Flowers & Vegetables

Cultivate annual flower and vegetable planting beds to destroy winter weeds.

Apply mulch to control weeds in beds. Landscape fabric barrier can reduce the amount of mulch but can dry out and prevent water penetration. Thus, organic litter makes the best mulch.

Prune roses just before growth starts and begin a regular disease spray program as the foliage appears on susceptible varieties.

Avoid excessive walking and working in the garden when foliage and soils are wet.

Start warm season vegetable transplants indoors.

Divide and replant overcrowded, summer and fall blooming perennials. Mow or cut back old liriope and other ornamental grasses before new growth begins.

Your cool season vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, carrot, lettuce, onion, peas, spinach, turnips etc. should be planted by the middle of March.

Watch for cutworms that girdle newly planted vegetables during the first few weeks of establishment. Cabbage looper and cabbageworm insects should be monitored and controlled in the garden.