Pulaski County Home and Garden
Gardening by Beth Phelps
Active Years Garden Checklist - March 2005
Leave those leaves - Do not remove the foliage from
daffodils or other perennial spring blooming bulbs. The foliage should be left
for at least six weeks in order to store enough energy in the bulb, before
dormancy, to insure next spring's bloom. This is why tulips are poor perennial
performers in southern gardens. Winter turns to summer quickly and the foliage
dies before the bulb can store enough energy to produce next year’s bloom.
Dogwood doldrums - As the new leaves of dogwood trees emerge
in the cool, wet spring weather, powdery mildew attacks. This fungus grows as a
thin gray layer on the upper leaf surface and will often go unnoticed until
summer heat when the affected leaves dry and really show the symptoms of stress.
The time to attack powdery mildew is in early spring, by summer it is too late.
What to do? Apply a systemic fungicide such as Immunox, Funginex or Halts
according to label directions. A systemic fungicide is recommended because it
will be taken into the leaf tissue, controlling the fungus as it attacks.
Color, Color - Pansies and violas planted last fall are
blooming, blooming, blooming. An application of fertilizer now will give them a
boost and you will be rewarded with even more flowers until temperatures heat
up.
And more color - Frequent visits to the nurseries is a must
for any gardener this time of year to see what is new - all the summer annuals
and spring blooming perennials. A couple of things to keep in mind; plan for
season long color. Bedding plants will provide consistent season long color
while perennials come into and out of bloom; and, choose a variety of perennials
that will bloom at different times.
Cool Veggies - Lettuces, mixed field greens, and other cool
season vegetables can still be planted in the vegetable garden. Warm season
crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and squash plants will be showing up in local
garden centers. Keep in mind that, on average, the late frost in central
Arkansas is not until mid-April, so if planted in March, these plants will need
a little protection if temperatures dip below freezing.
Asparagus - Consider adding this perennial delicacy to your
garden. Bare root plants are available in local garden centers and nurseries or
by mail order. Asparagus is a perennial so once garden space is planted these
plants will be there yielding their flavorful harvest for years.
Arbor Day in Arkansas - The third Monday in March, the 21st
this year, is Arbor Day in Arkansas. Arbor Day is celebrated in each state at a
time that is best for planting trees. Actually, fall and winter are the best
time of year to plant trees in the southeast. In Little Rock Arbor Day is
celebrated on the first Wednesday in November. Planting during the dormant
season gives tree root systems the winter months to allow the root system to
begin establishing itself when there is little demand for water and nutrients
from the above ground tree. Keep in mind the key to success with newly planted
trees is to keep the establishing root ball consistently watered throughout the
first growing season.
Slugs - As hosta and other shade perennials have begun
sending up new, tender foliage - just perfect for hungry slugs. Slug baits used
early in the season will help protect the tender new foliage. Good garden clean
up is also helpful - check under containers, garden art and other garden
structures, removing and destroying these slimy creatures.
Aphid Attack - As fresh new leaves emerge all over the
garden - perennials, trees and shrubs - be on the lookout for aphids - tiny,
teardrop shaped insects that congregate to feed on the tenderest foliage. What
to do? Aphids are really easy to manage but care must be taken to protect the
beneficial insects such as ladybugs that are also coming out of hibernation and
beginning to feed. Insecticidal soap will safely and effectively kill the aphids
but since it is not a poison it is gentle on beneficial insects such as
ladybugs, preying mantis and lace wings. If beneficial insects are allowed to
thrive in the garden they will help control harmful insects all season long.
Plant of the month - Salad Burnett - This evergreen
perennial herb is a favorite with its fern like growth habit. The small serrated
leaves not only grace the garden all year ‘round but their cucumber flavor is
refreshing in any salad. Although the flowers are nothing to write home about,
this problem free foliage looks great in the flower or herb garden 365 days a
year.
This article was Originally Published in
Active Years
Magazine
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