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March Gardening In The Low Desert

© Pat Kolb

Here it comes, planting time in the low desert for most things.

First, the hard part if you have not already done it. You must prepare the soil. Rototill or spade to about 12 inches in depth, then apply 4 inches of compost or composted manure and mix it in with the rototilled soil. If you have had a garden in the same spot before and have regularly added mulch and compost, then just a little digging is required and addition of the compost you have prepared or purchased. Also add agricultural gypsum and perhaps some sulfur to reduce pH but if you add enough compost it is usually unnecessary. Saturate the prepared soil with water to leach out the salts and activate the micro organisms. Add a complete fertilizer at planting time, using only about half the amount recommended on the bag label. You can side-dress later if needed. Root types benefit more from fertilizers higher in phosphorous and leafy types need more nitrogen. A complete fertilizer supplies both as well as a few micro nutrients so by using it one doesn't need to remember the details.

Now is the time to plant all those warm season vegetables and flowers. Annuals to plant now include celosia, gomphrena, lisianthus, marigolds, portulaca, salvia, zinnias, and any other warm weather flowers.

Now is also the time to set out perennials such as asters, autumn sage (Salvia greggii) chrysanthemums, coreopsis, feverfew, gerbera, helianthus, hollyhock, penstemon, Shasta daisies and statice. Also summer bulbs - caladium, canna and crinum can be planted after the soil warms to 65 degrees. Plant dahlias and gladiolas after danger of frost is past. Iris are available in cans. Gaura lindheimeri (Desert Orchid) is native to southwest deserts and higher elevations and is well-suited for desert gardens, requiring little water or maintenance.

Ground covers such as aptemia, calylophus, dwarf rosemary, Mexican evening primrose, verbena, vinca, and lantana are good choices and can be planted this month.

Spring veggies Plant warm weather vegetables as soon as there is no chance of frost. Recommended varieties of tomatoes include Heat Wave, Miracle Sweet and Sun Master. For cherry types, try Husky Cherry Gold and Husky Cherry Red; also Lemon Boy for a yellow type and for pasta and drying : Italian Gold, and Viva Italia. Italia Gold makes a great golden salsa. The new 'grape' tomatoes have been getting good reviews, with Santa being at the top of the list with some people.