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4-H Metalworking Projects Helping Youth Across Arizona Explore New Possibilities

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Photo of kimchi ingredients

In the News

 From Broomfield Enterprise, November 7

People and Plants: Bring out veggies’ wild cultures with kimchi

Fermented foods are beneficial to the gut microbiome, which is made up of “trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi that inhabit our intestinal tracts.” Researchers believe a healthy gut microbiome is associated with lower levels of inflammation in the body.

According to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, the probiotics in kimchi may prevent inflammation, lower cholesterol and have beneficial effects on the immune system. Napa cabbage, one of the main ingredients in kimchi, is high in fiber and may be beneficial in “preventing stomach cancer.” Interestingly, “research has found lactobacillus (extracted from kimchi) to be effective against avian influenza (bird flu).”

2023 Monsoon Totals

Check our Extension monsoon guide for season totals for this year's monsoon, which ended September 30.

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Photo of lightning and saguaro cactuses

Many parts of southern Arizona get half of their annual rainfall from June – September. Thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and frequent lightning sweep across the desert, leaving an explosion of life in their wake.

  • Take a deep dive into what monsoon is and how it works
  • Check monsoon rainfall across the state
  • Check the “greenness” of the state after monsoon rains
  • Be ready for next year - Become a citizen scientist and help RainLog track precipitation in your neighborhood
Photo of winter veggies

In the News

From Tucson.com, October 31

Planting tips for higher elevations around Tucson

Thanks to the four mountain ranges surrounding our beautiful city, the Tucson area has a variety of microclimates. These microclimates affect the plants that you can grow in your yard.

For example, if you’re located in Patagonia, you’re at over 4,000 feet in elevation, compared to around 2,500 feet in Tucson. Tucson also exhibits the effect of the urban heat island which more rural areas don’t experience. This changes your gardening zone. Tucson is considered to be Zone 9b (USDA) or Sunset Zone 12. Sierra Vista, on the other hand, is USDA Zone 8b and Sunset Zone 10.

You can also check out the plant list in the University of Arizona publication mentioned above, “Arizona Climate Zones and their Application to Growing Plants.”

Have a Story Idea?

We are always looking for stories that show the impact of Cooperative Extension work. If you have a story you would like to see on this News page, or if you have a comment or suggestion, please contact Brad Poole at bradpoole@arizona.edu.

All Extension news page stories are vetted by the Cooperative Extension communications team and available for journalists to use as they would news releases. Please attribute stories or passages taken from the news page to Arizona Cooperative Extension.

Thank you!