Thursday, March 2, 2017

~What to do in the Garden in March~
Planning
    Plan your vegetable garden for spring, summer, and fall vegetables that can be eaten fresh or preserved.  Container gardening might be a great option if sunny ground space is limited.
    A soil thermometer can help you know when to plant vegetables. Some cool season crops (onions, kale, lettuce, and spinach) can be planted when the soil is consistently at or above 40F. You can also use this chart to estimate dates.  We are in 'Region 2'.   Planting Date Chart

Maintenance and Clean Up
       Compost grass clippings and yard waste.  Avoid pesticides (including weed and feed, weed killers, or insect killers).

  If pesticides have been used, do not compost contaminated plant material.
       Spread finished compost over garden and landscape areas.

  You can screen the compost for a finer appearance if desired.  See this link for tips
       Prune spring-flowering shrubs after blossoms fade.


       Fertilize caneberries using a complete organic fertilizer or composted manure.
       Prune fall-bearing raspberries (in late-February or early-March).



Echinacea purpurea (Purple Cone Flower)
Planting/Propagation
    Divide hosta, daylilies, mums, and other summer or fall blooming perennials that need dividing.

 See this link for tips.
    Plant insectary plants (e.g. Alyssum, Phacelia, coriander, candytuft, sunflower, yarrow, and dill) to attract beneficial insects to the garden. See Encouraging Beneficial Insects in Your Garden (PNW550).


    If soil is dry enough, prepare vegetable garden and plant early cool-season crops (carrots, beets, broccoli, leeks, parsley, chives, rhubarb, peas, onion, and radishes). 
    Plant berry crops (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, currants, gooseberries, and other berry-producing crop plants). See OSU Extension publications for berry varieties.

Pest Monitoring and Management

    Protect new plant growth from slugs. Least toxic management options include barriers and traps. Baits are also available for slug control; use with caution around pets. Read and follow all label 
    Learn to identify the predatory insects that can help keep aphids and other pests under control.

  See this article from Washington State University Extension.
    Prune densely growing mature ornamental shrubs and trees for air circulation, which helps reduce fungal disease.  See this article from Purdue University about pruning shrubs and trees. 

    Monitor landscape plants for damage or disease. Don't treat unless a problem is identified. Ask Master Gardeners if you're not sure about whether something is a problem or what to do about it. You can even email us a photo.
(541) 766-6750      4077 SW Research Way, Corvallis, 97333   bentonmg@oregonstate.edu

4 comments:

  1. hi cool blog! Portlander new to corvallis. Missing my garden there, I have an apt here no real room to plant. Maybe I will try and do something in a community garden.

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  2. Thank you and Welcome to Corvallis! We have several great community gardens around town. I hope you'll find one close to you and enjoy your time there. It would likely be a very fun way to spend time and meet a few more people.

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  3. This is so helpful, thank you!

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    Replies
    1. We're so glad we could help! Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you for commenting and Happy Gardening!

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