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A Prairie Garden Journal  by Dick Meyer

 
   


March

 

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. 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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!

 

 

Vegetable Gardens
You can till your garden to get it ready for planting. Some cool season vegetables will be ready to plant soon.

 

 
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).

 

 

Stop by the Village Garden Center for expert advice on your project and plants.

 

 

The Village Garden Center 1400 East 20th Street Scottsbluff Nebraska69361       308-635-3300