Southwest March Garden Checklist: Irrigation, Planting, and Pruning by Elevation

The American Southwest spans low deserts, high deserts, and mountains (USDA zones 5–9). March tasks vary dramatically with elevation.

All Regions: Check Irrigation First

Before heat arrives, inspect the entire system: leaks, broken sprinkler heads, clogged drip emitters. Run each zone and replace faulty parts now—don’t wait for plant stress.

Low Deserts (up to 3,000 ft)

Add Summer Color with Flowering Shrubs and Vines

Plant pink-blooming vines: Queen’s Wreath (Antigonon leptopus), pink bower vine (Pandorea jasminoides), pink trumpet vine (Podranea ricasoliana). Large summer-flowering shrubs: red bird-of-paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), Baja fairy duster (Calliandra californica), Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens), chaparral sage (Salvia clevelandii), Arizona yellow bells (Tecoma stans stans). Place tall shrubs (5+ ft) at the back to screen walls, fences, or equipment; layer lower plants in front.

Citrus: Plant and Prune

March is the best month to add a citrus tree. Prune only dead or crossing branches—avoid removing lower branches, which bear the sweetest fruit and protect the trunk from sunburn.

Prune Frost-Damaged Growth—But Wait Until Danger Passes

Severely cut back frost-tender plants like lantana to 6 inches to stimulate vigorous new growth. On trees and shrubs, wait for new leaves to appear; cut ¼ inch above the first live bud. Leafless branches may still be alive.

Mid- to High Deserts (3,000–6,000 ft)

Plant Bare-Root or Container Fruit Trees

Apples, apricots, peaches, plums—plant now. For best pollination, buy at least two varieties of each type (many are not self-fertile).

Rejuvenate Woody Shrubs

Remove nonproductive old branches near the base with loppers or a pruning saw. New growth will follow warming temperatures.

Upper Elevations (over 6,000 ft)

Start Seeds Indoors

Sow vegetable and flower seeds 8 weeks before your last frost date. You’ll have sturdy seedlings ready for transplant.

Prune Deciduous Trees Before Bud Swell

Exception: maples, birches, and spring-flowering shrubs—prune after they bloom.

Prep Soil with Compost

Work 2–3 inches of compost into the top 6 inches. Improves texture of both clay and sandy soils and adds nutrients. Bagged compost works fine.

Look Ahead to April

Warm spring temperatures are ideal for adding succulents.