Gardening in March in The Woodlands
By:
Lawn Ranger Company, Inc.
| Published 03/01/2024
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As March unfolds, gardeners in Zone 9a can feel the promise of spring in the air. While the lingering possibility of a late winter freeze persists, historical trends suggest a diminishing threat of frost after February. With this transitional period comes the opportunity to revive and prepare our outdoor spaces for the vibrant season ahead. In this guide, we'll explore essential tasks for tropical plants, lawn care, tree care, and flowering shrubs during this pivotal month.
Tropical Plants: Nurturing Signs of Recovery
March is the time to assess and address the aftermath of any winter damage to tropical plants. Rather than hastily removing them, exercise patience. Wait for signs of new growth over the next month. If there's no resurgence, it might be time to consider replacements. Taking the time now ensures that healthy plants can thrive and grace your garden with their lush beauty.
Lawn Care: Preparing for the Green Season
The imminent arrival of spring heralds the return of regular lawn maintenance. Tune up your mowers, sharpen blades, and address any repairs to ensure a seamless transition into the upcoming summer. Monitor grass growth closely, as allowing it to become too tall before mowing can adversely affect its health. Consider fertilizing your lawn with a professional product designed for southern lawns. If cool-weather weeds are making an appearance, handle them with caution, and consider a pre-emergent treatment to prevent warm-season weeds from taking hold.
Tree Care: Choosing the Right Time for Planting
With the end of the tree and shrub planting window approaching, be cautious of bare-root options, especially with late-season close-out sales. Opt for container-grown or "ball and burlap" plants for better survival rates. Ensuring the right planting conditions now will contribute to the long-term health and vitality of your trees and shrubs.
Flowering Shrubs: Post-Bloom TLC
As azaleas and camellias finish their blooming cycles, provide them with a boost of azalea-camellia fertilizer, mulch, and adequate watering. Shape and trim azaleas promptly after blooming, as next year's blooms rely on "old wood." Delaying this process could compromise the vibrancy of next year's blossoms.
Trimming and Cutting Back: Roses and Beyond
Now is the perfect time to trim and prune roses, initiating a fertilization routine every 4 to 6 weeks through summer. For plants like Verbena, Lariope, Louisiana Iris, and Agapanthas, cutting back is in order. If freeze damage affected philodendron and Ginger, trimming is essential for their recovery. For plants outgrowing their allotted space, judiciously trim the longest stems to maintain a balanced and harmonious garden.
Live Oak Trees: Managing March Leaf Drop
March often sees Live Oak trees shedding their leaves. Rake them up promptly to avoid hindering new turf growth. These leaves can be added to the compost pile or mulched to nourish the soil and encourage a flourishing garden.
Conclusion:
March invites us to embrace the changing season with proactive and thoughtful gardening practices. By tending to tropical plants, lawns, trees, and flowering shrubs, we set the stage for a vibrant and flourishing outdoor space in the months to come. Happy gardening!
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