National Gardening Association

Regional Reminders

February 14, 2008
Southwestern Deserts
By Cathy Cromell,
Phoenix, AZ

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Manage Irrigation Carefully

The low desert has experienced winter rains and cold temperatures. Cold and wet soil adds up to potential root rot. Check soil moisture before automatically watering on a pre-set schedule. You may be able to skip an irrigation or two.

Monitor Weather

Don't get caught by a late frost. Protect tender citrus and tropicals, such as hibiscus, natal plum, and lantana.

Set Out Tomatoes

Tomato transplants can go in the ground as early as mid-month in the low desert to get a jump-start on the season. However, be prepared to protect them during cold nights.

Continue Bare-Root Planting

Finish planting bare-root roses and deciduous fruit trees (apples, apricots, peaches) by the end of the month.

Continue Sowing Cool-Season Veggies

There's still time to plant fast-maturing cool-season vegetables, such as leafy greens, radishes, carrots, beets, green onions, and chard.