Thursday, March 20, 2014

Bill's Gardening Projects for March


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.  


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!


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