Spring is perhaps the most beautiful time of year for gardens in Arizona. Not only is it the perfect time to plant your summer harvest, but it is also the time of year that colorful flowers come alive across the lower desert region. Around Sierra Vista neighborhoods, you’ll see this transformation taking place. Whether you’re just starting out with a new garden in your new home or simply need help managing the one you already have, here are some tips for springtime gardening in Arizona.
Plant for Summer
If you grow food, you should start planting your summer harvest for March. Now is the time to plant summer squash, blackberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, okra, spinach, black eyed peas, and more. It is also the right time to plant some fall crops, including carrots, pumpkin, winter squashes, and sweet potatoes. If you planted asparagus or other fast-maturing plants in the late-winter season, now is also time to the reap the rewards.
Maintain and Plant Fruit Trees
If you have fruit trees in your garden, it is important to thin them during the spring. This is because many fruit trees will grow more fruit than they can support. To manage the weight, the trees will grow smaller fruit that doesn’t mature as expected. By thinning the trees, you can mitigate some of the extra growth. Doing so encourages the remaining fruit to grow bigger, healthier, and tastier. If you are thinking of planting fruit trees, spring is the perfect time to do so.
Prepare for Summer
Summer heat in Arizona can be demanding for gardens, so take time in spring to prepare. One of the most important things you can do is to check your irrigation system and make sure it is in good working order. You should also prune dead leaves, frost-damaged growth, and branches that have accumulated during winter. Dead or stressed plants will attract pests, so now is the time to clean them up.
Castle & Cooke communities in Sierra Vista offer plenty of space for trying out your green thumb and enjoying Arizona’s year-round growing season. To learn more about our neighborhoods and homes, call us at (520) 378-5110.