I have mixed feelings about March. Expecting spring, I long for warm, sunny days and cool nights with low humidity. But this month is too-often just a dreary extension of winter. There is one silver lining, though: March is the perfect time to get back out in the yard and start preparing for growing season. Even though I have to bundle up, at least there is plenty to do! Read on to find out what you can do right now to get ready for spring and summer gardening - a little March maintenance will reward you when the weather warms up!
Pruning
Now is a great time to prune most of your deciduous trees and shrubs, before they begin to ‘leaf out.’ For deciduous trees, remove dead branches and branches that are rubbing against each other - both of these can create sites for insect or disease activity later in the season if not removed. Prune branches that are crossing or growing toward the interior of the tree to prevent them from rubbing in the future.
A little more consideration is required for deciduous shrubs. Some shrubs flower on growth that it generates in the same year, called ‘new growth’. Some shrubs will only flower on the previous year’s growth, called ‘old growth’. If your shrub flowers on old growth, prune it only after it flowers, or you will likely remove the coming season’s flower buds. Some examples include forsythia, lilac, weigela, and certain types of hydrangea. If your shrub flowers on new growth, go ahead and cut it back or shape it as desired - pruning it now will not remove the coming season’s flower buds. A few examples include Knock Out Rose, butterfly bush, and Rose of Sharon. For a great article that further explains old growth vs. new growth flowering, check out https://www.thespruce.com/shrubs-that-bloom-on-new-wood-2132698.
Many small-leaved evergreen shrubs can be pruned virtually any time of the year; these include Japanese Hollies and Boxwood. If you need to - if your evergreen tree or shrub has become too large for its designated area - you can prune evergreen shrubs and trees now. Just be prepared to prune them again in late spring or early summer after they have finished their flush of new growth.
For more information on when to prune and proper pruning technique, follow the links below for excellent publications from the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension.
http://extension.udel.edu/factsheets/pruning-evergreens/
http://extension.udel.edu/factsheets/pruning-woody-plants/
Soil Amending and Fertilizing
in Garden Beds
Early spring is an ideal time to fertilize trees, shrubs, and perennials - fertilizing now will promote healthy, vigorous growth in the coming weeks. We recommend using Plant-tone for most ornamental plants or Holly-tone for plants that grow best in acidic soil. These organic fertilizers improve soil quality while providing plants the nutrients they need. If you’ve noticed a yellow tinge to your broadleaf evergreens (like hollies or camellias) this winter, Holly-tone will likely restore a deep green lustre to the leaves.
For plants that flower or fruit (like edible and ornamental fruit trees or crape myrtle), a fertilizer high in phosphorus (like Triple Phosphate or Root N Grow) may improve the quantity and quality of fruit and flower production. Root N Grow is also a great fertilizer for any tree or shrub you may have planted in the fall or recently transplanted. Please note that if you intend to move any of your existing trees or shrubs, try to complete the job before April 15 - plants are best transplanted while dormant (that is, before they start to actively grow).
Now is a great time to improve the soil in your garden. Use compost (like Leaf Gro or Bet R Compost) as a top-dressing in existing gardens or till compost into newly opened beds. Compost isn’t smelly or gross! Our compost has the consistency (and smell!) of dark, rich soil. Adding compost helps sandy soil retain moisture and improves drainage in compacted soil.