What to do in a Desert Garden in January?

There are tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the
University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension
There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.
Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low
desert is John Chapman's site.

Climate Information for January
in Phoenix, Arizona


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)

Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.

To Do List . . .
Turf

After the first mowing, fertilize winter lawns with a high phosphate fertilizer like superphosphate, triple superphosphate, or a complete fertilizer that is 20% phosphorous or more by weight. Ammonium phosphate (16-20-0) is another option. Follow the application rates and directions on the label.

Identify and correct problems with winter laws quickly.

Vegetables

Prepare garden soil for Spring planting.

Plant Seeds

Beets, Bok Choy, Carrots, Chard, Collard Greens, Lettuce, Leek, Mustard, Green Onions, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Spinach, Turnips

Plant Transplants

Artichokes (Globe & Jerusalem), Asparagus, Broccoli, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Kohlrabi, Lettuce

Roses

Prune roses. Attend pruning demonstrations put on by local Rose Societies, Garden Clubs, Nurseries and the Cooperative Extension Office

Transplant bare root roses

Fruit and Nut Trees

Prune deciduous fruit trees and grapes. Attend pruning demonstrations put on by local Rose Societies, Garden Clubs, Nurseries and the Cooperative Extension Office

Transplant bare root deciduous fruit trees. Select varieties which require less than 400 hours of chilling.

Landscape Plants

Protect plants from frost damage if the temperature is projected to drop down in to the 20's for more than an hour.

Prune nonnative deciduous shade trees Attend pruning demonstrations put on by local Rose Societies, Garden Clubs, Nurseries and the Cooperative Extension Office

Transplant bare root plants

Move living Christmas Trees outside to a shaded, cool location. Transplant into permanent location as soon as soil temperatures warm.

Water at least once a month unless rains provide adequate moisture.

Control weeds while they are young, tender, and their roots are manageable, or before they sprout. Be sure to remove before they set seed. Remove London Rocket and other weeds in the mustard family now to prevent large populations of False Chinch bugs in April.

Winter watering schedules should be adjusted to about 1/3 of the summer frequency for deciduous and dormant plants, but water deeply each time. Winter lawns and growing flowers may require once to twice per week watering depending on the weather.

Make plans for Arbor Day, the last friday in April.

Don't List . . .

DO NOT prune frost sensitive plants, especially if they have been damaged by frost.

DO NOT over water or over fertilize winter lawns as this will encourage rapid succulent growth which is vulnerable to fungal diseases.

DO NOT water turf at night when the temperatures are coolest as this fosters the growth of fungal diseases.

DO NOT mow when turf is wet. By wounding the plant (mowing) while it is wet you increase the likelihood of fungal infection. In addition, you increase the likelihood of spreading the fungus on the tires of the mower and on your shoes

Frequently Asked Questions
Damage is Noticed on the Fruit

The stem end of citrus fruit is rotting after harvest

The blossom end of Navel oranges and occasionally tangelos are rotting.

Damage is Noticed on the Leaves

The needles on several branches of a pine tree are turning brown but staying attached to the tree

Citrus leaf drop

Leaves and stems are abnormally reddish or purple

Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green

Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by slugs, snails, cabbage looper, or birds.

There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants

There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants

Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk

There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants

Damage is Noticed on the Roots Cultural \ Environmental Questions

The needles on several branches of a pine tree are turning brown but staying attached to the tree

Citrus leaf drop

Leaves and stems are abnormally reddish or purple

Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green

Insect/Pest Questions

Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by snails, slugs, cabbage looper, or birds.

There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants

Various beetles are emerging from firewood stored in homes, such as long-horned beetles or metallic wood borers.

Do not be overly concerned, they can not attack the dry, finished wood of a typical home. Simply vacuum them up.

Small gray flies periodically emerge from potted plants.

Disease Questions

The blossom end of Navel oranges and occasionally tangelos are rotting.

The stem end of citrus fruit is rotting after harvest

There is a gray or white powdery substance on plants