Thriving in the PNW
March Pro-Tips: Thriving in the Pacific Northwest
As spring begins to unfurl its vibrant colors across the Pacific Northwest, gardeners eagerly anticipate the arrival of warmer temperatures and longer days. March heralds the start of a busy gardening season, with plenty of tasks to tackle and opportunities to seize. In this month's edition of "Tip of the Month," we'll explore essential gardening activities for PNW enthusiasts, along with some valuable insights from leaf mold.
1. Prepare Your Lawn for Spring:
March marks the perfect time to give your lawn some much-needed attention after the winter months. Begin by raking away any debris and thatch that has accumulated, allowing for better air circulation and water absorption. If necessary, aerate the soil to alleviate compaction and promote healthy root growth. Add this ‘debris’ to your compost as a future resource and see Leaf Mold below.
Consider applying a thin layer of organic compost over the lawn. This will provide essential nutrients to your grass as it begins its rapid growth phase. If adding fertilizer, be sure to follow the application instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm both your lawn and the environment.
2. Plant Cool-Season Crops:
March offers an excellent opportunity to start planting cool-season crops in the PNW. With the soil starting to warm up and the threat of frost diminishing, it's time to sow seeds or transplant seedlings of vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, and peas.
Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil for optimal growth. Consider using raised beds or containers if you're limited on space or dealing with poor soil quality. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to protect young seedlings from late-season frosts with row covers or cloches.
3. Prune and Divide Perennials:
March is an ideal time to prune and divide your perennial plants to encourage healthy growth and rejuvenate crowded beds. Remove any dead or diseased branches from trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses, taking care to make clean cuts to promote healing.
Divide overgrown perennials such as hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses to prevent them from becoming overcrowded and competing for resources. Replant divisions in other areas of your garden or share them with friends and neighbors to spread the beauty of your garden.
4. Start Warm-Season Seeds Indoors:
While March marks the beginning of the planting season for cool-season crops outdoors, it's also an opportune time to start seeds indoors for warm-season vegetables and flowers. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and annual flowers such as marigolds and zinnias can be started indoors under grow lights or in a sunny window.
Use a high-quality seed-starting mix and provide adequate moisture and warmth to promote germination. Transplant seedlings into larger pots as they outgrow their containers, and harden them off gradually before transplanting them outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
5. The Importance of Making Leaf Mold:
In addition to these essential gardening tasks, it's crucial to consider sustainable practices that benefit both your garden and the environment. Leaf mold is a valuable resource for gardeners seeking to enrich their soil naturally.
Leaf mold is created by allowing fallen leaves to decompose over time, resulting in a nutrient-rich material that improves soil structure and fertility. This organic matter helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and support beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
By making leaf mold, gardeners can reduce waste by repurposing fallen leaves from their yard or neighborhood. Simply gather fallen leaves into a pile or container, dampen - don’t soak, them with water, and allow them to decompose over several months to a year. The resulting leaf mold can then be incorporated into garden beds or used as a mulch to nourish plants and improve soil health.
Incorporating sustainable practices like making leaf mold into your gardening routine not only benefits your garden but also contributes to a healthier planet. As you immerse yourself in the joys of gardening this March, consider the impact of your actions on the environment and strive to cultivate beauty in harmony with nature. Remember to savor the sights, sounds, and scents of the season. Whether you're tending to your lawn, planting new crops, or nurturing seedlings indoors, there's no shortage of opportunities to connect with the natural world and cultivate beauty in your surroundings.
