by Bronwynne Bailey, Master Gardener
The warm days are finally outnumbering the cold ones. There are plenty of gardening chores that need to be done every month of each year. This publication will help guide you through March toward a prettier and healthier landscape or garden.
Planning
- Consider a Home Consult if you have questions or want to try something new. Master Gardeners can be reached by leaving a message at the MSU Extension Office 662-234-4451. A home consultant specialist will contact you to schedule a visit or answer questions.
- Determine how many seed packets you need. Remember to order extra seed if you are planning to replant for a second crop of flowers after the heat of the summer.
- Protect tender plants in extreme cold by covering them. More information can be found by clicking here or searching for Publication 2303 at http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/
Planting
- Broad-leaved Evergreens such as Magnolia and Holly can be set out at this time.
- Plant cold weather annuals Sweet William, English Daisies, Pansies, and Calendulas.
- Divide Mondo Grass and Liriope. Divide Cannas, Chrysanthemums, Coreopsis, Phlox, and Obedient Plant.
- Start seeds for Tomatoes, Bell peppers, and Eggplant. Set out Thyme, Lemon Balm, Oregano, Chives, Sage, and Winter Savory.
- Sow seeds of Johnny Jump-ups, Sweet Peas, Larkspur, Forget-me-nots, and Baby Blue Eyes.
- Flowering shrubs may be moved at this time. Larger shrubs should be moved with a ball of dirt and smaller shrubs may be moved bare-rooted.
- This is the best month to move Crape myrtles.
- Lawns may be sodded at this time. Plant Gladiolus throughout this month for continuous bloom. Plant Hostas.
- Caladiums can be started in outdoor containers as soon as weather warms
Fertilizing
- Fertilize all the garden except acid-loving plants.
- Top-dress Camellias with azalea-camellia fertilizer.
- Lime Peonies, Clematis, and Boxwoods.
Pest Control
- Spray new rose leaves for black spot weekly.
Pruning
- Prune roses at this time. Remove dead and weak canes. Properly dispose of clippings. Need a video tutorial on how to prune rose bushes? We’ve got you covered in this blog post! http://extension.msstate.edu/blog/how-prune-roses
- Prune Crepe myrtles and Altheas.
- Prune hydrangeas. To learn more about hydrangeas and how to prune them, check out Publication 2574, “Hydrangeas for Mississippi Gardens.”
- Prune evergreens for shape and size as early in the month as possible.
- Cut English Ivy back hard. It will come back nicely in the spring.
- Trim Mondo Grass and Liriope with lawn mower set on highest setting (6 inches). Dispose of trimmings.
Mulch
- Replenish mulch around Azaleas and Camellias. To properly mulch, apply 2-3 inches of mulch to the base of trees and shrubs. If mulching trees, do not place mulch in direct contact with the tree trunk.
Miscellaneous
- Dispose of fallen Camellias blossoms to prevent blight.
- Rake up seed hulls from under bird feeders. They will smother new growth.
- Remove dead flowers from tulips and daffodils. Do not cut foliage before it turns yellow and dies.
- Who doesn’t love having butterflies in their garden? Monarch butterflies need milkweed for food and reproduction. Native milkweed is a great choice for your landscape. Now is a great time to plant it and read up on more ways to bring butterflies into your landscape.
- Hummingbirds are here! Check out this blog post on ways to attract hummingbirds to your yard. It covers everything from the type of food to put out, to the specific flowers and shrubs that welcome the small creature to your landscape.
Home Accent
- Divide or repot overgrown houseplants. Cut back weak parts to encourage new growth. Apply fertilizer every 2 weeks or so.
In Bloom
- Bluebells, Chionodoxa, Daffodil, Hyacinth, early Iris, Pansies, Violet, Carolina Jasmine, Azaleas and Camellias, Forsythia, Pearl Bush, Photinia, Flowering Quince, Spirea, flowering fruit trees (Crabapple, Cherry, Pear, and Peach), Oriental Magnolia, and Redbud.
You can find more garden related articles and videos on our MSU Extension website https://extension.msstate.edu/search?query=march or by clicking here.
