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Hi, Desert Gardener!
I think April is the most beautiful month in the desert. Everywhere you look, there's something in bloom -- trees, shrubs, cactus, and wildflowers. And for desert gardeners, it can be a busy month. Be sure to check out our April Guide for a look at what you can plant, what you should prune, how to adjust your watering schedule, and more.
If you're planning on adding any new plants this month, be sure to dig a proper hole. If you don't get this right, nothing else you do for that plant will matter. Learn the finer points of hole digging in our article below.
In this week's newsletter, we cover:
- Featured Plant: Desert Bluebell
- What to plant now π΅π΄
- Tucson Nursery Directory
- Weed or wildflower?
- How to dig a hole that doesn't suck
- What to do in the garden in April π©π»βπΎ
- Upcoming gardening event highlights
- and more!
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April Planting Tip!
Many desert plants are stressed by spring planting and do better when planted in the fall. But April is the perfect time to plant citrus, palms, cactus, agaves, and other succulents (but not aloes). Warm soil temperatures encourage the root development of these heat-loving plants.
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Shop Local Nurseries
When shopping for plants, please consider supporting your local nurseries. You are more likely to get a desert-appropriate, healthy plant along with knowledgeable advice than when shopping at a big box store. Here in Tucson, we are fortunate to have so many outstanding local nurseries. You'll find dozens of them in our Tucson Nursery Directory. (If you know of any nurseries we've missed, please let me know.)
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How to Dig a Hole in the Desert
You might be wondering "What's to know?" I get that. But digging a hole in the desert is not as straightforward as you might think! Putting your new plant in a half-baked hole can doom it from the start. Hereβs how to dig holes that will set your new plants up for success.
βRead more ββ
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Tucson Garden Events & Classes
A "don't miss" event is the Pima County Master Gardeners Home Garden Tour on Saturday, April 5. There are still tickets available.
Other highlights include:
* Heat Tolerant Vines @ Green Things
* Pollinator Party @ Four Arrows Garden Center
* Spring Native Plant Sale @ Desert Survivors (week-long event)
Get the details on these events and more in our Tucson Gardening Events Calendar β
Not in Tucson? Look for classes offered via Zoom.
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Weed or Wildflower?
If you see a seedling that looks like this (gray-green leaves with purple tinges), it's a Parry's penstemon, one of the desert's most beautiful spring flowers. This tall, pink knockout of a wildflower reliably blooms every spring.
βLearn more about Parry's penstemon here ββ
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Desert Quote
"You can't fight the desert. You have to ride with it."
- Louis L'Amour, Western novelist
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April: What to Do in the Garden This Month
April just may be the most beautiful month in the desert. And for gardeners, itβs possibly the busiest, too. Hereβs a look at what you can plant, what you should prune, how to adjust your watering schedule, and more.
βGet the full details 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 please stop by the new Southwest Gardener Facebook page and "Follow", "Like", or "Share".
Keep growing and learning,
βDesert Dee
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113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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