Now is the time for pruning fruit & deciduous trees. Spray with dormant oil to reduce codling moth and aphid populations and a fungicide if diseases such as scab and powdery mildew were a problem last year. Read on for more timely gardening tips!

Plant Doctor Quips

Nick Macaluso, Plant Doctor at our Pyramid Way store, explains, “March is when I start to fertilize my outdoor plants. I like to use G&B organic fertilizers. This is an easy way to add some nutrients to your soil after the winter. Their all-purpose fertilizer is a great option for general use. For established trees and shrubs, I apply 2 cups for every inch of trunk diameter. The application rate for smaller plants is 1 cup per 10 square feet of growing space. Application rates vary depending on the brand and type of fertilizer you use; make sure to always read the instructions. As always, if you have any questions about application rates, frequency, or timing of fertilizing, come in and see us.“

Steve Packer, Plant Doctor at our S. Virginia store, says, “In the Truckee Meadows, the ideal time to plant peas is around St Patrick’s day (March 17), as they are hardy, cool-season crops that thrive when planted as soon as the soil is workable and above 40 degrees. It’s best to plant peas 1-1/2 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart in full sun. Don’t forget to provide a trellis or tomato cage for the seedlings to grow on and make for easy harvesting. Snow, Snap and English Peas all grow well in Northern Nevada.”

Jeni Ware, Plant Doctor at our S. Virginia store, says, “If you are feeling like your yard needs some color and life right about now, the Hellebores or Lenten Rose is a bloomin’ this time of year. It has evergreen leaves and gives you color coming into Lent. They do need afternoon shade, or mostly shade, they can tolerate some cool morning sun. Hellebores are considered toxic so deer and rabbits are likely to avoid them, but also be aware if you have a pet that is curious or likes to nibble.“

Emily Middleton, Plant Doctor at our Moana Lane store, explains, “Our early high desert bloomers are starting to take off, a sure sign that spring is on its way! If you find your garden looking a little sparse and want to add some color, consider planting forsythia. A true showstopper, these hardy shrubs can grow up to 10 feet tall (though there are some varieties that have a dwarf footprint of 2’-4′) and have bright yellow flowers that cover the branches in late winter/early spring. To bring some color inside, you can take a few budded branches inside and put them in a vase of water to get them to bloom. Forsythia is remarkably resilient, handling a variety of soil conditions and even semi drought tolerant once established. They will flower best in full sun, so make sure you give them enough room at the sides and overhead space from your trees and other landscape features. Prune them after they flower to preserve the old growth which is where they will bloom from next year. These shrubs are one of the most definite and exciting signposts of spring’s arrival: you certainly won’t miss them around town, just look for the cheery yellow flowers! “

Josh Cruz, Plant Doctor at our Pyramid Way store, explains, “We all know that the weather in our area can be unpredictable, but some years we’re lucky to have a mild March that makes for an early spring! If temperatures permit, March is a great time to start hardening off any early spring veggies, herbs, or flowering annuals that you’ve started indoors or in a greenhouse. To properly harden off your plants, you should gradually introduce them to the outdoor conditions and increase the increment of time they spend outside by a little every day or two. For example, you can first take them out for the warmest 2 hours of the day, do the same the following day, then the day after take them out an hour earlier and leave them out an hour later. Continue this pattern or something similar that works for your schedule; and soon your plants will be acclimated and ready to transplant into the ground! Hardier plants can be adjusted within a week, more sensitive starts can take up to a couple of weeks to minimize stress and transplant shock.“

Jacob Burgess, from our Moana Lane location explains, “Late March is one of the most ideal times for pruning trees and most shrubs. It’s a great time to prune since most of the plants are still dormant but will soon break dormancy. A few things to consider when pruning your plants; make sure at the bare minimum that you disinfect your tools between each plant (each cut if you are feeling frisky). Make sure not to prune out more than 30% of your plants canopy. I find it helpful to take a step back and look at your plant after a few cuts to make sure you are getting your desired shape out of your plant. Remember you can always cut more, but you can’t put branches back onto your plant. If you are having some trouble with your pruning or just want a little extra guidance, do not hesitate to ask any of us Plant Doctors for some extra tips of the trade.  “

Bird Nerd, Annemarie Tillotson explains, “Just in time for spring, nesting season has just begun! Keep feeders full with mealworms, Bark Butter Bits, or specially formatted Nesting Blend to keep nesting parents well fed and energized. Nesting balls, made of animal fur, twigs, and leaves may be hung on branches or hooks to be used as nesting supplies. Keep an eye out, and you may see birds flying off with these materials to their new home! Be sure to install any bird houses out of predator reach and keep cats indoors if possible. Windy areas are a no-go for bird homes too, as birds might feel unstable or babies may fall out of the nest. Don’t be worried if you see a nest without adults; some nesting parents will temporarily leave the nest to gather food and supplies.“

March
Moana Nursery High Desert Gardening
Timely Tips

  • Purchase vegetable and flower seeds now while selection is broad. 
  • Start seeds for spring or summer-blooming annuals, vegetables, herbs, and perennials. Follow the directions on individual seed packets for requirements for bottom heat, light or darkness. Some seeds might require a short period of chilling before being sown. 
  • Apply pre-emergent weed control to prevent germination of weeds and unwanted plants in your landscape. Moana recommends: Hi-Yield Herbicide Granules for flower beds & non-planted areas, hillsides, paths, etc.
  • Feed lawn with G&B Organics Lawn Fertilizer. Aerate your lawn, and if necessary, dethatch.
  • Prevent and kill many lawn weeds including dandelions, clover and crabgrass with Bonide ProZone Weed Beater Complete – a pre & post-emergent.
  • Rake up remaining leaves and debris, leaving a little for nesting material for the birds.
  • Start a compost pile; use G&B Organics Starter Fertilizer for faster composting.
  • Cut back close to the ground all ornamental grasses & perennials. 
  • Gently press back any perennials that heaved out of the ground over winter.
  • Plant cool-season flowers – stocks, primrose, pansies, violets, Shirley poppies, ranunculus, candytuft, thyme, flowering kale, and cabbage, etc. with G&B Organics Starter Fertilizer.
  • Enjoy summer blooms earlier by potting up gladiolus, dahlias, crocosmia, lily of the valley, etc. indoors at the beginning of the month, then transplant in the garden when the weather has warmed up with G&B Organics Rose, Flower & Bulb Fertilizer for long lasting blooms.
  • With wild birds’ natural food supply at its lowest this month, offer them high energy foods like peanuts, suet, Jim’s Birdacious® Bark Butter® and mealworms.
  • Keep feeders clean and seed fresh; if food has gotten wet or has been sitting, it’s time to clean the feeder and start with new seed.
  • Some birds will begin building their nests this month; place nesting balls out now and consider a Wild Birds Unlimited birdhouse for wrens, chickadees or woodpeckers. You can also offer Nesting Blend, a specially formulated seasonal birdseed blend for nesting parents.
  • This is a great time of year to share multigenerational observations of birds and wildlife activity. Young and old alike can find a sense of joy and renewal as a new season and new generations begin.
  • Offer Jim’s Birdacious® Bark Butter® and Peanut Butter n’Jelly suet dough to provide the extra calcium needed during nesting season.
  • Continue to supply fresh water and change it every 5 days to keep it clean.
  • If you have a water feature, turn it on as soon as the weather permits.
  • Install a customized Wild Birds Unlimited bird feeding station where you can easily watch the birds it attracts.  
  • Our Seasonal Color Team can help you with custom containers, annual planting beds or a simple refresh of your existing garden. Schedule a free consultation today!
  • Need help with your indoor plants? Contact our Interior Plant Services team. They can help you design, install, and maintain your indoor plants! Want a WOW plant presentation? Ask about installing a LIVING PLANT WALL! Examples of plant walls are available to see at both our Moana Lane and Pyramid Way locations.
  • Our expert Plant Doctors can help you with your high desert gardening;
    • Diagnose disease & insect problems on trees, shrubs & lawns;
    • Identify existing plants in your landscape and how to care for them;
    • Provide plant placement for DIY customers;
    • Provide a yard in review assessment of your landscape;
    • Stop by any location to ask questions or email plantdoctor@moananursery.com.