Martha Retallick's Monthly Newsletter | November 18, 2025

A Note from the Future

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We now return you to your regularly scheduled newsletter. This one's about starting over.

Starting Over

For several years, my fig tree had struggled.

This past summer was especially challenging. After producing a handful of fruit, the Figster had nothing more to offer.

After consulting with the Pima County Master Gardeners, I concluded that it was time to remove the tree and start over with a new one.

Hence, the potted Fignomenal shown above.

Out with the Old, In with the New

Doesn't take more than a glance to see that the Figster's planter was too small -- and rusty. Time to find that poor tree a new home.

The good news is that a neighbor cheerfully accepted my gift of a "used" fig tree. Even better, the Figster is thriving and growing -- in the ground.

Now, let's enjoy the Fignomenal in its new home, a raised bed built by Greenie's Garden...

Watering the Fig Tree

Although the Figster was connected to my laundry-to-landscape greywater harvesting system, Fignomenal is not.

Why not? Because there my washing machine pump isn't strong enough to move water up to this raised bed.

So, Fignomenal, you're getting the good stuff. I'm watering you with cistern water, and, occasionally, tap water.

Since Fignomenal is a dwarf fig tree, it shouldn't have the "too big for its container" problems that the Figster did.

At maturity, it will be about 3 feet high by 3 feet wide. I expect it to start producing fruit next summer.

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A Profusion of Confusion

Our October rains have been followed by above-normal temperatures. This has led to a bit of confusion among my plants.

Take, for example, the pomegranate trees. They're not supposed to be setting fruit in November, but...

Another pleasant surprise? Continued flowering on the malabar spinach vines...

The still-producing tepary bean vines are another mid-autumn delight...

$9.95 Getting Started with Water Harvesting eBook Your illustrated jump-start guide to active and passive water harvesting. Get it now!

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Questions? Comments? Hit reply and let's talk! I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

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