Hey plant friends! Can you feel it? March is rolling in like a boss, and it's bringing all the garden vibes with it. Are your pruning shears ready? How about those gardening boots? It's like Mother Nature's alarm clock suddenly went off, and now she's hitting the snooze button for some serious springtime shenanigans!
So, why is March so important for Gardeners? Well, besides being the month when winter finally gets the memo to hit the road, it's also the ultimate cue for all us plant lovers to jump into action. The world starts to look a bit greener, the air a bit fresher, and suddenly, we're all itching to dig in the dirt. Yep, this is our moment to shine, because March is like the ultimate spring cleaning session for our green spaces. So, grab your tools and let's dive right in!
Garden Cleanup
If you were lacking attention during the fall months and you were not a big fan of working under the snow during winter, then your current garden looks like the aftermath of a wild party – leaves strewn everywhere, branches sticking out in all directions, and just an overall mess that's begging to be cleaned up. It's time to roll up your sleeves, grab your trusty rake and pink pruners, and get down to business. Start by raking up all those fallen leaves and twigs – think of it as giving your garden a much-needed haircut. Then, trim back any overgrown bushes and shrubs (be careful not to touch any of those shrubs that bloom on old wood like Lilacs, viburnum, forsythia and spireas) And don't forget to clear out any dead plants or debris lurking in your flower beds. If you have containers that went through the winter outside, take inventory of their current condition? Did they crack due to winter weather? Then dispose of them properly. Are they too old, rusty or discolored? Think about donating them. Trust me, your garden will thank you for the makeover! Plus, tidying up now will make it a breeze to start planting when the weather warms up completely.
March is for pruning
Ah, what a delight – the month of renewal and rejuvenation. And for your plants, that means it's time for a little pampering and grooming session. March is like haircut day for your green babies. It's when you get to give them a little trim and TLC to make sure they're looking their absolute best for the upcoming growing season. Grab your pruning shears (My favorite are my pink pruners) and get ready to snip away those dead or damaged branches. They'll come back looking healthier and happier than ever. Just remember, less is more when it comes to pruning. You don't want to go overboard and leave your plants looking like they just got a bad haircut! Take your time and step back every now and then to admire your handiwork. Your plants will thank you for the extra attention with lush growth and vibrant blooms in the months to come.
Tip: Make sure to disinfect whatever tools you use for pruning between each plant, disease can travel through tools and can be a hard lesson to learn. Cut, disinfect and repeat.
Digging and Dividing
Do you have perennials that are just too crowded? This month is the perfect time to divide them, your perennials will benefit from the extra room and the divisions will provide you with extra free plants that you can use to replant elsewhere in your garden, share them with friends and neighbors, or even start a plant swap. Who knew gardening could be so generous? So don't be afraid to get your hands dirty now, your plants will thank you for the extra space with bigger, better blooms and foliage that's sure to impress.
Adding Compost & Mulch
Adding compost to your flower beds or raised beds is like giving your plants a superfood boost. It's packed with all the nutrients and organic matter your plants need to grow big and strong. Plus, it helps improve soil structure and water retention, so your plants can thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions. Depending on your needs for compost, it may be a good idea to order in bulk.
And then there's mulch – the unsung hero of the gardening world. Not only does mulch help retain moisture in the soil, but it also suppresses weeds and regulates soil temperature. Depending on your needs or design, mulch is available in different colors and textures.
Starting from Seed
If you are one of those gardeners who starts a lot of plants from seed or if you are new to the world of seed starting, this is the month when things get serious!
Whether you are team flowers or team veggies, March is the mark of starting those flowers or veggies from seed indoors, in a very short time, they will be ready to transplant outside when the risk of frost has passed. To find out your average last frost date just click here.
Here is a list of a few seeds that you can start this month 6-8 weeks before your last frost date arrives: Alyssum, Calendula, Celosia, Basil, Marigolds, Salvia, Oregano, Thyme and Tomatoes to mention a few.
So there you have it, friends – March is like our gardening superpower month. It's our chance to clean, prune, and divide our way to a beautiful and thriving garden. So let's make the most of it and show our green spaces some love! 🌿✂️
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