It is starting to feel like spring in the desert. The winter rains have brought weeds and the frost bitten plants are starting to pop up with a little green. Do not trim back the dead stuff too early. Wait closer to the middle/end of March for this in case we get another freeze. It is time to stare planting trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, and flowers!
Veggies: plant pepper and tomatoes. Sow seeds for corn, cucumber, jicama, melon, pumpkin, squash, onions, carrots, and radishes. Protect your plants if we get a late season frost.
Maintenance: It is time to thin deciduous fruit from trees such as Apple, Apricot and Plum trees. Remove excess fruit while it is small, leaving 6″ between fruits. This will reduce weight on the branches and allow the fruit to grow to maturity and fully develop. Continue to fertilize roses every 6 weeks for beautiful spring blooms.
For raised garden ideas, check out my article on raised gardening in Arizona.