March represents the time of year when the warmest temperatures arrive, if only for a few days at a time. The birds begin their annual sermons and the owners prepare the lawns and gardens for robust growth.
Here are five tips that should give you a head start on creating a healthy lawn.
break the lawn mower
When the thermometer rises above six degrees Celsius, it’s time to mow the lawn for the first time this year. Set the mower to cut at the maximum height to avoid cutting the roots. Owners should never cut more than a third of the blades of grass.
remove weeds
Weeds choke out the life of healthy lawns. As with grass, weeds begin to reappear after a few days of exposure to temperatures above six degrees Celsius. Try to remove weeds by pulling out the roots to prevent a new cycle of growth. If it is not possible to uproot the weeds, apply an even amount of herbicide closely following the manufacturer’s application instructions. Be sure to apply weed killer during dry spells to prevent harmful chemicals from leaching out of your lawn.
Remove thatch from your lawn
The reeds form a dead layer of organic matter that sits between the sun and the grass. Blocking sunlight from reaching your lawn prevents grass growth. Your lawn needs enough sunlight, nutrients and moisture to thrive. Take the time to scarify your lawn with a hand rake or a power rake that quickly removes thatch without disturbing the lawn.
stop moss growth
Moss indicates that the lawn is in poor condition. Without needing roots to grow, moss can grow almost anywhere. The lack of roots also means that you will need to apply a moss killer to remove the moss from your lawn. The moss dies within a week, after which you remove the blackened dead moss from the ground. Raking up the moss before it dies will spread the spores through your lawn or garden.
plant vegetable seeds
With many types of vegetables, you should plant the seeds in March. Plant vegetable seeds under the weather conditions listed on the seed packet. Just because the calendar changed in March doesn’t mean the weather cooperated. Firm vegetables like cauliflower and Brussels sprouts grow outside under a protective covering. In March, prepare vegetable beds for the vegetables you plan to grow later in the growing season.