March

• Fertilize poinsettias.

• Check stored bulbs aren't being eaten by mice (if mice are a problem, store bulbs with peppermint essential oil infused cotton balls).

• Remove forced bulbs from cold storage and put them in a cool place until they sprout, then place them where you want them to bloom.

• Buy summer blooming bulbs.

• Start seeds inside.

• Begonias can be started in peat moss.

• Start planning a new garden.

• Send a soil sample for testing. This can be done through your University Extension, for a very low cost.

• Have lawn mower tuned-up. Sharpen pruning shears.

• Prune fruit trees of dead and diseased branches, and give them a general pruning as well. This is the time for dormant pruning, pruning the trees while they are in a non-growing state.

• Don't prune spring blooming trees and shrubs, except to snip a few for inside forcing.

• Cut woody perennials to about 6 inches above ground.

• Gently push back into ground any plants that have frost-heaved.