MONTHLY YARD AND GARDEN TO-DO LIST
Welcome to spring Minnesota gardeners! It is the month of March and time for starting seeds indoors, drawing up garden plans and checking on trees for any signs of winter damage. It is too soon to do any major yard work as pollinators are still nesting in their winter habitats, but there are many other ways we can connect with our gardens this month. Read my Minnesota March garden guide for tips on what to do now and how to enjoy this first month of spring!
The days are also growing longer and our moods lighter as we begin to spend more time outdoors. Have you noticed how much your houseplants are perking up? Many scientific studies have proven that time spent in nature improves mental health and physical well-being. Set yourself a goal to spend at least thirty minutes outdoors daily. This is a good time to evaluate areas for a new pollinator garden, wildlife habitat, or spot to plant a new native tree.
- Do not disturb leaf litter and other yard debris quite yet. Pollinators are still over wintering in these habitats.
- Start vegetable and flower seeds indoors this month such as tomatoes, basil, peppers, and coleus. Watch for signs of pests and seedling damping off. Good air circulation and well-draining pots are key to strong healthy plants.
- Finalize garden plans: Keep in mind plant rotation and companion planting.
- Re-pot houseplants if needed and fertilize with all-purpose plant food. With the longer daylight hours you will notice new green growth soon.
- Buy a shamrock plant in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. This easy to care for plant stretches out her leaves during the day and curls up at night.
- Bring home baby chicks- if your garden includes a coop.
- Migratory birds are returning-start filling up those feeders!
- Take a community education garden or culinary class. Check out the Washington County Master Gardners calendar for upcoming classes.
- Avoid driving or walking on wet grasses and soil. This will lead to compaction and destroy the structure of your soil.
- Check on winter sown greenhouse seeds, vent and water if necessary.
- Scout for places in your landscape where you could plant a new native tree or shrub for future climate change. The Minnesota DNR website is a great resource for finding the right tree for your location.
- Now is the perfect time to prune trees and inspect for winter damage. Oak trees must be pruned by April or will run the risk of catching Oak Wilt Disease. Do not prune spring flowering shrubs, as they have already set their buds and you will be cutting off the new flowers.
Days to Celebrate in March
March is known for St. Patrick’s Day but that is not the only holiday to celebrate this month. We live in Minnesota and know how unpredictable the weather can be during the spring and we may be stuck indoors more than out. Pick out of few of these novelty holidays to celebrate with friends and family while we patiently wait for warmer weather. It is also my one of my favorite times of the year: the Minnesota State Boys High School Hockey Tournament! March Madness will be underway and Twins spring training baseball has begun. It won’t be long before we are having outdoor BBQ’s and hanging baskets to water.
Signs: Pisces & Aries
Stone: Aquamarine
Flower: Daffodil & Jonquil
March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb
March 1 – National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
March 2- National Banana Cream Pie Day
March 3- Full Worm Moon & Total Lunar Eclipse
March 4- National Son’s Day: Tell your son how much you love him!
March 5- National Cheese Doodle Day
March 6- National Oreo Cookie Day
March 7- National Cereal Day: Have a big bowl of your childhood favorite.
March 8- Daylight Savings Time begins
March 9- National Meatball Day: How about some classic spaghetti and meatballs for dinner?
March 10- National Mario Day: Must play Mario World today!
March 11- Johnny Appleseed Day
March 12- Plant a Flower Day: Start some bold bright zinnia seeds for the pollinators.
March 13- Friday the 13th, also National Sleep Day….zzzz
March 14- Pi Day: Obviously eat pie.
March 15- Beware it’s the Ides of March
March 16- National Panda Bear Day
March 17- Happy St. Patrick’s Day: Go to a parade and drink some Guiness!
March 18- National Sloppy Joe Day
March 19- National Poultry Day: Get your hens some grub
March 20- Welcome Spring!
March 21- National Corn Dog Day
March 22- National Goof Off Day
March 23- World Meteorological Day
March 24- National Cocktail Day: Margarita or Bloody Mary?
March 25- International Waffle Day
March 26- National Spinach Day: Be like Popeye and eat your spinach.
March 27- National Joe Day: Buy your friend Joe a cup of Joe today.
March 28- Weed Appreciation Day ” a weed is just a cheeky plant growing in the wrong place” Grandpa Pig
March 29- National Pita Day
March 30- Take a Walk in the Park Day
March 31- National Tater Day: Get that large French fry.
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