Today is the first day of Spring! That means fun in the mud at my house! Spring means different things around the country; it’s time take advantage of the warmer weather and start prepping the garden and yard. Here’s a look at your March to-do list. Pick your region and get to work.
Northern United States
- Give Grasses A Haircut. Cut back ornamental grasses that were left for winter interest.
- Get A Shrub Status. Check shrubs for winter salt or snow damage. Prune away any dead or damaged branches.
- Get Ready to Plant. Start cool season vegetable seeds indoors. For example, broccoli and cauliflower.
- Nitrogen Boost. Sidedress asparagus and rhubarb with a nitrogen rich fertilizer.
- Test the Soil. It’s a great time to have the soil tested. Amend the soil based upon the results of the soil analysis.
- Compost Check. Check the compost bin, does it need turned. If you don’t have a compost bin, consider adding one this year.
- Wait. Don’t be too eager to start planting. Know your frost free date and plant accordingly.
Southern United States
- Fertilize. Sidedress early planted crops with compost or fertilizer.
- Thin seedlings. Thin seedlings when they are 2 -3 inches tall to give them adequate room to grow and thrive. No one likes to be crowded.
- Transplant Tender Vegetables. After the frost free date for your region, transplant vegetables like tomatoes and peppers into the garden.
- Sow Seeds. Warm season crops can be planted after the frost free date has passed. Plant beans, squash, corn, etc.
- Apply Mulch. Apply a layer of mulch around planted shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. Mulch helps hold the moisture in the soil and around the root zone where the plants need it.
- Landscape Maintenance. Fertilize azaleas, camellias, ornamental shrubs and palms to keep them blooming and growing. Use a slow release fertilizer with a nitrogen content of about 30%.
- Compost Check. Don’t forget to turn over the compost. The more you mix it the faster it breaks down.
