March Gardening To-Dos

Plants are about to go through a serious growth spurt. Use organic fertilizer to give them the fuel they need.
Prune roses and hydrangeas.
Divide perennials that bloom after mid-June. Share the extra plants with neighbors or a school.
Purchase seeds and potted bulbs if you haven’t already.
Feed conifers with a good organic, all-purpose compost.
Plant trees and deciduous shrubs.
Train and shape perennial vines by doing selective pruning and then tying to a trellis, stake or fence with stretch ties.

Add organic fertilizer and compost to garden soil when it’s dry enough to do so.
Transplant February cabbage family seedlings outdoors.
Start tomatoes, peppers and eggplant under grow lights.
Sow beets, chard, lettuce, onions, peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach and turnips outdoors.

Now’s the time to renovate established lawns and plant new ones.
For established lawns: (1) Dethatch if old roots and stems at crown level are more than one-half inch thick (2) Aerate entire lawn (3) Lime if necessary (4) Rake and over seed bare spots (5) Dig out or spot treat perennial weeds and (6) Use organic fertilizer – it will last longer and is safe for your family and four-legged friends.
For new lawns: (1) Prep soil. Keep in mind grasses need at least six inches of well-drained soil with two inches of compost tilled in (2) Choose a grass seed blend (3) Spread seed on a non-windy day and cover lightly with an inch of compost (4) Water thoroughly and keep top inch moist until seeds have sprouted (5) Mow when grass has grown to be one-third taller than desired height.

Buy mason bees and clean out housing for these expert pollinators.
lan ahead for your spring container gardens and hanging baskets.
Water indoor plants a little more as spring comes, and fertilize with a good, basic organic fertilizer specifically formulated for your type of plants (succulents, leafy, flowering).
Make a seasonal change with new colors of indoor pillows and fresh scents as you wait for your spring garden to bloom. It’ll give your spirits a big lift without a big investment.
Re-pot your succulents making room for spring and summer growth.