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March
Activities
TREES AND SHRUBS:
~Established
trees will benefit from a new layer of mulch with spring’s drying winds in
full force. But make sure the mulch does not heap against trunks, which can
encourage fungal disease on the damp wood.
~Begin a good rose feeding schedule after pruning away dead canes and
shaping to desired form. Allow newly planted roses to bloom once before
fertilizing them with a formula with higher phosphorus, such as 12-24-12.
~Although seemingly oblivious to the calendar this year, azaleas
typically bloom during March. If yours have already finished their
flowering cycle, you may feed them this month.
~Camellias also respond well to a nutritional boost as they send shoots
of spring growth. If you prefer an organic alternative to the usual
fertilizer formulated for camellias (and azaleas), try a top dressing of
cottonseed meal. Remember that both of these shrubs require a higher
moisture level than many other shrubs, such as native plants. During dry
periods, be sure they receive at least one inch of water per week.
PERENNIALS:
~As
unattractive as it may seem, dying foliage of bulbs like daffodils should be
allowed to remain until completely dried and brittle. Nutrition required to
ensure good blooming next year is being absorbed through the foliage. If
you cannot tolerate this unkempt state, consider replanting your bulbs into
a sunny groundcover bed where the foliage could be tucked under and not be
seen. Or interplant with petunias or other spring bedding that will hide
the straggly remnants of your bulbs.
~Seed purple coneflower and other summer blooming perennials now
if you didn’t get around to it in fall. Bulbs/corms for ginger, allium,
rain lily, canna, daylily and society garlic can be put in or transplanted
during March. Wait until mid-month to plant blooming perennials/hardy
annuals that might be considered “border line” for your hardiness zone.
ANNUALS/VEGETABLES:
~Farmers
will tell you to look to the pecan or mesquite --- depending on if you are
in West or East Texas --- to let you know when to put out tender
transplants. Although we should be freeze-free, a late cold snap is not
unheard of for Texas. Be prepared to cover freshly planted tomatoes and
peppers if necessary.
~If you are unsure of the best varieties of vegetables for your garden,
call on the County Extension Service. (http://county-tx.tamu.edu/)
They should be able to supply you with a list of preferred plants for your
area and answer any horticultural questions you might have. This is a
tax-supported service that is free to county residents.
GENERAL:
~The pecan
tree has historically been our indicator of warm weather. Old Houstonians
(and some not so old!) will tell you that when the pecan trees begin to bud,
cold weather has moved north till next year. The last frost on average is
February 5th, but listen to the news for reports of cold weather
headed our way and cover or bring inside tender tropicals --- or water well,
mulch over and hope for the best.
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