March is the month when many of the beautiful spring flowering perennials and shrubs begin to bloom. With Spring just around the corner, it is time to get serious and get the garden ready! The fickle weather of March makes it impossible to set exact dates and schedules for planting, so proceed with caution!
General garden care
Begin fertilizing houseplants and repot if necessary.
Spray apples and crabapples to control cedar-apple rust.
Sow annuals in a cold frame: Allysum, baby’s breath, morning glory, nicotiana, salvia, snapdragon and verbena.
Plant trees and shrubs.
If winter has been mild, look for hosta shoots poking up through the soil. Dig up clumps that need to be divided, split them apart and replant them. Water well.
Edibles
Peas traditionally are planted on St. Patrick’s Day but the last three or four years have been too cold and wet. It might be better to wait until April.
Fertilize berry bushes, grapevines, rhubarb and asparagus before new growth begins.
Fertilize acid-loving blueberries with Cottonseed Meal or HollyTone.
Plant potatoes, turnips, cabbage, collards, kale, mustard, spinach and other greens.
At the end of the month plant shallots, bok choy, parsley and broccoli.
Lawn care
Seed or sod new lawns, weather permitting. Reseed bare spots in established lawns. Keep area moist until seedlings appear. Mow when new grass is 3″ high.
Fertilize existing lawns.
If weather permits, spread a pre-emergent herbicide for crabgrass control.