March Garden Tasks
What's A Gardener To Do In March?
Spring is almost here, but it's early still and there is plenty of time to ready your garden for the coming season. Take care of your plants and amend your soil now to stimulate healthy growth, protect against pests, and prepare for the summer heat.
Irrigation Tune-Up
Check irrigation for leaks and make necessary repairs. Research timer options and install to simplify following your local watering guidelines during the summer months. Consider converting to drip irrigation, which slowly applies water to the root zone to avoid runoff.
Get Ahead Of The Weeds
Get ahead of weeds now by pulling by hand and applying a pre-emergent. A good pre-emergent will efficiently control invasive species of weeds to prevent them from taking hold. Stop in and talk to our garden gurus to find out which solution will work best for your situation.
Divide Bulbs
It's the right time to divide some plants like agapanthus, daylilies, irises, Fortnight Lily, and traditional lilies. When clumps starts to look overgrown, producing less blooms, or when rhizomes start to grow into each other and pop up from the soil, it's time to divide and conquer. As a general rule, every three to five years is a good guide to review and divide as needed. You'll have new plants to fill some empty space.
Fertilize Roses
Fertilize roses, annuals, and berries when spring growth begins. Spring feeding is important to stimulate new growth and promote flowering. We recommend a natural, organic fertilizer for slow, steady distribution of nutrients.
Other Tasks For March
- As weather permits, prepare beds for planting by cutting down cover crops and adding compost and soil amendments.
- Watch for early signs of powdery mildew on grapes, roses and ornamentals. Treat as needed with a copper fungicide.
- Prevent codling moths! Hang pheromone traps in apple and pear trees.
- Check roses for aphids. Control them with a strong spray of water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Or, let lady bugs and lacewings do the work for you.
- Feed young citrus trees monthly through June with a balanced organic fertilizer for citrus and fruit trees.
- Clean debris from fountains, bird baths and hummingbird feeders.
- Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil cool as the temperatures warm. It's one way you can save on your water bill.
