In like a lion, out like a lamb: This phrase describing March refers to the position in the sky of the constellation Leo, the lion, at the beginning of the month and Aries, the ram (or lamb), at the end.
As I write this week’s column, the saying rings true so far this month. We’re having beautiful weather, and more daylight hours with which to enjoy it. What’s not to like?
There’s so much to do now in the garden. If you feel overwhelmed, here are some suggestions for the top of your to-do list.
• Check drip systems for leaks or clogged emitters. Flush sediment from filters and check screens for algae. You might need to add emitters if plants have grown significantly.
• Finish pruning and cleaning up trees, shrubs, vines and perennials. This includes fireblight die-back on pears, apples, hawthorn, pyracantha, photinia, crabapple quince and toyon. Prune out and discard diseased branches, making the cut at least 6 to 8 inches below the blighted tissue. Clean the pruning blades with a 1-to-5 solution of household bleach to water to prevent spread of the disease.
Go ahead and give grasses a 3- to 5-inch crew cut so fresh growth can emerge.
Cut back old foliage of maidenhair ferns to allow new growth to take center stage. If you have Western sword ferns or another type that has winter or thrip damage, remove shabby-looking fronds. Even if you have to cut back the entire fern, that’s OK. It will grow back in just of couple of months.
Prune any other frost-damaged plants when you see new growth begin.
• Spread fresh compost around all your plants. Good soil is the secret to successful gardening. The first principle of organic gardening is to feed the soil, and it will feed the plant. Remember that all gardening used to be organic. Layer compost or mulch, or both, on top of the soil and let it slowly decompose and filter down into the earth.
• As you plant new additions to the garden, add organic matter directly into the soil. If your garden’s soil is sandy, organic matter enriches it and allows it to hold water more efficiently. If your soil tends toward heaviness, organic matter loosens it up and improves drainage.
In well-amended soil, plants grow deep roots and are hardier and more resistant to disease. Compost, planting mix and well-rotted manure boost nutrition and improve soil structure.
• Fertilize if you haven’t already done so. Citrus, shrubs and fruit trees just emerging from dormancy are begging for their first meal of the season.
Lawns also begin their spring growth now and benefit from a boost of nitrogen. You can also spread a thin layer of composted manure over your lawn. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn will benefit it by shading the roots as it gets warmer and will help feed it, too.
Perennials benefit from both a fresh layer of compost and a light application of balanced fertilizer. They respond to phosphorus, especially in the spring, for root growth, stem sturdiness and flower development. Wait until azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons have finished blooming before feeding them.
• The most important to-do for March is to take time out and enjoy your garden and our beautiful surroundings. Those last few weeds will be there tomorrow, but you’ll never get another today.
• Jan Nelson, a California certified nursery professional at Plant Works in Ben Lomond, will answer questions about gardening in the Santa Cruz Mountains. E-mail her at ja******@*ol.com.
