January gardening tips

January:
It’s the only truly winter month in Phoenix.

Rainfall:
Average: 0.6 inches
Record: 5.25 inches (1993)

Temperature (degrees F):
Average High: 65.9 degrees
Lowest High: 39 degrees (1937)
Record High: 88 degrees (1971)
Average Low: 41.2 degrees
Highest Low: 61 degrees (1988)
Record Low: 16 degrees (1913)

Now’s the time to:
- Spray dormant shrubs.
- Last chance to plant bare roots trees and shrubs.
- Prune roses and deciduous fruit trees.
- Monitor freeze warnings
- Plant summer bulbs.

What to Sow:
African Daisies, Ageratum, Alyssum, Bachelor Button, Calendula, California Poppy, Candytuft, Carnation, Clarkia, Delphinium, Everlastings, Gaillardia, Globe Amaranth, Godetia, Gypsophila, Helichrisum, Hollyhocks, Larkspur, Lupines, Nicotiana, Pansy, Petunia, Phlox, Pinks, Poppy, Salpiglossis, Scabiosa, Shasta Daisy, Snapdragon, Sweet Peas, Sweet Sultan, Sweet William, Verbena, Viola

In the vegetable garden:
- Plant bare roots asparagus and strawberries.
- Plant cabbage, carrots, lettuce, potatoes, radishes.

Citrus Trees:
- This month is the coldest of the year. Stay on the lookout, and pay attention to the freeze warnings. You can then decide if you want to protect your trees. Young trees, should be protected, particularly sensitive species like limes. Citrus trees are mostly dormant, they still need some water. They are generally shedding some leaves.
- Do not prune the damaged areas until the plant begins spring growth. Pruning may stimulate new frost-sensitive growth.
Grass:
- Keep your lawn green and healthy by fertilizing every three weeks with ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate or calcium nitrate.
Watering:
- You can water less frequently now that there are cooler temperatures. Try once a week. Water more if you notice the ground has dried out. This will save water and save on your water bill.

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