anywhere on earth. We have a seemingly endless supply of flora and fauna to photograph, sketch, collect, and admire and for the most part we are hindered in our interactions only by our imaginations. However, for those of us who try and incorporate our favorite local plant into our home landscape, we are limited by the specific requirements that each plant must have to thrive and grow.
  • Cómo Construir una Peloteadora de Semillas para Uso en Jardinería y Restauración

    Gornish, Elise; Simpson, Ashlee; Caballero-Reynolds, Marci (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2021-08)
    Las pelotas de semillas encapsulan las semillas en una mezcla (a menudo arcilla y materia orgánica rica en nutrientes como el abono, el humus o el carbón) que reducirá potencialmente la depredación de insectos y roedores, a la vez que facilitará una mayor retención de agua y el contacto de las semillas con la tierra.
  • How to Construct a Bicycle-Powered Seed Pelletizer for Use in Gardening and Restoration

    Gornish, Elise; Simpson, Ashlee; Caballero-Reynolds, Marci (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2018-11)
    Seed pellets encapsulate seeds in a mixture (often clay, and nutrient-rich organic matter such as compost, humus, or charcoal) that will potentially reduce predation by insects and rodents while allowing for increased water retention and seed-soil contact. Seed pellets are an ancient method of sowing seed, and are especially useful in areas with compacted or dry soils. Seed pellets are strewn in the desired location (no need for soil preparation) and remain inactive until heavy rains arrive, washing away the clay and allowing seeds to germinate. Making seed pellets by hand is extremely time consuming and labor intensive. To make large numbers of seed pellets in a reasonable amount of time, we constructed a bicycle-powered seed pelletizing machine that effectively coats seed in clay and compost materials. It is designed to be easily taken apart for storage or transport,so each component fits against the others without being screwed together. The bicycle spins a barrel containing the seeds and coating materials while the operators periodically mist the contents with water. The result is coated seed balls that can be used for restoration or home gardening. Here, we explain how to construct the seed pelletizing machine.
  • Specialty Crop Production Practices for Beginning Farmers in Arizona and the Southwest

    Schuch, Ursula K. (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2018-07)
    Production of specialty crops such as vegetables, herbs, berries, and ornamental crops can be started on a small acreage and over time expand to a commercial farm. Small acreage producers who intend to increase their production will benefit from knowing about production methods, cultural practices, and crop selection. This publication introduces the beginning farmer to a framework of what it takes to expand from small acreage production for home consumption or as a hobby to a small business selling for profit. Other aspects not covered here that are important for producers to know include how to run a small business, including marketing their products, finances, and labor management.
  • Alternative Pesticide Options for the Home Gardener

    Brischke, Andrew; Clotworthy, Bob; Schalau, Jeff; Braun, Hattie; Wierda, Michael (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2018-05)
    Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term management of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological controls, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, use of resistant varieties, and chemical (UCIPM definition). Chemical controls are employed after other management techniques have proven ineffective and/ or significant crop damage continues to occur.
  • Guide to Making and Using Biochar for Gardens in Southern Arizona

    Artiola, Janick F.; Wardell, Lois (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2017-11)
    Biochar is actually just charcoal or black carbon, made from the incomplete combustion of wood or other biomass products. With growing interests in “green” and “carbon-negative” materials, biochar commonly refers to charcoal made from organic wastes such as tree trimmings, scrap wood, and plant material left from agricultural harvests. Like a campfire, wood biomass will burn without any other external fuels or energy. Since burning wood does not add fossil carbon to the atmosphere, burning wood or making biochar is a carbon-negative process.
  • Arizona Climate Zones and Their Application to Growing Plants

    Schuch, Ursula (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2021-04)
    This publication explains how climate zones can assist in selecting appropriate plant material for different locations in Arizona. Climate zone maps include the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, the American Horticulture Society Heat Zone Map, and the Sunset climate zones. Arizona cities and commonly used landscape plants are listed with their classification according to the three climate zone maps.

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