March Gardening Tips
- Begin mowing lawns. Be sure mower blades are sharp
- Inspect and service lawn and garden equipment
- Fertilize Lawns (mid March or so) – use a moderate nitrogen fertilizer (Ex. 16-0-8) and look for an iron supplement (Iron is known to color up lawns)
- Aerate lawns
- Irrigation system startup and inspection – look for areas to minimize waste. Do not turn the system on yet. Leave it off until you are certain you are going into water stress.
- Broadleaf weed control in lawns (air temps between 65-85 degrees F)
- Crabgrass pre-emergent herbicide application – if you can spare the water
- Begin looking for early season pests such as aphids and white fly
- Cut back all Ornamental Grasses
- Pick up and remove spent Camellia Blossoms and blemished (brown) blooms on plant
- Cut back frost damage on plants (after danger of frost has passed)
- Cut back tender perennials (Lantana, Mexican Sage) after danger of frost has passed
- Fertilize Roses – do so to individual plants to save water. Apply water only directly under the plant where fertilizer is placed
- Fertilize Citrus w/citrus food (after danger of frost has passed) – do so to individual plants to save water. Apply water only directly under the plant where fertilizer is placed
- Purchase and plant summer blooming bulbs (Begonias, Lilies, Dahlias, Gladiolas)
- Eliminate standing water where Mosquitoes breed
- Apply a new 2″ min. layer of mulch to help save water
- Prune winter blooming plants after blooms have faded
- Keep drains, swales and drain boxes clear in case of Spring rains