March 2026 Tips

Dear Gardening Friends,   It’s hard to believe the whole month of February was a blur of wintry weather… Except for the one week when it seemed like spring and the snow diminished greatly. We are lucky the melting went slowly and there was no flooding. We don’t know what March will bring but probably more winter will be ahead.   Tips for March:   As the snow melts many shrub and tree branches are frozen into what’s left of the snow. Let nature take its course and the branches melt out naturally. Trying to force branches out can cause damage. The branches may stay bent for a while but will eventually straighten out.   Here in E Aurora, we have lots of huge frozen snowbanks. If any driveway or sidewalk piles are over lawn or garden beds, it’s helpful to try to slowly reduce and disperse the gritty and road salt laden ones. On days when the temps are above freezing, I strew a few shovels full off the top of the driveway piles and strew them into the street or in the driveway where it can melt. Be careful not to shovel “piles” but disperse the snow thinly so it melts easily.   If you have hemlocks now is the time to scout for the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid. This invasive is active in late winter and easily spotted. They look like tiny white bits of snow or fluff on the underside of the needles where the needle meets the branch. Because it’s on the underside of the branch it is easily seen when you look up. For information and ID go to: https://warren.cce.cornell.edu/natural-resources/invasive-pests/hemlock-woolly-adelgid   This is an ideal time to prune. Due to the fearsome winds we had this winter there are a lot of damaged branches around. Some trees and/or shrubs may need some shaping or reducing. Trees and shrubs that bloom in the spring like rhododendrons, forsythia, and lilacs should be pruned AFTER they bloom. Ideally for the other plants they should be pruned before their buds open. For information on pruning look at Cornell’s information on pruning particular trees & shrubs. If you would like to learn how to prune contact me for a pruning consult. We would do the pruning together while I demonstrated proper techniques. Better to be safe than sorry when you prune.   This is an ideal time to give your houseplants a boost. The days are getting longer and they will be coming out of their winter slowdown. If water runs through when you water that’s a sign the plant needs to be repotted. There are 2 main options:   Plants can be returned to the same pot by pruning back their roots. This can be done with a sharp serrated knife. Take a little off all sides and the bottom, from ½ to 1 ½ inches depending on the size of the root mass.  To move a plant to a larger pot, feather out the roots a little before repotting. The new pot shouldn’t be drastically larger than the original.   Check plants for insects and diseases and take appropriate action. A good shower bath or sponge bath helps remove build up of dust and grease.             Upcoming Garden Events:   Plantasia, WNY’s annual kick off to Spring will be held at the Hamburg Fair Grounds March 12-15. There are landscaping displays, many vendors selling plants, garden tools and garden art along with other interesting things. Free workshops are held each day, and many local garden groups have information booths to answer your questions. The Master Gardeners have an information booth so stop by with questions or just to say hello. I will be doing a presentation on Spring Gardening Made Easy on Thursday at 1:00 and Gardening on a Dime with Less Time on Saturday at 1:00. For more info and a full schedule of events and presentations go to: https://plantasiany.com/   Garden Consult: It’s not too early to start planning for spring gardening, changes and improvements. Just contact me for an appointment to get a head start on the season.   Pruning Consult: Learn when and how to prune correctly by working together. It’s the best way to learn by doing! Call to schedule. Happy Gardening! Lyn Chimera Lessons from Nature 170 Pine St. E. Aurora, NY 14052 [email protected] 716-652-2432     Copyright © 2023 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved. You're receiving this message because you requested to receive Lessons from Nature newsletters. unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences