Your Villa Magazine Desert Cities February-April 2021

Spring into action in your garden with these tips D E S I G N + B U I L D Prepare your landscaping in February and March before warmer weather sets in on the valley. FEBRUARY • Plant the last of smaller cool season vegetable seeds such as root crops, leaf crops and peas. Choose slow-bolt varieties to keep them from going to seed as spring moves toward summer. (Going to seed marks the end of a life cycle for some plants). • Plant citrus trees that have high heat requirements such as grapefruit and Valencia oranges, Eureka and Lisbon lemons, Fairchild and Daisy mandarins. • Fertilize deciduous and citrus fruit trees with a complete slow-release fertilizer. • Prune citrus lightly keeping the canopy skirt one foot above the ground, but remove dead wood, crossover branches, and any suckers growing from below the bud union. • Set out warm-season vegetable transplants after mid-February, but watch for a frost weather report and protect from late season frost with a frost blanket. MARCH • Plant two-year-old citrus trees in the ground now so the trees develop a strong root system before the summer’s high temperatures. • Plant warm-season vegetable seeds. Green beans, corn, eggplant, and melons are some options. Continue to set out warm-season transplants. • Try releasing natural aphid predators such as ladybugs, aphid lions (lacewings) and praying mantis. Warmer weather usually sparks aphid season in the spring. Roses, citrus and hibiscus are most susceptible. • Wait to prune frost-damaged trees/shrubs until the first branch leaves emerge so you can tell where the damage begins and not cut out any live wood. • Reset irrigation system amounts to provide more moisture as temperatures rise. Consider installing a smart-irrigation controller. It adjusts watering times automatically. Visit cvwd.org/rebates to learn how to apply for a free device. For more tips on desert-friendly gardening, consider purchasing CVWD’s landscaping book for $10 at cvwd.org/store or call customer service at (760) 391-9600. Planting & Gardening calendars are also available upon request at cvwd.org/publications. 26 | YourVilla Magazine CVWD Outdoor Water Efficiency Rebates & Discounts YourWater is our promise Facebook “f”Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f”Logo CMYK / .eps Visit www.cvwd.org/rebates for program details and requirements. Or call us at (760) 398-2651. Programs require pre-approval. Smart Irrigation Controller Landscape Conversion Sprinkler Nozzle Replacement

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