b'The February GardenBy Bridgette CrosbyIf you need a little advice or a little inspiration, feel free to contact me at 480-235-8388. F ebruary is one of myIf you are thinking of planting a tree, Arbor Day is favorite times of year ina good time to do so. Did you know that Arizona the garden. Winter isactually has two Arbor Days? In the warmer, lower still here, yet the promise ofdesert areas, Arbor Day is usually held on the first a warm spring isnt that farFriday of February. In the higher elevations, away. I love February because we usually get snowwhere there is a longer, colder, winter, it is held on the Superstition Mountains. It is also the signal toon the first Friday in April. Arbor Day is a great prepare my garden beds for tomato season!reminder to plant a tree and enjoy nature!The cold and rain last month brought the leaves downAnd in closing, dont forget that February is a off of the apple and fig trees. The garden is coveredgreat month to plant tomatoes, squash, peppers, in them, but to me, it is a blessing. I blow the leavesand jalapeos. Make sure to cover at night if there directly into my garden beds and turn them into theis a freeze warning. If its warmer towards the soil. This helps keep the soil healthy and is a great wayend of the month, you can plant corn as well. For to add nutrients. Once that is done, I can set asidethose who love flowers, February is an excellent time to plant additional seeds.time to scatter some wildflower seeds such as Desert Marigolds, Blue Bells, and Desert Penstemon. Our seasons can change quickly in the desert. If you are new to gardening, just remember that althoughWhatever you chose to plant this February, I invite the beginning of February feels cold, the end ofyou to try your hand at growing something native in February may be pretty warm. It is mild enough tohonor of Arizona Statehood Day, February 14, 2023. plant a few more cold-season crops such as beets,You can choose to plant native wildflowers, native kale, and carrots. However, it can get warm enough toshrubs, cacti, or native vegetable seeds. If you take make winter crops bolt if not harvested in time. the challenge, text me a photo of your Statehood Day planting to 480-235-8388. Lets celebrate Arizona The apple tree I have is an Anna-Dorsett. These treesand gardening together! I will share all the photos I do really well here in the desert in the winter and inreceive in a future article.the heat of summer. It is approximately 15 years old and is one of the first things I planted. In order toHappy Digging! produce a good crop, the tree needs about 350 chill hours. So, Im hoping that the remaining cold weatherFor more information about planting times in Arizona:we get in February will help boost my apple harvest inhttps://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.the coming year.edu/files/pubs/az1005-2018.pdfNative WildflowersDesert Marigoldbloom after spring rains.Sunrise in my garden. Celebrate Arizona Statehood Day with me and plant something Native!6 February 2023'