March - Month of Extreme Temperatures

Since March can be a month of temperature extremes and a huge variety of weather conditions. Lisa Swanson, Green Bellevue volunteer and Master gardner has offered a variety of suggestions for those with cabin fever or an achy green thumb.

• Gently move leaves or mulch to look for tender spring flowers such as snow drops, squill, crocuses, and more. Be sure to leave cover in place even if it is tempting to start that spring clean up. Plants still need those leaves for protection.

  • Clean out that garage, shed, or basement. If you find paint or lawn chemicals that you no longer use, please call Under the Sink at 402-444-7465. They accept many toxic chemicals for recycling.

  • Clean and disinfect your seed-starting supplies.

  • Start peppers, tomatoes, eggplant and parsley indoors. Place plants 4” below supplemental lighting for best results

  • Take your lawn mower in for servicing and blade sharpening.

  • Cut ornamental grasses to the crown.

  • Continue to feed birds and start to look out for the return of some early spring migrants.

  • Some horticultural oils for treating insects, mites and fungus should be applied prior to bud swell or bud break.

  • Wait out the nice weather! It is too early to apply lawn products. Pre-emergent should be applied in very late April or early May.

Plan to plant plenty of native flowers, trees, and shrubs. They are better suited to our area and are more likely to thrive. You can obtain a list of them from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, 402-472-2971, or website plantnebraska.org. Check with a certified arborist for questions about treating trees or call the Douglas/Sarpy County Extension office for answers to tree, plant and gardening questions. 402-444-7804.