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As winter loosens its grip on Millerton, March is the perfect time to start prepping your garden for a lush and vibrant growing season. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, these practical steps will help you get your garden in shape for spring and summer. Millerton is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, so we still need to be mindful of cold snaps, but there’s plenty to do!
1. Clean Up Your Garden Beds
Start by clearing away any leaves, fallen branches, and other debris that accumulated over the winter. This will help prevent pests and diseases from taking hold. If you left perennials standing for winter interest, now’s the time to cut them back to encourage fresh growth.
2. Test and Amend Your Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Pick up a soil test kit from a garden center or send a sample to a local extension service to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Most gardens benefit from adding compost, well-aged manure, or organic fertilizers to replenish nutrients. If your soil is too acidic, a bit of lime can help; if it’s too alkaline, sulfur may be needed. You can find high-quality soils and compost at McEnroe Organic Farm.
3. Prune Shrubs and Trees
Early spring is the perfect time to prune most shrubs and trees before they break dormancy. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. If you have summer-blooming shrubs like hydrangeas or butterfly bushes, prune them now to encourage strong new growth. However, avoid pruning spring-blooming plants like lilacs or forsythia until after they flower.
4. Start Seeds Indoors
For those looking to get a head start on the growing season, March is a great time to start seeds indoors for vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. Use a seed-starting mix, keep the soil moist, and provide ample light with a sunny window or grow lights. By the time the last frost date approaches (typically mid-May in Zone 6a), your seedlings will be ready for transplanting. For high-quality seedlings,
5. Plan and Prepare Garden Beds
If you’re adding new garden beds, now is a good time to mark them out and prepare the soil. Raised beds are a great option for improving drainage and warming up the soil more quickly in spring. Turn over the soil in existing beds with a garden fork or broadfork to aerate it, but avoid working with wet soil to prevent compaction. If you need to repair or build raised beds, visit Ed Herrington’s for supplies.
6. Divide and Transplant Perennials
Early spring is ideal for dividing and transplanting perennials like daylilies, hostas, and ornamental grasses. This will help rejuvenate older plants and give you more to spread around your garden or share with friends.
7. Mulch for Moisture and Weed Control
Applying a fresh layer of mulch (about 2-3 inches) around trees, shrubs, and garden beds helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Choose organic mulches like shredded bark, straw, or compost for added soil benefits. You can find mulch and other garden supplies at Agway.
8. Check Your Garden Tools
Before the season kicks into high gear, inspect and clean your gardening tools. Sharpen pruners and shears, oil moving parts, and replace any broken handles. Having well-maintained tools makes gardening more enjoyable and efficient.
9. Start Hardening Off Plants
If you started seeds indoors or purchased early plants from a nursery, they need to adjust to outdoor conditions before being planted. About two weeks before transplanting, begin placing them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to sun and wind. Visit Millerton Nursery & Garden Center for a great selection of plants.
10. Watch for Early Pests and Diseases
As temperatures rise, pests and plant diseases start making an appearance. Keep an eye out for signs of trouble, and consider using organic methods like neem oil, row covers, or companion planting to keep problems at bay.
11. Consider Professional Help
If you want a beautiful garden but don’t have the time to do all the work yourself, consider hiring a professional. Northwest Landscaping can help with design, maintenance, and other landscaping needs.
By taking these steps in March, you’ll set your garden up for a healthy and productive season. Whether you’re growing flowers, vegetables, or a mix of both, a little early preparation goes a long way. Happy gardening, Millerton!
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