FEBRUARY TO DO'S-
*Finish pruning roses by mid-month
*DO NOT prun frost sensitive plants, epecially if they have been damaged by frost.
*Water landscape plants at least once a month unless rains provide adequate moisture.
*Winter lawns may require watering 1-2 times per week.
*Plant Seeds...Bok Choy,Corn Cucumbers, Sun Flowers, Summer Squash, Green Onions, Radishes.
*Plant Transplants... Onion Sets, Peppers, Tomatoes.
*Transplant bare root roses.
*Protect plants from frost damage if temps drop to the 20's for more than an hour
*Begin fertilizing established roses with granular fertilizers about mid-FEB.
*Fertilize winter lawns monthly.
*Prep garden soil for Spring planting.
*Control weeds while they're young.
Information provided by: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service
Master Gardening Program

To: All CHAMP Clients
Coaching from your landscape Champion
Re: Frost Damage -Winter 2004

The valley has experienced temperatures in the low 30’s and freezing temperatures can be damaging to most of our flowering plants.

The severity of the frost where you live will determine how much your plants will be damaged. Our frost rarely freezes the ground and kills established plants. Based on the location of the frost tender plant, newly installed plants may die.

The average last frost in the Phoenix area is February 15th. The protocol is to not prune the dead portion of the plant until after that date – usually after March 1st. The upper “dead” canopy will protect the inner portion of the plant in case there is another frost.

Frost is nature’s way of pruning. The plant will come back more prolific and with more bloom. Be Patient – please call the office if you have further questions.