March Garden Checklist
Annuals:Check the soil for watering needs. Water as needed because over-watering causes root and stem rot. Opt for drought tolerant plants such as purslane or periwinkle. Remember to group your plants together according to their watering and light requirements. Ageratum, alyssum, amaranthus, asters, baby's breath, balsam, begonias, browallia, calendulas, calliopsis, celosia, coleus, cosmos, crossandras, dahlias, dusty miller exacums, gaillardias, gazania, geraniums, hollyhocks, impatiens, kalanchoe, lobelias, Marguerite daisies, marigolds, nicotine, ornamental peppers, pentas, phlox rudbeckias, salvia, strawflowers, streptocarpus, sweet William , thunbergia alata, torenia, verbenas, periwinkles, and zinnias can be planted this month,
Bulbs:These will be in full bloom. To conserve the plant’s energy, cut off the old seedpods after flowering. Keep the soil moist by watering when surface soil begins to be dry to the touch.
Herbs: Anise, basil, bay laurel, borage, caraway, cardamom,chervil, chives, coriander, culantro, cumin, dill, fennel, ginger, horehound, lemon balm, lavender, lovage, marjoram, mexican tarragon, mint, parsley, oregano, rosemary, sage, savory, sesame, thyme and watercress can be planted now.
Lawns:Rake dead grass to allow new grass to grow. This will increase the effectiveness of fertilizers and and pesticides applied to the lawn.Complete fertilizer can be applied this month if your lawn needs it. Check your soil first. Phosphorus is one element that can accumulate in the soil. Try to select a fertilizer with a 1-0-1 ratio of nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium such as a 15-0-15. If that fertilizer is difficult to find, purchase a 16-4-8 which is very common. Follow directions on the label.
Perennials:Fertilize this month if you missed last month. Plant poinsettias in landscape during late March to early April. Cut back plants to within 12 to 18 inches of ground level. Pinch back new growth every four weeks until September 10. Fertilize monthly from May to September.Choices for planting include lantana, pentas, salvias, purple coneflowers, buddleia, and verbenas.
Shrubs: Prune and fertilize azaleas as soon as they finish blooming. Use an acid fertilizer. Azaleas may be transplanted now as well. Overgrown shrubs such as hollies and ligustrum can be cut back down to 12-24 inches.
Trees: Make sure your younger trees maintain a straight trunk as new growth begins. Remove or prune (called a drop crotch cut) all limbs that may be competing with the central leader. This makes for stronger, healthier trees.Fertilize palms every t
Vegetables: Have your soil tested prior to planting your seeds or transplants. The pH and the nutrient content of the soil is an important factor in production of vegetables. This month’s choices for planting include snap beans, pole beans, lima beans, beets, cantaloupes, carrots, celery, collards, corn, cucumber, eggplant, endive/escarole, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, okra, bunching onions, parsley, English peas, Southern peas, peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, radishes, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, turnips, and watermelon.
