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Hi, Desert Gardener,
A few readers reminded me that 3 years ago (on March 2, to be precise), Tucson had measurable snow. How could I forget? I had 5 inches! A dozen newly planted trees and shrubs were splayed out flat on the ground. I lost one tree, which I still pine for. π’
π± π΅οΈ π±
While the last frost date in Tucson is March 15th, I'm going "out on a limb" to predict that we will not have another freeze this spring. The 10 day forecast looks clear.
You know what this means, right? We can prune and plant with impunity! I can't wait -- how about you?
π± π΅οΈ π±
In this week's newsletter, we cover:
- Featured plant: Blackfoot daisy
- Get this 1 thing right... or doom your plants
- Weed or wildflower?
- What to do in the garden in March
- Upcoming gardening events
- and more!
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Blackfoot Daisy: Dainty But Tough
This native perennial is smothered in adorable daisy-like flowers much of the year. It's much tougher than it looks. The low water use plant survives our hot summers like a champ and withstands cold down to a frigid -20β! π₯Ά
βRead more ββ
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A Reader Asks:
"Is this a good time to fertilize my mesquite tree?"
There is no need to fertilize mesquite trees. They have evolved to get the nutrients they need from desert soil, and, as legumes, they "fix" their own nitrogen. Fertilizing can actually lead to excessive or weak growth. So this is one chore you can cross off your "to do" list!
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How to Dig a Hole in the Desert
Digging a proper hole is the first step in plant care. But digging a hole isnβt that simple in the desert. Putting a plant in a half-baked hole will doom it from the start. Hereβs how to dig a hole that will set your new desert plant up for success.
βRead more ββ
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Upcoming Garden Events & Classes
There's always more to learn about gardening! Check out these events and classes coming up soon.
* Container Gardening in the Heat @ Tucson Botanical Garden
* Free Succulent Saturday @ Four Arrows Garden Center
* Warm Season Vegetables @ Pima Co. Master Gardeners
Get the details in our Tucson Gardening Events Calendar β
Not in Tucson? Look for online classes denoted with this icon. π» Anyone can participate in these.
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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.
βGet the details here ββ
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Gardening Humor
β"I consider every plant hardy until I have killed it myself." β Sir Peter Smithers, British spy, politician, gardener
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Weed or Wildflower?
If you see a seedling with fuzzy, nearly silver leaves that look like this, it's brittlebush. It's been a banner year for this plant and seedlings are popping up everywhere. It's easy to confuse them with desert marigolds, but their leaves are more triangular with straight (not ruffly) edges.
βLearn more about brittlebush here ββ
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Before You Go...
Do you have a gardening question you'd like to see answered here? Send it to ask@swgardener.com.
If you found this information helpful or interesting, please share it with friends! They can sign up for this newsletter here.
And stop by the Southwest Gardener Facebook page where you can comment on this week's articles. Then please "like", "follow", or "share"!
Keep growing and learning,
βDesert Dee
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113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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