Spring is the Second Season of Major Planting

The wildflowers and some fruit and nut trees have begun to bloom, oak trees are leafing out...the parade of spring is beginning. The equinox is March 20, but we could have reminders of winter along with hints of summer all month. Wildlife, including insects and lizards, emerge and we see increased activity of all kinds in our gardens in spring.

Planting

Spring is the second season of major planting. You can plant all varieties of trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers and vines. In the edible garden, plant heat-lovers like cucumber, tomato, melon, beans, eggplant and squash towards the end of the month.

You can also plant potatoes, radishes, chives, greens, beets and herbs of all types. Citrus, avocado and other frost-sensitives can be planted late in the month.

Many plants, native and non, bloom profusely in March and April. If you need quick color, plant ageratum, alyssum, bachelor buttons, begonias, celosia, cleome, coleus, cosmos, duster miller, gomphrena, inpatients, lobelia, marigolds, nasturtiums, nicotiana, petunias, portulacas, salvias and verbena.

It is also the month to start planting summer blooming bulbs such as cannas, calla lily, crocosmia, dahlia, gladiolus, liatris, lilies, ranunculus, tuberose and zephranthes.

Maintaining

Along with bursts of flowers and foliage, March also begins the major insect season. Monitor for common spring insect pests like aphids, earwigs, slugs, snails, whitefly, thrips and codling moth worm. Handpicking or spraying with a strong stream of water is the least toxic option.

If you must use pesticides, identify your pest first. Many a beneficial insect has been killed because of haste to destroy all insect life in the garden. Some common beneficials that are often mistaken for pests are lacewing, syrphid fly, spiders, parasitic mites, and parasitic wasps. Read more about biological controls for insect pests at: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74140.html.

Hand picking large insects is easier on the garden and the ecology. Using traps like rolled up newspaper or boards, or small cans filled with oil are other ways to catch and remove insect pests like snails, slugs, and earwigs. Bugs are also a major food source for nesting and hatching birds and for other bugs, toads, lizards and small mammals.

Start setting baits out now for Argentine and other non-native ants and rotate the chemical every three months. Eliminating ants will help control soft-bodied insects like aphids and scale.

Water your new transplants well and keep them from completely drying out. This attention to irrigation is one reason planting in the spring is more difficult than in the fall – although some springs are wetter than fall or winter, and maybe that will happen this season.

If we have a dry spring, deep water trees and large shrubs and keep your controller on to provide some moisture to all plants throughout the month (according to your city's water schedule). During active growth is not the season to try to make your plants tolerate drought.

March is also a good month to fertilize roses. Use a specialty fertilizer meant for roses and do two smaller feedings instead of one. You can also fertilize non-native perennials and established citrus trees that are emerging from dormancy. Your California native plants don't need fertilizer.

Conserving

While planting for spring, include at least one plant that increases the garden's diversity and usefulness for pollinators and/or other wildlife. Matching a plant with your soil and climate (including water availability) ensures fewer pests and less maintenance. If you want to try milkweed for the Monarchs, search out the native varieties, such as "narrow leaf" (Asclepias fascicularis).

If you haven't already done so, check your drip and sprinkler systems, clean filters, checking for leaks and make needed improvements. Get ready for summer. Make sure your system is as efficient as possible.

You may consider upgrading to a "smart" controller that can better adjust to the weather and water needs of the garden. I've tried several of them now, and most of them are reliable, affordable, and easy to use with a smart phone app. You still should check your system periodically to make sure there are no leaks or other problems.

With all this work, it's also important to remember to take time to enjoy the garden's bounty. Don't be afraid to leave the work for another day and just read a book in the sun or shade, or watch the busy activity of your California garden in spring. For many gardens, this is their Glory Season. Take time to celebrate the beauty you work hard to create, in partnership with plants and many other creatures.

Questions?

Call the Master Gardeners:

Tulare County: (559) 684-3325, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m .;

Kings County: (559) 852-2736, Thursday only, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Visit our website for past articles, sign up for our e-newsletter, or email us with your questions: http://ucanr.edu/sites/UC_Master_Gardeners/

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