- January
-
Stratify:
Seeds that need three months of cold stratification to invoke germination, such as
Fendler's Sundrops or Western Sand Cherry, should be placed in cold storage by the middle of this month.
Prune: Damaged and dead limbs from non-fruit bearing
trees.
Do not trim new wood on flowering or fruit- and nut-bearing plants.
Read recommendations on pruning for each specific plant.
Water: Deep water once a month or once every two weeks for
trees in the ground
less than three years.
Water recently planted perennials weekly.
Plant:
Trees.
-
- February
-
Stratify:
Seeds that need two months of cold stratification
to invoke germination, such as Desert Four O'Clock, should be placed in
cold storage by the middle of this month.
Prune: Roses
Mulch: Mulch to protect plants from drying too quickly and to
protect roots from freezing.
Water: Trees.
Plant:
Trees.
-
- March
-
Spring: The first day of spring is March 20.
Temperature: Hard freezes are possible, so protect frost-tender plants when frost is predicted.
Stratify:
Seeds that need one month of cold stratification to invoke germination, such as Penstemon, should be placed in
cold storage by the middle of this month.
Mulch: Mulch to protect plants from drying too quickly and to protect roots from freezing.
Water: Trees.
Plant: trees.
-
- April
-
Frost: Freezing temperatures have occurred as late as April 22; however frost after April 15 is unlikely.
When putting plants in the ground before May 1, be prepared to cover tender plants if frost is predicted.
Native wildflowers: Make their appearance.
Mulch: Mulch to protect plants from drying too quickly and to
protect roots from freezing.
Water: Deep water as required. This is a low rainfall month.
Plant: Vegetables,
trees.
-
- May
-
Mulch: Mulch to protect plants from drying too quickly.
Water: Deep water as required. This is the lowest rainfall month of the year.
Plant: Vegetables,
trees.
-
- June
-
Summer: The start of summer is June 21. Monsoon rains
begin within the next four weeks.
Heat:
The pollen of most tomatoes becomes sterile above 90°F.
Water: Deep water as required. This is a low rainfall month.
Plant: Trees.
-
- July
-
Heat:
The pollen of most tomatoes becomes sterile above 90°F. Make sure that roots are protected
from heat with thick mulch. Do not fertilize this month.
Water: Deep water in between the monsoon rains of summer if needed.
-
- August
-
Heat: The heat of summer causes some plants to go dormant and stop flower and fruit production.
Make sure that roots are protected from heat with thick mulch. Do not fertilize this month.
Garden Preparation: Now is the time to prepare flower and vegetable garden beds for the fall.
Water: Deep water in between the monsoon rains of summer if needed.
Plant: Vegetables,
trees, perennials.
-
- September
-
Fall: The first day of fall is September 22.
Buy: Bulbs in the latter part of the month while selection is still good.
Water: Deep water as required.
Plant: Vegetables,
trees,
succulents such as agave and yucca, and shrubs that are not cold-sensitive.
-
- October
-
Water: Reduce watering frequency for all bulbs, deep water other established plants every three weeks.
Plant:
Trees,
cold-hardy perennials by the middle of the month, bulbs and shrubs that are not cold-sensitive.
-
- November
-
Frost: The first likely date of freezing temperatures is November 15. Be prepared to cover cold-tender plants
if frost is predicted. The most recent earliest freeze was November 30 (20°F for two nights).
Mulch: Place a 4" to 6" layer of mulch around the roots of all shrubs, leaving a gap so as
not to touch the trunk.
Water: Deeply every three to four weeks for established plants.
Plant:
Trees,
cold-hardy perennials and shrubs.
-
- December
-
Winter: The first day of winter is December 22.
Frost: Be prepared to cover cold-tender plants if frost is predicted.
Water: Deep water once a month.
Plant: Trees.
|
Calycoseris wrightii:
White Tackstem
|
