Ian Robertson, Ltd.
Horticultural Tips
March Tips*
q Perform turf fertilizer application in response to soil test results. Use an organic fertilizer, such as Espoma 'Turf-Tone'.
q Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to established turf when the Forsythia blooms. Try a corn gluten product, such as 'Concern Weed Prevention Plus'.
q Apply 1-2" of composted humus to all beds after pulling back existing mulch. Reapply mulch, taking care to keep mulch and compost 2" away from necks of plants.
q Begin hand weeding beds now to prevent weeds from getting too large or too strong a foothold.
q Plant Southern Magnolias and Cherry Laurels now, as well as other B&B or container grown trees and shrubs. Do not plant bare-root deciduous trees until after they leaf out.
q Prune broadleaf and narrowleaf evergreen shrubs to shape. Do not prune spring flowering shrubs or vines, except to remove dead, diseased or crossing wood.
q Continue heavy structural pruning of evergreen shrubs, such as holly and boxwood. You may wait until mid-March if you prefer new growth to start right away and avoid looking at bare stumps.
q Finish pruning summer flowering shrubs that bloom on new growth, like Butterfly Bush and Pee Gee Hydrangea, this month. Avoid pruning when the sap is frozen.
q Begin a rose spray program when new leaves appear. Spray every two weeks, alternating monthly between two fungicides that treat both Black Spot and Mildew. Two low toxicity products to try are Lime Sulfur and Neem Oil.
q Cut Liriope back to 4" if it looks ragged after the winter. Cut other large ornamental grasses to the ground, being careful to not cut into the crown.
q Begin dividing any perennials that require it this year, such as Achillea, Coreopsis, Dendranthema, Monarda and Phlox.
* These tips are just general suggestions. Be sure to consult your local Cooperative Extension Agent or a good book, such as The American Horticultural Society's Pruning & Training Manual for more thorough instructions.