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The Fever Sets In...
It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is.
And when you've got it, you want -
oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want,
but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!
~Mark Twain
All the green-thumbs out there are twiddling excitedly as the spring
fever rises in our minds. Good news, friends! There is plenty to do and plenty to plant during March to satisfy your craving for soil on your hands and plants to feast your eyes on!
March Garden Checklist
- Our average last frost is March 23rd.
- Begin planting selections that will tolerate light frosts, and container gardens that can be moved indoors as needed.
- Fertilize trees, shrubs and groundcovers with Hi-Yield Grower's Special.
- Fertilize perennials with Osmocote.
- Dig up, divide and transplant perennials as needed.
- Clean out beds: remove plant debris, old mulch, dead plants and weeds.
- Add a fresh layer of mulch (2-3") to flower and shrub beds to help prevent pesky weeds from popping up.
- Prune shrubs that bloomed in January & February, such as forsythia, spirea and quince.
- Apply lime (to turn pink) or aluminum sulphate (to turn blue) to French hydrangeas (follow label directions).
What to Plant Now
It's still an excellent time to plant any tree, shrub or groundcover. During March, our perennial and herb selection expands dramatically and most of these are fine to plant now. You can also plant frost-tolerant annuals such as dianthus, nemesia, dusty miller, marigolds, petunias, snapdragons, geraniums and sweet alyssum. Summer veggies will start arriving mid-March and can be planted as soon as you like, but be prepared to protect them from frost and freeze.
What Not to Plant Now
There are a few annuals that will droop immediately if exposed to cold, so it is best (for the plant and your wallet) to wait until the threat of frost is past to plant these, or be prepared to protect them as needed: angelonia, caladiums, impatiens, sweet potato vine, vinca and basil. |
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Secrets to a Gorgeous
Perennial Garden
 Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, so with a little effort up front you can create a long-lived garden that will provide you with years of blooms and interesting foliage. There are two types of perennials: Herbaceous perennials grow and bloom during the warm season, die back in winter and re-emerge from the roots in spring. Evergreen perennials have foliage that persists through cold weather. Follow these basic steps and enjoy the benefits of a perennial garden in your own landscape!
- Perennials can be planted spring, summer or fall, although selection is best during spring.
- For sun-loving perennials, provide at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. Shade perennials need less than 3 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Provide perennials with well-drained, organically rich soil.
- Space perennials so that they have plenty of room to grow, as it can take them several years to reach their mature size.
- Fertilize in spring, when new growth begins to emerge, with a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote. Fertilize again mid-summer.
- Most perennials benefit from being divided every 3 or 4 years. Generally, this can be done in early spring or fall. Dig up and gently split clumps apart by hand or with a hand shovel.
- Here's how to get perennials to re-bloom: After they have finished blooming, shear back all dead flowers. This will trigger the plants to produce another flush of blooms.
- Provide a generous layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and insulate roots from heat and cold. Water thoroughly once a week, in lieu of rain.
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Did You Know?
Maidenhair ferns are perennial when planted in the ground! They die down during winter and come back each spring. If you're tired of trying to keep your maidenhairs watered, and find they shrivel and die all too often indoors, try planting them in the garden for a change. They prefer shade or filtered sun. You will find them far easier to care for when planted outdoors in the ground, so enjoy their delicate foliage this way! Cut stems as needed and add them to flower arrangements for added texture. |
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Chives: Humble Herb That
Gives & Gives
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are relatives of the edible onion, and their foliage is prized for the delicate onion flavor it adds to savory dishes. They are durable bulb-forming perennials. In our fairly mild winters chives often remain evergreen. At the very least, they will die down in winter and return each spring.
Chives can be grown for culinary use or, because of their pretty clover-like blooms, could simply be used as an ornamental in perennial beds. The flowers are also edible and are often used in salads or as a garnish. They are a favorite of bees!
Grow chives in partial to full sunlight, in well-drained soil (they can be grown indoors in a sunny window). Chives do not appreciate wet feet, so don't over-water. Each plant will form a clump about 12 inches tall; divide clumps every 3 years in early spring. Chive leaves contain sulfur compounds that are said to deter Japanese beetles and black spot and for this reason many use them as companion plants to roses and tomatoes.
In the kitchen, chives can be chopped and used fresh or dried. You can also blanch and then freeze them in an air-tight container. They are especially delicious on baked potatoes! Chives are rich in vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. |
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