March signals the true start of the growing season. As nature wakes up—buds swelling and daylight stretching—it’s the perfect time to set the stage for a thriving garden. Use this early spring checklist to help your landscape transition smoothly into the active months ahead.
Inspect and Tidy Garden Beds
Winter often shifts plants and leaves behind debris.
- Remove Debris: Clear fallen branches and leftover leaves that may harbor pests.
- Avoid Compaction: Steer clear of walking on thawing soil to prevent damaging its structure.
Prune Shrubs and Trees
Now is the ideal time to shape up your woody plants before new growth emerges.
- Prune Now: Fruit trees, roses, and summer-blooming shrubs. Remove dead wood and cross-branching stems.
- Wait to Prune: Spring bloomers like lilac, forsythia, and magnolia should only be pruned after they flower.
Divide Perennials
Enhance plant vigor by dividing overcrowded clumps as soon as growth appears.
- Target Plants: Hostas, daylilies, ornamental grasses, and coneflowers benefit greatly from division now.
Prepare the Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a resilient garden.
- Amend Soil: Once the ground is workable (not muddy), mix in compost or organic matter to boost nutrient content and moisture retention.
Start Seeds Indoors
Give cool-season crops a head start under grow lights.
- Sow Now: Lettuce, kale, broccoli, snapdragons, and petunias. Always check your local frost date guidelines for timing.
Maintain Garden Tools
Sharp, clean tools prevent the spread of disease and make work easier.
- Tool Care: Sharpen pruners, oil wooden handles, and disinfect cutting surfaces.
Apply Dormant Oil
Control overwintering pests before buds break.
- Pest Management: Spray fruit trees and roses with dormant oil to manage aphids, mites, and scale. Ensure temperatures remain above freezing during application.
Refresh Mulch and Edges
Mulch moderates soil temperature and suppresses weeds.
- Mulching: Fluff existing mulch or add fresh material, keeping it away from plant stems.
- Edging: Redefine bed edges now for a polished look all season.
Plan Your Planting
Map out your garden expansions to support biodiversity.
- Biodiversity: Incorporate native plants, herbs, and pollinator-friendly flowers to enhance habitat health.
Visit Dill’s Greenhouse
Stock up on essential supplies as spring progresses.
- Shop Local: Find seeds, soil amendments, and early-blooming shrubs. Our staff is ready to help connect you with successful local growing practices.
Early spring preparation sets the rhythm for the year. With thoughtful planning, your garden will reward you with vibrant blooms and productive harvests in the months ahead.
