GARDEN CALENDAR

March list of what to do in the garden.

Lawns

• Spot-treat for dandelions, henbit, chickweed, and other weeds. Spot spraying reduces the amount of chemicals used and reduces drift. Use larger droplets and spray lower to the ground. Note that early spring weeds are also a source of pollen and nectar for pollinators.

• Apply crabgrass controls in late March through mid-April.

• Seed thin areas in bluegrass and tall fescue lawns.

• Missed fall fertilization of bluegrass and tall fescue? If so, apply nutrients with crabgrass control.

• Avoid March fertilization if fall fertilizer is applied, as it increases weed pressure and weakens grass reserves. It also creates excessive top growth and more mowing.

• Lower mowing height by about 2 inches to remove winter debris, do not scalp. Raise back up to at least 3 inches for summer health.

• Take a soil test to determine fertility needs. Nitrogen, the first number on the bag, is usually all that is required.

• Tune-up lawn mowers for another season.

• Sharpen mower blades for a quality cut.

Trees And Shrubs

• Delay pruning birch, maple, and walnut trees until they leaf out. They tend to ooze sap if pruned too early.

• Prune spring flowering shrubs soon after bloom.

• Prune summer-blooming shrubs now for excellent flowering.

• Mulch trees and shrubs plantings up to 3 inches deep, keep mulch away from trunks.

• Fertilize trees and shrubs.

• Plant new trees in the landscape.

• Remove tree wraps from young trees for summer growth.

• Rake and clean ground cover planting.

Flowers

• Plant pansies, snapdragons, calendulas, osteospermum, and other cool-loving annuals.

• Pollinator-friendly gardening delays spring cleanup until temps are consistently in the 50s.

• Prepare soil for annual planting by adding organic matter such as compost.

• Fertilize gardens based on soil test needs, typically nitrogen-only sources.

• Take a soil test if one has not been done in the last five years.

• Start seeds under lights indoors for transplanting to the garden.

• Remove winter mulch from roses and prune as needed.

• Cut ornamental grasses back within 3 to 5 inches of the ground.

• Plant new roses.

• Divide and plant perennials.

• Fertilize spring flowering bulbs such as tulips and daffodils.

• Remove seed heads from spent bulbs. Don’t remove foliage until it yellows naturally.

• Help control iris borers by destroying old foliage before new growth begins.

• Unwrap mail-order plants. Keep cool and moist until planting.

Vegetables And Fruits

• Prepare soil for spring planting.

• Take a soil test.

• Fertilize the garden before planting based on soil test results, as typically only nitrogen is needed.

• Plant broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage in late March.

• Plant potatoes, peas, onions, lettuce, and other salad crops.

• Asparagus, rhubarb, and strawberries can be planted.

• Start transplants from seed for tomatoes, peppers, and other warm-season vegetables.

• Sharpen garden tools and repair.

• Apply dormant oil to fruit plantings to reduce scale and mite insects.

• Control peach leaf curl before growth begins.

• Prune fruit plantings, fruit trees, grapes, raspberries, and blackberries.

• Remove mulch from strawberries when growth begins.

• Turn the compost pile.

Houseplants

• Fertilize to encourage rapid spring and summer growth.

• Repot crowded plants in a 1-inch larger pot.

• Shape plants by pruning and trimming.

• Remove winter dust from leaves with a damp cloth or place it in a warm shower.

• Check for insects.

• Start cuttings of plants.

Water Quality Protection

• Keep grass clippings off the street. Sweep or blow back into the lawn.

• Keep fallen leaves off the street. Rake and use as mulch or in compost.

• Direct downspouts onto grassy areas for absorption, reducing runoff.

• Sweep granular fertilizers and pesticides from hard surfaces back onto the lawn.

• Prevent soil erosion. Mulch bare soil areas.

• Pick up pet waste.

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.