March Gardening Calendar: What to Plant and When
As Spring approaches, it's time to buckle down and prepare the garden! The unpredictable March weather makes it challenging to establish precise planting dates and schedules, so proceed with caution!
Gradually remove winter mulch
When it comes to yanking off winter mulches, patience is key. Wait until your plants start flexing their new growth muscles. Winter mulch is like a cozy blanket against chilly surprises, so don't rush it – winter's still in the air. Treat your plants kindly by peeling off the mulch gradually, letting sunlight and fresh air reach their delicate sprouts bit by bit. It's safer to ditch the mulch a tad late than risk exposing your plants too soon!
Prune your roses
Trimming a lot makes prettier long-stemmed flowers and neater bushes. Start spraying roses to fend off blackspot and make sure to give them a good meal.
Perennials, bulbs, and tuber care
Split and move perennials that bloom in the summer and give a boost to those already in place when you see new growth. Stick tender bulbs and tubers such as Gladiolas, Lilies, and Dahlias in the ground. Keep the flower show going by planting more bulbs every two weeks until mid-June.
Veggie Planting
Get your vegetable garden ready by adding well-rotted manure, processed manure,
peat moss, or compost to improve the soil. Now is the time to plant Peas, Sweet Peas, and perennial veggies like Asparagus, Rhubarb, Horseradish, and Artichokes. Around mid-month, you can also put in Eggplant, Brussels Sprout, Cauliflower, Celery, Leek, Onions, Radish seeds, and early potatoes. Late in the month, go ahead and seed or set out hardy veggies like Spinach, Chard, Cabbage, and Cauliflower.
Weeding
It’s a task no one loves to do, but an important one to get on top of early! Don't forget, if weeds make seeds, you'll be battling them for seven years or even longer. It's easier to yank or cultivate them when they're still young.
It is almost time to enjoy the fruits (possibly literally) of your labor! Happy gardening!