Spring is almost here!  Spring is a favorite time of year, so maybe it will warm up soon and we can all get outside and get something growing. March is an excellent time to plant trees. They are still dormant but even without their leaves the roots will grow and get established and have a much better chance to survive the very hot summers we have.

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Edible Landscape

Many beautiful shade trees offer us a bonus by producing something to eat.  An apple tree gives us shade, flowers in the spring, and makes a wonderful place for children to climb and birds to nest, but best of all - Apples.  In planning your landscape consider fruit trees for shade and use blueberry bushes for hedges. The only requirements for fruiting plants are plenty of sunshine, polination (choose different varieties), and good drainage.  A regular spray program may also be needed to keep bugs and disease from ruining your crop. March is also the perfect time to plant that strawberry patch! Allow plenty of room since they will multiply and spread year after year. 

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Vegetable Gardens

Go ahead and plant those vegetables that can take a little frost (the last frost usually occurs in APRIL, not MARCH).  Snap beans, carrots, beets, potatoes, onions, etc. Notice that we did not mention tomatoes or peppers. See February for garden bed tips.

 

Flower Gardens

What's the difference between a perennial and an annual?  Perennials are those plants that come back year after year and require very little care for years of pleasure. But (there is always a but), most perennials have a relatively short blooming time - usually 6 weeks or less.  Perennials should form the backbone of your flower garden then mix in annuals for dazzling displays of color.  Annuals must be planted each year from seed or little plants.  Late frost is a factor with annuals (best to wait), but perennials are generally safe to plant in March.

 

Lawns

If you hurry you can still overseed fescue lawns.  Since fescue is a cool season grass it needs to be planted long enough to get established before the summer heat gets here.  Feed it, lime it, weed it, and keep it mowed at about 2 to 3 inches.  If you overseed you must wait 6 weeks before applying crabgrass preventer. Established Fescue lawns should be fertilized and need a dose of Hi Yield® Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper Containing Dimension®. Those of you with Bermuda lawns are anxious to get started but wait and let your lawn tell you when to feed.  Fertilize with 16-4-8 when 75% of the grass has greened up - usually mid April.  You need to apply crabgrass preventer now (same product as Fescue). 

 

Tree & Shrub Care

It's still a good time to plant trees and shrubs before the heat of summer arrives. The cooler weather gives them time to get established without requiring daily watering. Trees and shrubs should be fertilized twice a year (Spring and Fall) with Hi Yield® Grower's Special 12-6-6. For Azaleas, Gardenias, and Camellias you can try Fertilome® ACR Food for acid-loving plants. If you don't like to spray and continually check for bugs on your plants, check out Fertilome® Tree & Shrub Drench. Use once in the spring to protect your plants all year. It's good for roses, crepe myrtles, azaleas, flowering cherries and other large trees.

 

Summer Bulbs

Don't let the good bulbs get gone before you have a chance to pick the ones you want, but its too early to plant caladiums, elephant ears, and callas.  Iris, dahlias and cannas are ok to plant near the end of the month. 

 

Birds

Watch your bluebird houses and soon you will see lots of activity.  Don't be surprised to see a hummingbird so put up at least one feeder.

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