Indoor, outdoor plans ramp up as spring blooms
March 20 is the first day of spring, and garden planning is in full swing. Seeds are purchased, gardening supplies are inventoried and tools are cleaned and sharpened.
Indoors, March is a prime month for starting warm-weather plants, such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. Follow the directions on seed packets to ensure success. Determine the number of seedlings required to produce your desired harvest.
Check houseplants for signs of disease or insect infestations and treat accordingly. Remove dead or diseased leaves, and if needed, repot plants into clean containers, one size larger than the original pot. Fertilize houseplants with a half-strength, water-soluble fertilizer or fish food.
Outdoors, cold frames can be readied for planting. Check the frames and prepare the soil. Seeds appropriate for cold frames include spinach, lettuce and kale.
March is an ideal time to prune fruit trees and small fruits, such as blueberries, brambles and grapes. Many ornamental plants, especially those that flower in summer, can also be pruned at this time of year.
Neglected, overgrown shrubs are also best pruned in March before the leaves have fully emerged and the framework of the plant is easily visible. Inspect trees and shrubs for winter damage and remove any broken branches.
When the soil is workable, collect soil samples for testing. Test the soil in new garden areas before planting.
In established gardens, soil test every three years if plants are growing and producing.
Soil kits can be purchased at the Penn State Extension office in Butler County on 101 Motor Pool Way or at local nurseries and garden centers. Follow the kit directions and mail the sample to Penn State University for analysis.
Follow the recommendations for soil amending. After amending, as weather permits, plant onion sets, shallots, turnips, peas, radish, beet and carrot seeds.
Clear debris from spring bulbs, such as snowdrops and crocus, to better see their blooms. On warm days, cut back last year’s growth from perennials and ornamental grasses to make way for newly emerging stems.
One method for cutting back ornamental grass is to tie a rope tightly around the grass, one to two feet from the ground. Cut the grass at ground level, making the grass bundle easy to manage.
March is also an opportune time for lawn care.
Remove twigs and debris and fill in uneven surfaces with compost. When the lawn is fairly dry, rake the lawn.
Raking fights fungal diseases by increasing air flow and releasing moisture within the grass blades.
Obtain soil testing if the lawn is new or does not appear healthy — otherwise, test healthy lawns every three to four years. Observe for lawn moss, which grows in March’s cool, wet weather and treat accordingly.
Start your garden journal now and include details of plant and lawn health. Document seed varieties as well as their germination and growth rates.
Make a wish list of landscape plants, shrubs and trees. Draw your dream garden or redesign your existing garden and landscape. Be ready for the sunny days ahead.
Lisa Marie Bernardo, Ph.D., RN, has been a Penn State Master Gardener in the county since 2003.
