March is a transition time from Preparation Season into Planting Season, so expect to follow this checklist loosely. Timing will vary with…
The weather. This winter has been colder, wetter, and stormier than any I can remember in my 10 years here on the island. Many of our gardens may be inaccessible or frozen longer than usual.
Microclimates. Is your garden located in an especially warm or cold spot? Maybe you are set up for an extended season with protected growing space (like cold frames or a high tunnel).
What you left growing and how much preparation got done in the fall.
Vendors. Your favorite nursery isn’t open yet, the seed variety you meant to order is now out of stock, or your local compost supplier is vacationing somewhere sunny or snowy before their season picks up.
Your plan. If you aren’t planting early spring crops, some of these tasks can wait. If you are an ambitious year-round grower with protected growing space, you might be a few steps ahead already.
Life happens. In my family, we meant to start onions from seed by the end of February. As peaceful and productive as that project seemed like it would be during postpartum recovery time at home (welcome baby Glen!) …my propagation plans got cancelled in the aftermath of last week’s blizzard.
My best advice in March is to be observant and roll with whatever comes.
In many cases, it is not too late to pivot to another solution. My onions? They’re an important part of our garden, so I’m ordering dormant plants from Johnny’s instead. And maybe I’ll direct sow a row of some special varieties once the snow melts.
-Faren
Baby update:
Glen Arthur Osnoss was born at the end of January. Everyone is doing really well and I’m looking forward to returning to work slowly this spring!
KGMV is open with Oliver and Rosemary ready to begin field work. Our schedule is limited, but do reach out if there is anything you’d like support with in your garden.
Welcome new readers!
Each month I share a Vineyard-specific checklist to help you organize the work that matters most in your garden. You can learn more about my work and explore past posts here.
Bed preparation: Once the soil in your garden is workable, it’s time to finish (or start) amending your soil ahead of planting. Ideally about 2 weeks ahead. In vegetable gardens that will benefit from adding compost, I generally recommend spreading at least 1 inch and working it in lightly along with an organic granular nitrogen fertilizer and any other amendments your soil needs to correct pH or nutrient deficiencies. Low pH and deficient potassium are the most common issues I see- but do test your soil before you start adding anything.
If you grew cover crops, it is probably time to incorporate them using whichever methods fit your system and schedule best.
Set up any trellises you stored inside over winter.
Order dormant plants (like alliums, strawberries, asparagus crowns, rhubarb, dahlia tubers) for spring delivery.
The essential indoor seed starting gear I like to have ready includes: heat mats + thermostat, lights + timer, trays, a fan, spray bottle for gentle mist + watering can for a heavier pour, and labeling supplies.
While too soon to turn on any outdoor irrigation, March is a good time to plan your setup and schedule maintenance.
Declutter your tools and supplies while you’re waiting for a thaw.
Stretch and strengthen your winter body. Then remember to start slow when you get out to the garden.
Accept that you won’t get to everything.
You can start direct sowing cool season plants like peas, fava beans, spinach, arugula, and radishes outdoors as soon as the soil is workable. Take heart: Most of these are quick-turnaround crops. If you plant too soon, failure will usually be obvious in time to try again.
Indoor seed starting is underway. Maybe you are doing this yourself or looking forward to spring plant sales. Pay attention to timing recommendations for each crop (as in how many weeks ahead of last frost they should be sown- there is a wide range!) and consider starting:
Biennials like kale, Swiss chard, parsley, and scallions that grow through the whole year
Any of the direct-sow crops you want to try transplanting for an earlier start and/or backup supply in case a March-planted row fails (e.g. peas, spinach)
Warm season crops like peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes of the Solanaceae family.
Start sprouting ginger and turmeric if you plan to grow them this season.
Check your fencing and gates. Need any repairs?
If your garden is due for a soil test this spring, get it done so you have results ahead of bed prep and planting.
Wait to start transplanting outdoors until April and make sure to harden off your seedlings properly.
Watch for signs of pests as they become more active.
Prune fruit trees and berry bushes. Watch their buds and try to finish before they start swelling.
Begin organic orchard spray program once temperatures are above 40°F.
Not much unless you’re growing sprouts or overwintered crops. If you are starting seeds, consider growing out a tray of microgreens to eat now while you’re at it.
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.