Sally Scalera

Brevard County Horticulture Extension Agent
3695 Lake Drive -- Cocoa FL 32926 -- 321-633-1702

March gardening plans

Feb. 28, 2009

March is almost here and hopefully it will bring some nice (not too cold) gardening weather. Our average daytime temperatures should be in the upper 70s with nighttime temperatures in the mid-50s. If you are looking for some gardening projects, just read on.

  • Fertilize new lawns now with a complete fertilizer containing nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). Older lawns may not need any extra phosphorous so an analysis of 15-0-15 may be all that is needed. The only way to know for sure is to send in a soil sample to the University of Florida’s soil lab for testing. When fertilizing the lawn only apply one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet if it is a slow release or ½ pound of nitrogen if it is a quick release fertilizer. A fertilizer with 30-50% of the nitrogen from a water insoluble form is also considered to be slow-release.
  • Sod, plug or seed new lawns or any bare spots now, before weeds move in. Prune out all of the dead or diseased wood from your trees and shrubs.
  • Rake up fallen leaves and add them to your compost pile or use them as mulch underneath trees and shrubs.
  • Some annuals that you can plant or sow this month include ageratum, amaranth, celosia, coleus, cosmos, Dahlberg daisy, gaillardia, gomphrena, impatiens, lisianthus, marigolds, melampodium, ornamental peppers, portulaca, red salvia, sunflower, vinca, wax begonia and zinnia.
  • Some ideas for perennials to plant include bush daisy, blue porterweed, gazania, crossandra, geranium (remember, partial shade through the summer and full sun in the winter), blue salvia, Salvia coccinea, Salvia leucantha, gerbera daisy, kalanchoe, yarrow and African iris.
  • Bulbs to plant in shady areas include; achimenes, Amazon lilies, caladiums, eucharis lily and walking iris. For moist areas try canna, Louisiana iris and walking iris. If you have dry areas plant amaryllis, blackberry lily, crinum, day lily, lapeirousia, rain lilies, and society garlic.
  • Some herbs that can be planted now include basil, chives, coriander, dill, fennel, sweet marjoram, mint, sage and thyme.
  • Trim your fig tree if needed. Removing some of the older wood will increase new growth. Only choose three to five main trunks. Remove all small competing stems from the base. Thin out any limbs that are crisscrossing. Prune off up to one-third of last years growth during this spring pruning. Add new mulch to maintain a four inch layer.
  • Fertilize your citrus trees starting this month. Use an 8-8-8 citrus fertilizer with minor elements. Mature trees can have up to about six pounds of fertilizer broadcast under the branches and out about ten feet or so. Remember, for citrus to produce excellent fruit, they must be regularly fertilized and deeply watered every 7-10 days (with one inch of water) in the event of no rain.
  • Vegetables that can be planted in March include beans, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, peppers, Southern peas, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, watermelon, beets, carrots, collards, English peas, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onions (both bunching and multipliers,) radishes and turnips.
  • Vegetable seeds that can be started now for planting in April include beans, cantaloupes, okra and Southern peas.
  • Now is a good time to establish new banana plantings.
  • Here is a list of some of the fresh produce that could be available at produce stands or Farmer’s Markets in March: avocado, broccoli, cabbage, canistel, cantaloupe, carambola, carrots, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, endive/escarole, grapefruit, honeydew, kumquat, mamey sapote, oranges, passion fruit, peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, squash, strawberries, sweet corn, tangerines & tangelos and tomatoes.