Gardening Tips For February and March

As we approach the end of February and the beginning of March, you may want to find out what gardening tips are applicable to your situation. There are a number of different things you can do, including: seeding, pruning, and visiting your local extension office.

Seeding

If you’re planning to seed your garden this month, there are a few helpful tips you can follow to ensure you get the best results. While the best time to sow depends on the species, there are a few general tips that will help you get the most from your planting efforts.

For starters, you’ll want to prepare your beds for sowing. This can mean removing plants from the ground, taking cuttings from favorite herbs, and cleaning out cold-frames. These preparations will prepare the soil for successful planting.

You’ll also want to consider your own needs. For instance, you might want to wait until the last expected frost date before sowing, or you might not have enough space to sow all your seeds at once. A good idea is to start with small plants, then plant them a couple of weeks later.

Generally, you’ll want to sow cool-weather vegetables in March, while heat-loving crops should be planted in May. The difference between the two sowing times can result in higher disease and lower yields.

Pruning

Pruning is a very important part of maintaining woody plants. It can help you define the shape of your landscape, control the size of your trees, improve their appearance and encourage fruiting. Choosing the right time for pruning can make a big difference in the health of your trees and shrubs.

The main purpose of pruning is to remove dead and diseased branches. This can help you prevent insect damage and disease problems. You can also prune to shape your plants and create special effects.

Pruning before the main growing season promotes healthy spring growth. If you are unsure of the best time to prune your plants, you can use a pruning calendar to help you determine the best time for your particular type of plant.

Most trees and shrubs are dormant in the winter. They can be pruned then, but not all plants respond well to hard pruning.

Some trees that don’t go dormant include the Live Oak, birch, walnut, and willow. These trees don’t need to be pruned in the winter, but other trees, such as elm and maple, do.

Visiting your local extension office

If you are planning a spring garden, there are several things you can do to prepare for the season. You can begin by visiting your local extension office. They will be able to offer you advice about gardening and can also provide you with a list of testing laboratories.

When planning a new garden, keep in mind the best plants for your region. Take notes and ask questions.

A good tip to remember is to keep your garden free of weeds. This will avoid disease and pest problems, and it will also preserve moisture in the soil. Keep in mind that if you start your garden during the winter, you will need to wait until the weather breaks to plant.

Another tip to remember is to plant trees. If you are thinking of planting a tree, it will need to be established before the temperatures fall. Also, make sure the root ball is at least three feet from the trunk.