What's On The Agenda?

Things you could or should be doing in your garden in…

… March

If growing from seed, select the tomato and pepper seeds for the year; sow now for transplanting in 6 weeks. You can still plant cool-season vegetables in the garden.

Add snapdragons, calendula, ornamental kale or nasturtium for early spring color in the garden.

Cut back ornamental grasses to 12” tall; new blades will come out from the older shoots. You can also divide grasses at this time.

This is a great time to shape your boxwoods; use pruners rather than shears for a more natural growth habit, shape and healthy plant. Cut back by no more than 1/3.

Rejuvenation pruning (severe cutting back) of hollies and crepe myrtles needs to be done before new growth begins.

Cut back hybrid tea roses to 18” tall, removing any weak stems; shrub roses can be cut back by up to one-half the original size, thinning out the older canes and weak stems for improved vigor.

Apply pre-emergent herbicide for crabgrass and broadleaf weed control this summer. Save weed & feed products on Bermuda and zoysia until they are actively growing. Do not over-seed fescue if pre-emergent has been applied.

Fertilize fescue with Ferti-lome Lawn Food Plus Iron // using one pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet.

Spray fungicide on fruit trees during flowering.

Begin moving houseplants outside during warm spells, first into shady areas, then gradually increasing sun exposure as they start to harden off. Be ready to bring them back inside when frosts threaten.

Be prepared to cover flowering plants like big leaf hydrangeas if a freeze threatens; a sheet or thin blanket works well for frost protection.

When the soil can be worked – not too wet/cold – add compost or other organic matter to your garden.

Consider reducing the size of your lawn; this will lessen your weekly maintenance chores and minimize water use during the summer.