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Monthly Garden Tips for March |
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Leave winter mulch in place until new
growth is established. Mulch protects plants from late spring freezes.
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Remove tree wraps applied last fall from
young trees.
o
Rake the lawn to remove leaves, twigs,
and debris.
o
Check for winter snow and salt damage.
Prune dead tips and broken branches.
o
Cut ornamental grasses back to
a few inches before new growth begins.
o
Prevent soil compaction by avoiding
walking across saturated lawns and garden beds.
o
If you have had a problem with
overwintering insects and scale, spray trees with dormant oil before bud
break. Temps should remain above 40 F. Always read label directions.
o
Prepare new planting beds, if soil is
dry. Work organic matter and compost into the soil before planting.
o
Fertilize trees and shrubs before new
growth begins. Test soil to indicate nutrient deficiencies. Follow test
recommendations for fertilizer and ph adjustments.
o
Prune summer-flowering shrubs before
spring growth begins. Summer-flowering shrubs include abelia,
beautyberry, PG hydrangea, spirea, and snowberry.
o
Wait to
prune spring-flowering shrubs until after the flowers fade.
Spring-flowering shrubs include forsythia, deutzia, lilac, mockorange,
bridalwreath spirea, and weigela.
Garden calendar
tips provided by The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL.
