Checklist of what to do in the garden in March

  • By Steve Smith
  • Wednesday, February 20, 2013 4:20pm
  • Local News

March is a very busy month in a gardener’s world. There is much to do, so let’s get with it.

Lawns: I continue to be amazed at how well organic lawn foods work. Yes, they seem expensive if you just look at the price on the bag, but they last three to four times as long as the commercial ones and improve the soil. Maybe it is time for you to kick the Scotts Turf Builder habit and start using these all natural and organic feeds. Most independent garden centers will have a turf expert on staff that can help guide you through this transition.

Pruning: Yes, March is the month to trim fruit trees, tidy up hedges, cut back ornamental grasses, massacre the roses and shape up the wisteria and clematis. While we have had some dry days already, I have to admit that I don’t get these chores done until this month, so don’t feel bad if you too still need to do a bit of chopping.

Perennials: Be careful this month when you are tromping through the flower beds. The tender new shoots of perennials are starting to pop through and the last thing you want to do is squash them.

Veggie gardens: It’s time to get the veggie garden in shape. Remove any weeds and spread lime, organic fertilizer and compost and till it all together. You will be ready to plant all the cool season crops like potatoes, carrots, peas, radishes, onions, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower — to name just a few. Buy a sheet of “row cover” to protect your babies on the really chilly nights. This is also the time to plant perennial veggies like rhubarb and asparagus.

Small fruits and berries: Blue berries, raspberries, black berries and strawberries are all itching to be planted this month. They are still dormant and will slip into your garden now and never skip a beat. Grapes and Kiwis, currants and gooseberries can also be planted now. Always use some compost and organic starter fertilizer when you are planting new plants.

Fruit trees: Like I mentioned above, this is the consummate month to prune and spray your fruit trees with copper and oil. It is also a perfect time to plant a few new ones as well. Most trees these days are on dwarf or mini-dwarf root stocks that keep them 10-12 feet tall.

Bulbs: Summer blooming bulbs are now in stock, such as dahlias, gladiolas and lilies. Purchase them this month for the best selection, though I would recommend holding off until April to plant them.

Weeds: Don’t let those weeds get ahead of you and go to seed. My favorite weeding tool is the Hula-Hoe. It is quick and efficient. Remove the weeds and get the ground covered immediately with a layer of compost and some Preen and you will be miles ahead of the weeding game.

Educational opportunity: Two options on this front. Come see me at the Everett Home and Garden Show on Friday to Sunday. On Saturday come to the nursery at 10 a.m. to learn about growing roses in the Northwest. Hope to see you at one or both of these events.

Steve Smith is owner of Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville and can be reached online at info@sunnysidenursery.net

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

A dead salmon is stuck upon a log in Olaf Strad tributary on Wednesday, Jan.11, 2023, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Stillaguamish, Snohomish river salmon projects get state help

Eight projects within Snohomish County received money to improve salmon habitat restoration.

Director for the Snohomish County Health Department Dennis Worsham leads a short exercise during the Edge of Amazing event on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County scores ‘C-’ in annual health survey

Fewer residents are struggling than last year, but fewer are flourishing as well.

Gavin Doyle talks about the issues he ran into when he started looking into having a flashing light crosswalk installed along Lockwood Road in front of Lockwood Elementary School over 10 years ago on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
10 years later, a safer crosswalk near a Bothell-area school

Parents at Lockwood Elementary spent 10 years seeking a crosswalk safety upgrade. Snohomish County employees finally installed it last week.

Workers with picket signs outside the Boeing manufacturing facility during the strike in Everett. (M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg)
Boeing weighs raising at least $10 billion selling stock

Raising equity likely won’t happen for at least a month as Boeing wants a firm grasp of the toll from the ongoing strike.

A Zip Alderwood Shuttle pulls into the Swamp Creek Park and Ride on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Community Transit’s ride-hailing service expanding to 3 new cities

The Zip Shuttle will soon serve Arlington, Lake Stevens and Darrington.

Investors claim Everett firm used a Ponzi scheme

Plaintiffs alleged the business, WaterStation Technology, fraudulently raised $130 million from investors.

The Marysville School District office on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
After uproar, Marysville reinstates school swim program

The district’s new program includes a new 12-week lesson plan and increased supervision.

The T46s travel between Whidbey and Camano while a team of scientists collects health data and refines remote health tools. (Photo courtesy of NOAA)
Whidbey Island floating clinic hopes to save orcas

Scientists have transformed a dinghy into a mobile health clinic to assess the health of orcas.

The Lake 22 trail will remain closed through Dec. 1 for maintenance. This will give crews time to repair damage from flooding last December. (Provided by U.S. Forest Service)
Lake 22 to remain closed 2 extra months

The popular trail off the Mountain Loop Highway was initially set to reopen next week after three months of maintenance.

Christian Sayre sits in the courtroom before the start of jury selection for his trial at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett bar owner convicted of sexual abuse

On Thursday, a jury found Christian Sayre, 38, guilty of six felonies. He faces three more trials.

Snohomish County forecast: A little something for everyone

Friday’s rain will leave its mark thanks to a convergence zone arriving south of Everett. The sun returns in time for the weekend.

Alaska Airlines N704AL, a Boeing 737 Max 9 that had a door plug blow out from its fuselage midair, parked at a maintenance hanger at Portland International Airport in Portland, Ore., on Jan. 8. (Amanda Lucier / The New York Times)
Senators urge accountability for Boeing execs over safety violations

Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal criticized the Justice Department on Thursday for not doing enough.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.