March Gardening Tips from Barton County Master Gardeners

The Barton County Master Gardeners provide monthly gardening tips and information online to help new gardeners as well as seasoned gardeners.

All of these tips depend upon the weather. If in doubt call the Barton County Extension office at (417) 682-3579 for more information.

Tips for March are:

• Clean asparagus beds of old stalks before new shoots appear.

• Clean and destroy old foliage in iris beds to destroy iris borer.

• Fertilize bulbs with 5-10-5 if already leafing-do not leave fertilize on leaves.

• Plant cool start seeds such all salad greens, peas, beets, radishes etc.

• GET A SOIL TEST; following soil test results, fertilize garden with 1-2 pounds of 12-12-12 per hundred square feet if suggested.

• Gradually remove mulch from strawberry plants.

• Perennials may be planted now, including trees and shrubs.

• Spray dormat oil on fruit trees.

• Late in the month mow lawn to remove old growth before new begins.

The Master Gardener Program is a popular and successful statewide volunteer community-service organization administered through University of Missouri Extension. The organization’s goal is to train gardeners who are willing to share their knowledge with others. Master Gardeners become volunteers of University of Missouri Extension and donate hours for community educational projects in horticulture. For more information, contact the nearest county extension office or go online to http://extension.missouri.edu.