Spring blooming bulbs should be fertilized just as the new
growth emerges. If your bulbs have
already flowered, wait until November to fertilize with a complete fertilizer
such as 10-10-10. Summer flowering bulbs
can be fertilized when the shoots emerge.
Fertilize trees and shrubs before active growth begins
(before mid-March). Fertilize based on
your soil test for best results. For
more information about fertilizing trees and shrubs, stop by the office and
pick up a copy of “A Gardener’s Guide to Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs”. Fertilize perennials and annuals in
April. Do not fertilize warm season
grasses yet. Wait until May or June for
best results.
If necessary, continue application of preemergent herbicides
to centipede and St Augustine lawns through early March. Avoid applications of once turf starts to
green up. Bring weed samples to the
plant clinic for specific herbicide recommendations. While you are here, request a lawn
maintenance calender for your turf type .
March is an excellent time to relocate plants or transplant
container grown plants. Fall blooming
perennials can be divided now. (Divide
spring blooming perennials in the fall.)
Keep an eye on new plants and replanted divisions throughout the spring
and summer and provide adequate water to make sure they establish well.
Many cool season spring vegetable crops can be planted
now. Early March is a good time to
transplant broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage plants. Asparagus beds should be
established be the end of March. Kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, radish, turnips,
and spinach can be started from seed through the beginning of April. Potatoes can be planted until the beginning
of May.
Remember to wait until after the last frost to plant warm
season crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and peppers. The last average frost date in Onslow county
is around April 21. However, this is
just an average – in any given year the last frost may be earlier or
later. Be prepared to protect these
crops from frost if necessary.
Heat-loving crops like okra, eggplant, sweet potato and watermelons will
do better if you wait an extra couple of weeks for the soil and air
temperatures to warm.
