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March in the garden π΅οΈ, hi viz showstopper πΉ, what to plant now π±, & more ππ΅
Published about 1 month agoΒ β’Β 2 min read
Hi, Desert Gardener,
For many gardeners, March is the busiest month of the year. If you're going to add any new landscape plants this spring, try to do it this month. This gives them the most time to get established before it gets really hot. (There are a few exceptions which are covered in the spring month-by-month planting guide.)
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This week my husband texted our nephew on his birthday and teased him about our 80+ weather (Our nephew lives on the cold East Coast). Apparently, my husband texted him the same message the past 2 years! I was surprised to realize that we had 80+ on his birthday in 2024 and 2025, as well. So, it looks like these hot February temperatures are getting to be our "new normal".
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Do you ever do the right thing for the wrong reason? I have a few new plants that I'm waiting to plant. Theoretically, I should wait until the last frost date. (A few years ago we had snow the first week in March!) But that's not the real reason I'm waiting. It's TOO HOT so I'm waiting until it cools down a bit!
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In this week's newsletter, we cover:
What to do in the garden in March
Featured plant: Gopher plant
What to plant in spring month-by-month
Weed or wildflower?
Upcoming gardening events
and more!
March Gardening Guide
March is one of the busiest months in desert gardens. Itβs officially spring, wildflowers are blooming, and plants are pushing out new growth. Hereβs a look at what you can plant, what you should prune, how to adjust your watering schedule, and more.
I'm in love with the spring wildflowers! Can I plant seeds now?
Unfortunately, fall, not spring, is the time to sow spring blooming wildflower seeds, but now is a good time to plan ahead. Think about what flowers you'd like to see in your garden next spring and learn about how to harvest their seeds or put them on your shopping list for later.
You don't have to wait until next year to grow wildflowers since we have two wildflower seasons. You can sow seeds in late spring to grow summer blooming or "monsoon" wildflowers such as Arizona poppy.
Gopher Plant: Vivid Spring Color
This stunning ground cover is native to dry parts of the Mediterranean. Every spring, its whorls of green-gray leaves are topped with brilliant chartreuse flowers. When in bloom, these high-viz flowers are show-stoppers!
Gardening Quote β"Plant and your spouse plants with you; weed and you weed alone." β Jean-Jacques Rousseau, botanist, philosopher
What to Plant in Spring (Month by Month)
Most desert landscape plants do best when planted early in the spring to get established before summer's heat. But others should be planted later -- in April or even May. Here's a look at what you should plant month-by-month.
Not in Tucson? Look for online classes denoted with this icon. π» Anyone can participate in these.
Weed or Wildflower?
If you see a seedling with reddish stems and lobed green-gray leaves tinged with purple, it's desert bluebell. Let it grow and soon you'll be treated with the deepest blue flowers you've ever seen!
Be a successful desert gardener. Find everything you need to know to create and maintain a beautiful, carefree desert landscape in our weekly newsletter.
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