Timely Tips for March in the Low Desert
Tip of the Month
Avoid planting the same vegetables and annuals in the same place year after year. This practice allows disease and pest populations to increase. Instead, switch them into different areas of the garden each year, or avoid growing a particular crop for one year.
Climate Information for March in Phoenix, Arizona
Rainfall:
- Average: 0.9 inches
- Record: 4.9 inches (1941)
Temperature (degrees F):
- Average High: 75.5 degrees
- Lowest High: 49 degrees (1915)
- Record High: 100 degrees (1988)
- Average Low: 48.8 degrees
- Lowest High: 74 degrees (1986)
- Record Low: 25 degrees (1966)
Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.
Turf
- Avoid over watering and mowing when grass is wet to prevent the spread of fungal problems in winter lawns.
Winter lawns may require once to twice per week watering depending on the weather. DO NOT OVER WATER!
Roses
- Continue fertilizing established roses with granular fertilizers once every 6 weeks. Remember to water the day before application and the day after. Apply 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Epsom salts.
Landscape Plants
- Water at least once a month unless rains provide adequate moisture.
- Control weeds while they are young, tender, and their roots are manageable, or before they sprout. Be sure to remove before they set seed.
- Apply mulch around the base of plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.
- Make plans for Arbor Day.
- DO NOT prune citrus except to remove dead or damaged wood and branches obstructing pathways, views, or structures.
- DO NOT use pre-emergent herbicides in an area in which you intend to plant seeds.