Blown Away
Windy weather is common in the Southwest at this time of year. Wind and dust can severely damage plants and gardens, wearing down soil and exposing roots. High winds can even break off parts of a plant or completely lift it out of the ground! Crops that are sensitive to wind will not grow properly or bear fruit if they are not protected.
Viewer Tip: Luckily, there are some easy ways to keep your garden plants from getting “blown away.” One way is to install a fence around your garden. Lattice fences allow sunlight to pass through but offer protection by breaking-down wind that passes through the openings. Living fences, made up of shrubs, brush or trees, can also work as attractive wind breaks. You may also want to apply mulch in garden beds and around trees to prevent wind and rain erosion. Straw mulch and netting can reduce soil erosion and keep seeds in place.
Seasons: Spring, Summer
(Sources: Woodson, M. Gomestic. “Garden by the Elements: Wind.” 2009. http://www.gomestic.com/Gardening/Garden-by-the-Elements-Wind.588267; Nabhan, Gary P. Lisarayner.com. “Growing Food in the Southwest Mountains: Table of Contents.” 2009. http://www.lisarayner.com/grow_%20food_bk/GFcontents.htm; USDA National Research Conservation Service. “Straw Mulching.” 2000. http://lamar.colostate.edu/~rmoench/mulch.pdf)
