GARDEN CALENDAR

By Pam Albo

December/January

These are the coldest months of the year in the greater Phoenix area. Be prepared to cover frost sensitive plants on evenings when temperatures are below 30 degrees. Use frost cloth available at nurseries or sheets or towels.

Pick spent blossoms and fruit. Pick fruit on the outside of fruit trees that is more exposed to frost.

Prune rose bushes by one half but do not feed until February.

Remove dead branches from trees and plants but delay heavy pruning until March.

Plant colorful winter annals: Alyssum, calendula, pansies, gaillardia, verbena, viola, and snapdragons.

Plant cool weather vegetable transplants such as cabbage, lettuce, artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, and chard.

Plant citrus after the danger of frost is over.

Consider applying organic mulch around your plants to conserve water, shield plant roots, preserve soil temperature, and prevent weed growth.

February

Feed roses.

Fertilize citrus through March.

Plant cool weather annuals such as geraniums, petunias, gaillardia, verbena, snapdragons, and violas.

Plant bulbs such as cannas, dahlias, and gladiolus for late Spring bloom that will receive afternoon shade.

Tomato and pepper starts are available for planting this month.

Remember to cover frost sensitive plants on evenings when we have frost warnings.

Hoe weeds brought on by winter rains. Apply re-emergent.

In late February, prune any frost damage from plants and trees to promote new growth.

March

March is the best planting month in our area.

Prune back lantana as far as you want.

Feed roses and citrus.

Fertilize your plants and trees for optimal growth and health.

Plant annuals such as alyssum, geranium, marigolds, gerbera daisies, Angelita daisies,

vinca, salvia, Angelonia, and petunias.

Plant shrubs such as Texas sage, yellow bells, coral fountain, pink fairy duster, and red bird of paradise.

Plant herbs such as basil, chives, oregano, parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.

Plant citrus after the danger of frost is over.