MONTHLY MAINTENANCE TIPS – March

Heather Murrey

 

MONTHLY MAINTENANCE TIPS – March

Here is a list of helpful maintenance tips for the month of March. Please note that the below information is specific to the North Texas area and as always, any feedback you have is most welcome!

 

WHAT TO PRUNE / TRIM:

Designed to entertain, this site was maximized to create an extension of the home. The project boasts a complete outdoor kitchen, multiple covered seating areas, a gas fireplace, outdoor TV's and state-of-the-art sound system, a pool, spa, and putting green. From daytime swimming to an intimate evening dinner party, followed by a late night game on the putting green, this backyard has something for the whole family to enjoy.
Trim vines as soon as they are finished blooming. Please use A&M pruning guidelines or hire a qualified professional for pruning.
  • Flowering Shrubs
  • Vines (as soon as they are finished blooming)
  • Once trees and shrubs have greened, remove the branches that are obviously dead or damaged

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/proper-pruning-techniques/

 

WHAT TO PLANT

Modern hanging herb garden
Modern Herb Garden created by ‘Dremel Weekends’ for ‘Curbly’ (featured on the Garden Glove)

March through April is the second best time to plant most anything (the best time being fall).

  • Replace any cool season annuals that did not make it through the freezing temps.
  • Spring / Summer annuals* (LATE MARCH)
  • Herbs* (except basil)
  • Warm season vegetables* (LATE MARCH). Please follow the instructions on the seed packages and/or refer to the Farmer’s Almanac.  Farmer’s Almanac Vegetable Planting Guide
  • Divide and re-plant fall perennials IF they are still dormant. North Haven Gardens Bulb Tips
  • Trees
  • Shrubs
  • Sod* (LATE MARCH)

*At MMD we typically urge clients to hold off on planting warm-seasoned plants until Easter (which is April 3 this year).

WHAT TO FERTILIZE

  • Trees
  • Shrubs
  • Annuals
  • Lawn 

COVER

SPECIAL ITEMS

  • Mulch plants to insulate from cold and prevent weeds from popping up when the weather starts to warm.
  • March weather can be very temperamental, be sure to continue covering your more tender plants with frost cloth as necessary to protect from freezes. 

 

WATERING GUIDELINES

moisture meter
Moisture meters are available in most garden centers for about $10.

Continue watering only on an as needed basis. More Info.

 

**The feature image at the top is from the Dallas Arboretum during Dallas Blooms (February 28 – April 12, 2015)