The weather throughout the Northwest is unpredictable at best. But there are still some things you can do this month for a beautiful garden and yard in the months ahead. As a bonus, we’ve compiled a list of deer-resistant plants and shrubs that might keep them from devouring your hard work.
Plan Ahead
March might be the official start of spring, but in some areas there can still be plenty of snow on the ground. Here are a few tips from Oregon State University Cooperative Extension and Washington State University Spokane County Master Gardeners.
Use a soil thermometer to know when to start planting. When your soil consistently reaches 40º F, you can plant onions, kale, spinach, and lettuce.
If you haven’t done it yet, test your soil for nutrients. Then, add any necessary nutrients to gardens and flowerbeds.
Cleaning, Watering, and Sheltering
Depending on your early spring weather, March is a great time to ramp up your yard work, including lawn mowing.
As long as your yard isn’t frozen or too soggy, mow your lawn on one of the highest settings. You only want to take a bit off the top. Then, compost the clippings.
Spread compost on gardens and other landscaped areas.
Fertilize evergreen shrubs, trees, rhododendrons, camellias, and azaleas if needed. Be sure to use the proper fertilizer for each type and variety of plant.
In Western Oregon and Washington, it’s time to prune your spring-flowering shrubs after the blooms fade. Also, depending on the water saturation of your soil, now could be a good time to plant cool-season crops such as carrots, beets, leeks, parsley, rhubarb, peas, onions, and radishes. You can also begin to plant berry crops.
Divide hosta, daylilies, and mums.
In Central Oregon and Washington, plant cole crop seeds indoors or a greenhouse.
Pest and Disease Management
As the weather warms up, the experts have a list of chores you can do to reduce plant diseases and insect invasions.
Set up barriers and traps for slugs and snails.
Spray dogwood, sycamore, hawthorn, and willow trees to reduce fungus diseases. To further prevent fungus disease, prune ornamentals.
In Western Oregon and Washington, control rose blackspot by removing infected leaves and spraying when necessary. Also, treat lawns for crane fly.
Keep the Deer Out
While a very tall and strong fence can help keep deer out of your property, some deer-resistant plants can deter these invaders depending on where you live.
Start Your Yard and Garden at Coastal
Your Northwest owned and operated Coastal carries everything you need for your yard and garden. Stop by and pick up tools, seeds, starts, soil, fertilizer, and answers to all of your gardening questions.