When March
finally rolls around we all get the urge to get back outside; the days are
longer and hopefully warmer!
I usually
take this opportunity to go around the yard and inspect for winter damage and
also any damage from critters i.e. mice, moles, voles. It is also a good time to catch up on any
projects left unfinished from the fall—like, left over leaves and other debris
that may be in the flower beds or on the lawn. But, when doing this early
cleaning remember to be careful not to expose tender plants to spring frosts.
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| Witch Hazel's early bloom is remarkable |
Once the
heavy snow is gone, put some organic fertilizer around the plants so as the spring
rains come it will naturally work it into the soil. I like to use Espoma products because they
are ‘slow release’ and will not only feed the plants they also enrich the soil. Using a small hedge rake I scratch the
organic fertilizer into the soil at the drip edge of the plant (the distance
around the plant that equals the length of the branches).
Late March
is also a good time to start getting the sand off the lawn-though, keep in mind
that many towns will probably still sand through part of April. If your lawn and/or flower beds that are
close to the road—put down some gypsum, this will help the salt leach out of
the soil faster.
I will also
take the opportunity to flip any sod that had been plowed-up back into place so
when the grass starts to grow it will root easier.
Also, when
the days are getting longer I will start feeding my indoor plants again, as
they also know it is time to awaken and start putting on growth after the long
cold winter. Spring is the season of rebirth,
and feeding your plants now will give them a jump on the new season!
