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March
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See
'A Prairie Garden Journal' link above for more
ideas
Annuals
Our last average frost is mid-May so if you
are seeding indoors check the correct time to
seed so the plants are ready at the correct
time.
Pansies and other frost tolerant plants can go
in the ground or outdoor pots around the first
of April. Planting in containers can give you
outdoor color and you can move them inside if
the temperature looks like it might fall below
28 degrees.
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Trees and shrubs and
shrub roses
Trim trees and shrubs this
month. Shrub roses don't need to be cut back,
just trim off unsightly or dead stems to make
them look good.
Trees and shrubs that have been planted
within the past couple of years should be
watered once every month or so through out the
winter months unless we get plenty of snow. Blue
Spruce trees also should be watered regardless
of when they were planted. The best way to water
trees is to use a soaker hose to allow the water
to soak into the root zone.
Do not water Ohio Buckeyes
in the winter.
See
June 5th
Prairie Garden Journal for more information
on tree care.
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Perennials and Ornamental Grasses
Cut back the early cool season grasses such
as feather reed grass and any early blooming
perennials. Warm season grasses plants can be
cut back now or later when you have time. Cut
grasses back to about 4" and perennials down to
the ground or where you see new growth. |
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Lawn Care
You can cut back your lawn now and bag the
clipping for compost or to use in the garden.
Put your mower on the lowest setting just this
once for cleaning and then back on the high
setting for the rest of the season. Since it's
been so dry you might want to water if you
haven't done so yet. Do not fertilize until May. |
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Mulch
After you cut back your perennials and trim
your shrubs add mulch before the new growth
begins. It's much easier to apply the mulch at
this time when you don't have to work around
growing plants.
Mulching can be done year-round, mulch will
help keep the weeds down and the soil from
drying out, that provide a good growing area for
your plants roots.
By adding a couple of inches of compost around
plants and working it carefully into the top
inch or two of soil you will give your plants
needed nutrients for the growing season.
And.....the beds will
look great!
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Vegetable Gardens
You can till your garden to get it ready for
planting. Some cool season vegetables will be
ready to plant soon. |
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Check out the plans you
made over winter for your landscape and garden.
Mark off beds with garden hose or rope and walk
around to see how it looks from different places
in the landscape. Look out the windows from the
house, check it from the street, where you
will be sitting in the landscape/patio, etc.
By doing this you will have an idea where plants
should go, where you will want screening plants
(to block views or not), fragrant plants (near
the patio/open window) blooming plants (where
you can see them from inside or patio).
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Stop by the Village
Garden Center for expert advice on your project
and plants. |
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