Considering February’s weather, it was difficult to get the spring fertilizer application out on time. That does not mean it is a good idea to just do it late. If the lawn does not get extra nitrogen this spring, it’s no big deal, especially if you fertilized in the fall. If you didn’t get slow release nitrogen out by the first week in March, just go with a half pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet with a garden fertilizer such as 10-10-10 before the end of the month.
Ornamentals:
* This is a good time to treat hemlock trees for Hemlock Woolly Adelgids.
* It is time to make repairs to damaged trees and shrubs.
* Plant trees and shrubs, but be cautious about digging in clay soil until it dries out a bit.
* When the snow melts off of the plant beds, you may be surprised to find winter weeds such as bittercress and chickweed. Pull them now, before they go to seed.
* House plants that have gotten leggy can be cut back. Cut above a leaf node far down on the stem so the plant can regain a bushier form.
* Check house plants for insect infestations that can build up during the winter. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil sprays can be useful for controlling aphids, spider mites or whiteflies.
Fruits:
* This is still a fine time to plant all fruit crops.
* Prune fruit trees, blueberries and grapes. The Buncombe County Extension office has videos available for loan on pruning grapes, blueberries and fruit trees. (Call 255-5522.)
* If you covered the strawberry bed with straw, plan to remove it late in the month when plants begin to flower.
* Plan to stay on top of pest control for fruit trees.
Vegetables:
* Planting can begin in early March, if the soil is not too wet to prepare a seed bed. Plant green peas, kale, spinach, turnips, carrots and onions.
* In the middle of the month you can direct seed lettuce and plant potatoes.
* Transplant broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage late in the month.
* Late March is a good time to start transplants for tomatoes, peppers and eggplants. It takes about 6 week to have plants ready to set out in early May.
* Start an asparagus bed.
Other:
* Order seeds and plants for the summer garden.
* Check garden tools and equipment. Clean, sharpen and repair everything before you need it.
* Sometimes the best way to grow a new flower or vegetable variety, or perhaps heirloom varieties, is to start plants from seed. If you do not have a location with enough direct sunlight, transplants can be grown under florescent shop lights.
For more information, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.
(Image provided by Buncombe County.)
all contents copyright © 2009, asheville.com. contact: info@asheville.com or 828.253.2880
For listing and advertising information...
