March heralds the arrival of spring, a time of rebirth and renewal in the garden. As the snow melts and the first green shoots appear, there’s a sense of excitement and urgency among gardeners and landscapers. Estes Landscaping is here to guide you through this pivotal month with tips on how to wake your garden from its winter slumber and set the foundation for a lush, vibrant landscape.
Assess and Repair
Start with a thorough inspection of your outdoor space. Winter weather can take its toll on landscaping features. Check for damage to fences, pathways, and structures, and plan any necessary repairs. Early spring is also a good time to tidy up your beds and borders, removing any remaining debris and cutting back perennials that were left over winter to provide habitat for wildlife.
Soil and Mulch Magic
Before planting begins in earnest, give your soil some love. March is the perfect time to enrich your garden beds with compost or well-rotted manure. Turning the soil not only incorporates organic matter but also improves drainage and aeration. Once your beds are prepped, applying a layer of mulch can help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
Prune for Perfection
Late winter to early spring is ideal for pruning many types of shrubs and trees. Pruning encourages healthy growth, shapes plants, and removes any dead or diseased branches. Focus on summer-flowering shrubs and non-blooming trees now; save spring bloomers until after their flowers fade.
Early Plantings
March is when the gardening season really starts to pick up. Depending on your region, you can begin sowing hardy vegetables directly into the ground, such as peas, carrots, and lettuce. Indoors, continue starting seeds for summer blooms and vegetables. Don’t forget to harden off seedlings before transplanting them outdoors.
Lawn Care Launch
As the ground thaws, it’s time to turn your attention to the lawn. Early spring is ideal for aerating compacted soil, which allows air, nutrients, and water to penetrate more easily. Overseeding sparse areas can help create a lush, thick lawn. Remember, consistent moisture is key to germination, so keep newly seeded areas lightly watered.
Welcome Wildlife
Encourage biodiversity in your garden by creating habitats for beneficial wildlife. Install birdhouses, feeders, and water baths for birds. Consider planting native flowers and shrubs that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Not only does this support local ecosystems, but it also ensures your garden is a hive of activity and color.
Enjoy the Early Bloomers
Celebrate the arrival of spring by planting early bloomers. Crocuses, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths can add bursts of color to your landscape even when most plants are just starting to wake up. Heathers, primroses, and pansies are also great choices for early spring interest.
Plan Ahead
Finally, use March to plan out the rest of your gardening year. Whether it’s designing new planting schemes, scheduling major landscaping projects, or setting gardening goals, having a plan in place can help ensure a successful, beautiful garden.
At Estes Landscaping, we’re just as excited as you are to embrace the spring season. Our team is here to help with all your landscaping needs, from design and installation to maintenance and advice. Let’s make this spring your garden’s best yet!
