The average last day of frost in our area is around March 15, but it may be later in higher elevations. Celebrate the end of the frost season by storing those frost covers. Head to your garden and enjoy the busy spring season.
Maintenance:
- Remove cold-weather flowers and dead plants.
- Control weeds, apply a pre-emergent to prevent germination.
- Prune winter damage in trees and bushes. Examine citrus trees, trim off dead branches from winter frost and any growth below the graft point.
- Monitor new growth on roses and other plants for aphids, thrips and spider mites. Mix 1 tablespoon of dish detergent with 1 gallon of water to spray the leaves to dislodge the pests.
- Thin out colonies of Aloe by cutting out plants around the edge. Remove pups from Agave and Yuccas.
- Make sure to sharpen, sanitize your tools with a 10 percent bleach solution, then oil.
Planting
- In the veggie garden, sow your last crop of carrots, beets and heat- tolerant lettuce. Set out transplants of tomatoes and peppers, eggplant and squash. Plant heat-loving herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme.
- Plant citrus trees now.
- Plant summer-flowering perennials for color and pollination.
Watering
- Check your drip system for leaks and clogged emitters. Replace broken lines.
- Adjust irrigation frequency based on local rainfall. Do not change the amount of time you water, just add a day when needed.
Fertilizing
- Fertilize citrus. This is your second application, usually March to April.
- After the last frost begins, mildly fertilize your garden.
- Fertilize your roses every three to four weeks.
More Information Online
Pima County Monthly Garden Reminder—extension.arizona.edu/search?keys=Pima+County+Monthly+Garden+Reminders
Landscaping in Style, Maintain— amwua.org/landscaping-with-style
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