As we make our way towards the second half of February, it is important to start thinking about gardening tasks that need to be completed over the next few months. See some gardening tips below from Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer Intern, Annette Thompson.

March into Spring with Gardening Tips

• March is a good time to plan your flower garden. Annuals and perennials can be started now from seeds for later planting. A great resource in planning your flower garden is the Plant Toolbox, a site offered by NC State
• Amaryllis can be moved outside to a permanent location after the last frost (usually in April in easter NC) Choose a site in full sun to partial shade and plant to a depth of 2-4 inches below the surface
• Tree pruning can be done in February/early March if new growth has not emerged
• Fescue/Bluegrass can be seeded now, but be prepared to keep it well watered during the hot summer months
• Start planning your vegetable garden, remembering to rotate your crops year to year. After the last freeze, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant can be set out. When shopping for plants, choose plants that do not already have blooms on them. Broccoli, cabbage, lettuce can be planted earlier (Feb/Mar)
• Fertilize winter annual like pansies and spring flowering bulbs (as leaves emerge) now. Perennials can be fertilized as new growth emerges. Cool season lawns may be fertilized as soil testing indicates. (Good time to get those soil tests done)
• Roses can be pruned in Feb/March. Fertilize roses after pruning and before they leaf out
• Divide and replant summer/fall flowering perennials as new growth emerges.
• Liriope can be trimmed back and divided at this time
• Start pulling weeds from the flower beds and lawns.
• General pruning of summer flowering plants, broadleaf evergreens, shrubs and ornamental grasses can be done now