Gardening Chores & Tips for March
Lawns
Controlling weeds is the main objective for this month. Apply herbicides either before or several weeks after first green up. Do not apply during green up. Wait to fertilize until next month, usually around April 15th. Always read and follow label directions.
Flower Beds
Clean up beds by removing dead leaves and debris. Look for insects. As new growth begins to emerge, feed established beds with 12-6-6 fertilizer or a similar formula at the rate recommended on the label. Sow sweet peas. Do not remove foliage from spring flowering bulbs until it has completely turned brown. Warm season bulbs, such as gladiolus and dahlias, can be planted now. Mulch.
Prune
Cut back ornamental grasses by using a trimmer or hand pruners. Liriope, used as a ground cover, can be trimmed by raising the height of your mower as high as it will go.
Fruits
This is a good time to plant figs. Some recommended varieties are Brown Turkey and Celeste, or try some of the newer varieties, such as LSU Everbearing, LSU Gold and LSU Purple. March is a time to start your home orchard spray schedule.
Azaleas
Lace bugs are common this month. Control with a dormant oil, summer oil or horticultural soaps. Orthene (powder form), Malathion and many other insecticides can also be used.
Vegetables
Stagger seed plantings a week apart for continuing harvests. Plant English peas as soon as possible and provide a trellis for support. While the weather is still cool, set out transplants of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions and radishes. Be prepared to cover them in case of frost.
Controlling weeds is the main objective for this month. Apply herbicides either before or several weeks after first green up. Do not apply during green up. Wait to fertilize until next month, usually around April 15th. Always read and follow label directions.
Flower Beds
Clean up beds by removing dead leaves and debris. Look for insects. As new growth begins to emerge, feed established beds with 12-6-6 fertilizer or a similar formula at the rate recommended on the label. Sow sweet peas. Do not remove foliage from spring flowering bulbs until it has completely turned brown. Warm season bulbs, such as gladiolus and dahlias, can be planted now. Mulch.
Prune
Cut back ornamental grasses by using a trimmer or hand pruners. Liriope, used as a ground cover, can be trimmed by raising the height of your mower as high as it will go.
Fruits
This is a good time to plant figs. Some recommended varieties are Brown Turkey and Celeste, or try some of the newer varieties, such as LSU Everbearing, LSU Gold and LSU Purple. March is a time to start your home orchard spray schedule.
Azaleas
Lace bugs are common this month. Control with a dormant oil, summer oil or horticultural soaps. Orthene (powder form), Malathion and many other insecticides can also be used.
Vegetables
Stagger seed plantings a week apart for continuing harvests. Plant English peas as soon as possible and provide a trellis for support. While the weather is still cool, set out transplants of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions and radishes. Be prepared to cover them in case of frost.
