MARCH GARDENING CALENDER

For the first half of March:

· Finish pruning shrubs and ornamental trees, except spring flowering shrubs, before growth starts. Prune spring flowering shrubs (lilac, forsythia, etc.) as soon as they finish flowering.

· Finish pruning home fruit trees. Do not leave stubs; they usually die and become great entryways for fungus.

· To prevent infection from fungal spores and bacteria, do not prune plants in damp or wet weather.

· Plan your vegetable garden on paper. Use spaces efficiently and rotate vegetables from last years plan to reduce insect and disease problems.

· Turn your compost pile or start a new one. For information on starting a compost pile, call your local Cooperative Extension office.

· Begin primary soil tillage if soil is dry enough.

· Add soil amendments based on results of soil test.

· Use flexible ties between rigid stakes to support newly transplanted trees and to protect them from spring winds.

· Pull weeds by hand to prevent disturbing the bulbs and roots if weeds are beginning to grow in flower bulb beds.

· Spray home fruit trees (apples and pears) with dormant oil before buds swell and when temperatures are not likely to drop below 40^o for twenty-four hours. Read label directions

· Spray peach trees with Ferbam or Lime Sulfur. No spray is needed for cherry or plum trees at this time.

· Fertilize trees, roses, shrubs and evergreens.

For the second half of March:

· Plant cool-season crops (peas, lettuce, cabbage, onions, kale, broccoli, radishes, and turnips) if weather conditions permit.

· Harden-off young tender plants, even hardy varieties, before transplanting in the garden to reduce the chance of frost damage. Place them outdoors in a protected spot from the cool spring winds. Gradually reduce water and temperature to allow plants to toughen up so they will be able to tolerate their new living environment.

· Apply a pre-emergence weed control on the lawn now if you are going to use it. Please read and follow all label directions.

· Leave mulch over strawberries until the plants begin to grow. At that time, the mulch must be removed to allow leaves to develop in the light.

· Prune hedges before new growth begins.

· Fertilize azaleas and rhododendrons with acid-type fertilizer.