Agriculture Department

Chesapeake Master Gardener Tips

March 2000

Virginia Cooperative Extension, Chesapeake Office

Winds of March

So the weather is getting warmer and you are getting anxious to putter around in the yard. What to do, what to do. Contact the Chesapeake Master Gardeners, we have plenty of suggestions for working in the landscape and yard this time of year.

Just because it is not summer and the weather is cooler we still need to be thinking about water. You need to be aware that your plants need adequate water year around. You need to check how much water your landscape plants receive because if they get too much they will drown and when they do not get what they need we see drying and desiccated foliage. Be sure to check your landscape plants. The sunny days, fairly moderate temperatures, and the winds of March can dry them out.

Speaking of water, let's talk about water pollution. Did you know the home gardener contributes a great deal to the pollution of local waterways? You can reduce how much you pollute by practicing environmentally sound landscape and lawn maintenance practices. Some of these practices include the following:

• Avoid planting the wrong plant in the wrong location. Following that simple advice reduces the amount of fertilizer, water, and pesticides required to keep the plant alive. Sometimes it just is not wise to try to grow that plant no matter how much you love the way it looks.
• Plan your lawn and landscape so that you use the conditions your site has the best way possible. For instance if you have shady sections, wet areas, or extremely dry areas plan your landscape for those soil conditions.
• Prepare your soil adequately. Make sure you have a soil test so you know what your soil pH and nutrient needs are. The key to good soil is the addition of organic matter. Sandy soil will hold water and nutrients better if there is organic matter present. Organic matter helps loosen and reduce compaction in clay soils.
• Mulch your plant areas to conserve moisture, help control weeds, and reduce soil erosion. Organic mulches also help to improve the soil since they break down and add organics to your soil.
• Finally, use water wisely. Avoid hand watering as that often wastes water through excess runoff. You need to water less frequently and water at least 1 inch deep. Adjust your watering to your soil and plant needs.
• Do you have a lawn? Follow the recommendations from Virginia Tech for maintaining your lawn, mowing at the recommended height, and fertilizing only at the proper times for the turf plants. Maintain some type of cover for bare areas. If you have not been able to grow turf in a spot after many tries, maybe it is time to look at alternatives. Groundcovers may work in that location and they usually do not require the regular maintenance of turf. Contact the Master Gardener Answer line for alternative suggestions.

Some other helpful hints and events for this time of the year include:

• Plant the spring vegetable garden. Lettuce, radish, and other cool season crops love this time of year. Think of how wonderful fresh veggies will taste at your table and you will know what went into producing them.
• Crabgrass control in the lawn needs to be started in March. If you have had problems in years past, think seriously about using products for crabgrass prevention.
• Arbor Day is April 8, 2000. This year the event will begin at the Chesapeake Arboretum with the Garden Party Event, seedling tree distribution, and ceremonial tree planting. Following that there will be planting teams going to every park in the City of Chesapeake and planting Millennium Trees! If you want to be a part of this exciting event to celebrate the importance of trees, contact the Special Programs Office with the Chesapeake Parks and Recreation Department at 382-6728 or the Chesapeake Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension at 382-6348.

February 2000, Lynnette J. Swanson, Associate Extension Agent for Environmental Horticulture, Chesapeake