By Lauren Goldsby
It’s that time of the year when the landscape around us is starting to wake up! Before the weather gets too hot, now is a great time to tackle garden projects. While it may feel like spring (or even summer) outside, don’t be fooled —freezing temperatures can still show up in March. It’s best to hold off on fertilizing lawns and ornamentals until they are actively growing. Applying fertilizer to dormant grass will not be taken up by the roots. Instead, these excess nutrients leach below the root zone and into our natural waterways, contributing to algae blooms and nutrient pollution.
What can you do in your yard now? Plenty!
Edible gardens
Now is a great time to plant transplants (seedlings started indoors) or directly sow seeds into the garden. Getting an early start can reduce pest and disease pressures that thrive in the heat of the summer.
Transplant: Arugula, Basil, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Kohlrabi, Oregano, Peppers, Sage, Spinach, Squash, Swiss Chard, Sweet Potato, Thyme, Tomatillo, and Tomato
Seed: Beans (bush, lima, pole), Cantaloupe, Carrots, Corn, Cucumbers, Ginger (root), Okra, Onions (bunching), Peanuts, Peas (English, southern), Radish, Squash, and Watermelon
Annual gardens
Annuals can bring vibrant color and eye-catching flowers to your landscape. Consider planting these annuals in March:
Ageratum, Alyssum, Amaranthus, Angelonia, Bacopa, Calendula, Calibrachoa, Celosia, Cosmos, Delphinium, Dianthus, Gaillardia, Gazania, Geranium, Impatiens, Marigold, Moss Rose, Pentas, Periwinkle, Phlox, Purslane, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Scarlet Sage, Snapdragon, Vinca, and Zinnia
Keep in mind that a late freeze is still possible, and new growth is tender and often sensitive to frost. Be prepared to cover plants if needed to protect them.
Irrigation
Before spring ramps up, take the time to inspect and calibrate your irrigation system. After periods of time without regular use, like in the winter, irrigation systems can become misaligned or damaged. By testing your system now, you can avoid issues when temperatures rise and your plants need consistent watering.
To calibrate your system, gather 5 to 10 straight-sided containers (like cat food or tuna cans) of equal size. Spread containers evenly throughout a zone and run your irrigation system for 15 minutes. Measure the water depth in each container using a ruler, noting large differences between containers. Calculate the average water depth. Ideally, your system should deliver ½ to ¾ inch of water per session. Adjust sprinkler heads as needed for even coverage. Many common lawn problems are made worse by overwatering! If you have questions or would like more information on any of these topics, reach out to us at the Extension Office.
Lauren Goldsby can be reached at legoldsby@ufl.edu. An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Andra Johnson, Dean. Single copies of UF/IFAS Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county UF/IFAS Extension offices.
