Hi, Desert Gardener,

I'm thrilled for everyone who got rain this week! And I'm especially pleased that Phoenix did not break a record for the most days without rain (albeit just barely). Woot!

I've received more questions about pruning cold-damaged plants. I understand your impatience, I really do! But the answer is "not yet." It's better to wait until the chance of frost has passed... and we aren't there yet.

February can be a busy month for gardeners with citrus trees since it's time to harvest and fertilize.

The rule of thumb is to fertilize citrus around Valentine's Day. So it's time to shop for fertilizer in the next week or two. Many gardeners pick up a bag that looks like a decent brand and toss it around. But fertilizing correctly is more complicated than that.

Figuring out the right amount of fertilizer involves doing a little math, but it will be worth your time. Properly fed trees are healthier, more resilient, and produce better yields and tastier fruit.

In this week's newsletter, we cover:

• An underused shrub that's blooming now
• How to fertilize citrus trees the right way
• Plants you may want to cover during freezes
• What to do in the garden in February
• Upcoming gardening classes and events
• and more!

Fertilize Your Citrus Trees Right 🍋🍊🍋‍🟩

The rule of thumb for fertilizing citrus fruit of all kinds in mid-February. So it's time to buy the fertilizer you need in the next few weeks. How much to fertilize depends on:

• the type of tree
• the canopy size of your tree
• how much nitrogen is in your fertilizer

If you're going to fertilize your trees, it's worth doing it right!

For all the details on how to properly fertilize your citrus, please refer to the University of Arizona’s Citrus Fertilization Chart.

Tucson Garden Events

There are lots of upcoming classes and events. Some of this week's highlights include:
* Medicinal Plants Tour @ University of Arizona 🌿
* DIY Desert Garden Design: 6 Part Series @ Tucson Botanical Gardens
* Secrets of Citrus @ Harlow Gardens 🍊

Find more & get the details in our Tucson Gardening Events Calendar →

Not in Tucson? Look for classes offered via Zoom.

Garden Humor 😀

"Did you hear about the lemon who couldn’t concentrate? He just kept losing his zest!"

In Case You Missed It

​It's Cold! Should I Cover My Plants?

​5 “Green” Ways to Get Rid of Your Nursery Pots

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".

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Keep growing and learning,
​Desert Dee