March is a dynamic month for gardening in the United States, with regions experiencing a mix of winter and spring temperatures. Whether you’re facing the last frost or reveling in the early warmth, here are some essential gardening tasks tailored to different regions:
All Regions:
- Soil Testing: Send a soil sample to your local county extension service for analysis. This will guide you on necessary nutrient additions.
- Mind the Soil: Avoid walking on wet soil to prevent compaction, ensuring optimal root penetration and drainage.
Mid-Atlantic:
- Hardy Annuals: Plant robust annuals like pansies.
- Summer Bulbs: Wait for the soil to dry and warm before planting summer bulbs.
- Perennials: Once frost danger subsides, introduce perennial vegetables and fruits.
- Pruning: Prune rose bushes before buds break.
- Tree Planting: Plant trees and shrubs when the soil is workable.
Midwest:
- Shrub Pruning: Trim shrubs flowering on new wood.
- Ornamental Grass: Trim back ornamental grass for new growth.
- Fruit Trees: Follow guidelines and spray fruit trees.
- Spring Cleaning: Begin cleaning flower beds.
Northeast:
- Shrub Maintenance: Prune shrubs flowering on new wood.
- Grass Trimming: Trim ornamental grass for new growth.
- Fruit Trees: Apply necessary sprays.
- Mulch Check: Assess garden mulch, adjusting based on weather conditions.
Pacific Northwest:
- Soil Enrichment: Apply compost to the soil.
- Bulb Planting: Plant summer bulbs.
- Pea Planting: Plant peas in late March.
- Rose Care: Prune and fertilize rose bushes.
- Pest Control: Practice slug control and set maggot traps for apple trees.
Alaska:
- Rhubarb Check: Monitor if rhubarb has emerged.
Pacific Coast:
Northern California:
- Tree Fertilization: Fertilize trees and shrubs, especially broadleaf evergreens.
- Rose Care: Fertilize rose bushes, including Epsom salts.
- Planting Time: Plant summer-blooming bulbs, herbs, potatoes, and leaf crops.
- Seedling Transition: Harden off seedlings and set them outdoors.
- Bougainvillea Pruning: Remove older growth from bougainvillea vines.
Southern California:
- Pest Control: Implement slug and snail control.
- Flower Division: Divide perennial flowers that bloom in autumn.
- Tree Spraying: Spray fruit trees.
Hawaii:
- Fertilize Gardenias: Provide nutrients for gardenias.
- Weed Control: Sow cover crops to suppress weeds.
Southwest:
- Bulb Planting: Plant summer-flowering bulbs.
- Seed Sowing: Sow beets, corn, leafy crops, potatoes, squash, and nightshade plants.
- Mulch Management: Remove mulch for easy plant emergence.
Southeast:
- Cool-Season Crops: Grow cool-season vegetables like leafy crops and peas.
- Shrub Planting: Plant berry-producing shrubs.
Florida:
- Seasonal Transition: Remove cool-season annuals and introduce warm-season annuals.
- Perennial Planting: Plant perennial flowers and summer bulbs.
- Vegetable Planting: Introduce warm-season vegetables.
- Pruning: Prune flowering shrubs after they finish blooming.
Embrace the diversity of March gardening tasks across the U.S., setting the stage for a vibrant and fruitful spring garden.
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