KENT GARDENER

By Maggie L. Moor

Delaware Cooperative Extension

Delaware State University

 

 

Here’s your gardening calendar for March.

 

For the first half of March:

 

·        Finish pruning shrubs and ornamental trees, except spring flowering shrubs before growth starts.  Prune spring flowering shrubs (lilac, forsythia, etc.), as soon as they finish flowering.

·        In addition, finish pruning home fruit trees.  Do not leave stubs; they usually die and become great entry ways for fungus.

·        To prevent the infection of fungal spores and bacteria into the plant as a result of fresh cuts, do not prune in damp or wet weather.

·        Plan your vegetable garden on paper.  Use space efficiently and rotate vegetables to reduce insect and disease problems.

·        Turn your compost pile or start one.

·        If soil is dry enough, begin primary soil tillage.

·        Add soil nutrients based on results of soil test.

·        To support newly transplanted trees from spring winds, use flexible ties between rigid stakes.

·        If weeds are beginning to grow in flower bulb beds, pull them by hand to prevent disturbing the bulbs and roots.

·        Spray home fruit trees (apples and pears) before buds swell with dormant oil and when temperatures are not likely to drop below 40^o for twenty-four hours.

·        Spray peaches with Ferbam or Lime sulfur.  No spray is needed for cherries or plums at this time.

·        Fertilize trees, roses, shrubs and evergreens.

For the second half of March:

·        Plant cool-season crops (peas, lettuce, cabbage, onions, kale, broccoli, radishes, and turnips) if weather conditions permit.

·        Harden off young tender plants, even hardy varieties, before transplanting in the garden to reduce the chance of frost damage.  Place them outdoors in a protected spot from the cool spring winds.  Gradually reduce water and temperature to allow plants to toughen up so they will be able to tolerate their new living environment.

·        If a pre-emergence weed control is going to be used on the lawn, apply it now.  Please read and follow all label directions.

·        Leave mulch over strawberries until the plants begin to grow.  At that time, the mulch must be removed to allow leaves to develop in the light.

·        Prune hedges before new growth begins.

·        Fertilize azaleas and rhododendrons with acid-type fertilizer.

For more information on any of the above, call your local Extension Office:

                        Sussex County - #856-7303

                        Kent County - #739-5205 or #697-4000

April Calendar