Provide a variety of plants that feed larval and adult butterflies. Food plants need to provide for two different stages of the butterfly’s life. Emphasize massing of plants. Adult butterflies are attracted more to masses of plants rather than single flowering plants. Provide sunny, wind-protected locations. Butterflies are cold-blooded and need sunlight to warm themselves and the protection from the wind to feed.
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There are many species of aloes that are marginally cold tolerant. In Tucson, these can be grown with minimal frost protection, but only one kind will reliably survive temperatures in the mid to low 20s. Aloe aristata has been tested to at least 11°F with no protection and survived nicely. It is a low clumping species with thin, dark green leaves. The flowers are reddish and show up nicely against the darker foliage. Light shade is best, and the plant reaches a width of 15-18” with age.
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Neither summer squash or cucumber require much care, but both will yield lots of vegetables per plant. There are three main varieties of summer squash: crookneck, pattypan, and zucchini. At Civano Nursery we carry a huge selection of all the popular and unique varieties.
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There are two major types of peas: green peas, and edible-pod varieties such as sugar snap or snow peas. Regardless of the type, peas grow on vines that need the support of a trellis or netting fitted between two stakes. It is very important to set supports before planting.
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Despite what everybody says, a tomato is really a fruit. In 1893, for trade purposes, the government decided to call this fruit a vegetable. One medium tomato supplies almost half of the vitamin C you need daily, as well as 20% of the vitamin A, plus fiber and essential minerals.
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There comes a point during harvest when you have had your fill of whatever vegetable is taking over at the moment. Whether it’s beans or zucchini, one more bite and you or your family might swear it off forever, even in spite of the delicious garden fresh taste. To prevent waste and to prolong your harvest into the winter months, freeze vegetable for up to six months.
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Growing herbs is a most practical pleasure. Herbs not only have many culinary uses, but each one also has a certain beauty and delightful aroma. Many people begin their love affair with gardening by planting a small patch or pot of these easy to grow plants. At Civano Nursery we carry an extensive selection of seeds and plants.
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Start small, with an area about 6 by 9 feet, so that you don’t get overwhelmed. Look for a level, sheltered site that’s sunny for at least four to six hours a day, and close enough to a faucet or rain barrel so that watering won’t be a problem. Of course you can always add an irrigation system later, for now though let’s just keep it simple.
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When you plant your garden, try to make a space where your child is free to experiment and grow things. From an early age, children can be involved in the cycle of the year, from planting seeds indoors or in a cold frame in the early spring and transplanting the seedlings to the garden when the danger of frost is past, to tending the garden and watching the fruits and vegetables grow, all the way to harvest. For young children, there is something marvelous about going out to the garden and bringing in a basket of lettuce, scallions and tomatoes that they helped to grow — getting children to eat vegetables is rarely a problem when they have grown, picked and washed them themselves.
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