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March Gardening In The Low Desert - Page 2

© Pat Kolb

There are many ways to garden and the desert gardener should try some different ways to find the best combination. For disabled gardeners and those with physical problems, raised beds may be the way to go. For those with limited space, the sq. ft. garden, an intensive type of gardening, may be just the thing. A combination of techniques may prove to be the answer for some. Consider that, at one time, the native Americans grew their crops in the desert in basins to catch and conserve water. For information on sqft gardening there is a great mail list with very helpful people. To subscribe, send to majordomo@lists.umsl.edu with the message, subscribe sqft.

For those vegetables you already have growing in your garden, fertilize with an organic fertilizer or a 20-10-10 slow release fertilizer. Remember, in our growing conditions fertilizer is important so that the soil is not depleted of its nutrients.

If you have a winter lawn, it needs fertilizer as well but if you have dormant Bermuda, don't fertilize until active growth begins -- when nighttime temperatures are above 60 degrees.

Fertilize plants with a balanced mix. For flowering trees and shrubs, use a fertilizer that contains phosphate and potassium, such as 18-5-10 or any balanced fertilizer that has a middle number in the 5 - 10 range. Give your flowers a boost by using a water-soluble bloom stimulator or a slow-release such as a 14-12-14 preparation.

Later in the month, after the soil has warmed mulch roses, shrubs, trees, flowers, and cool season vegetables with 3"- 4" of organic material. Keep mulch away from stems of plants wherever possible. Wait until April to mulch warm season vegetables.

Prune frost damaged wood on plants, after March 15, cutting back to green wood and then fertilize plants with slow-release fertilizer.

Herb of the month: Mints, so prolific they are invasive if not contained. Use in cooking, drinks and for great scent in the garden.

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