March Gardening

“March brings breezes loud and shrill, stirs the dancing daffodil.”-The Months, Sara Coleridge

Oh March, how I love thee! The weather always keeps us guessing and there is so much excitement in the air. We are filled with anticipation for the warmer months ahead and the life blooming all around us. Everything will come alive in those brilliant shades of green and we will soon be planning Easter get-togethers and egg hunts. There is so much to look forward to, and gardening is definitely at the top of my list!

Credit: iStock | Natalia Bodrova

“God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures.”-Francis Bacon

As much as I love figuring out what I want to plant and where it will grow, things can get a little overwhelming if I don’t at least come up with a general plan first. It’s easy to buy more plants, flowers, and vegetable starts than you really have room for. There is a lot to consider when planning and prepping your garden, so where do you begin? We may not be able to do all of our planting in March, but there are still some things we can get started on. I’m no expert, but I have picked up a few tricks and tips in the years I have been gardening and I’d love to share some with you!

This post is sponsored by Knutson Farms.

Prepping your Space:

Check your garden tool inventory and grab any new ones you might need

-Order seeds or find them at a local nursery

-Clear out any weeds and debris from your garden

-Mix some compost into your soil (I highly recommend chicken manure which I find at our local nursery!)

-Build or repair any garden beds and trellises

Credit: iStock | Schultzie

Plant Placement:

-Make a list of plants, veggies, and flowers you want to grow

-Figure out how big they’ll get so you don’t overcrowd them

-Look up the best time to plant in your area for indoor starts and outdoor planting

-Make a map of your garden space(this one is my favorite because designing the layout is so much fun!)

Credit: iStock Chuvipro

Common Pests and what to do about them:

-Aphids: have some Neem Oil on hand and check for them frequently under the new leaves of your sprouting plants. (Ladybugs devour these little monsters so we like to buy them each year and the kids release them into the garden at dusk-very fun springtime activity!)

-Slugs & Snails: Crushed oyster shells around the garden bed or the individual plants works great to deter these slimy pests! I’ve also had a lot of luck with copper tape around the bed and my pots. Both are easy to find online!

-Crows: Plastic windmills are the way to go to keep these brilliant black birds at bay! They are too smart to be fooled by scarecrows. It might sound odd, but they aren’t fans of the unpredictable motion and shiny plastic. It also adds a bit of whimsy to your garden and the kids love putting them out! (A few years ago the crows wouldn’t stop pulling up my corn sprouts and these little windmills were the only thing that worked!)

Credit: iStock | akiyoko

Companion Planting:

I love finding different plants that work together to make my garden a better place! It’s so cool how certain plants can deter the bad bugs and attract the good ones. Anything that keeps mosquitoes, flies, and aphids at bay is definitely worth trying! Here are some combos that I use often and have had lots of luck with:

-Marigolds, Petunias, and Nasturtiums: Plant these throughout your vegetable garden(their color attracts pollinators while their scent deters pests!)

-Herbs: Thyme, Parsley, Oregano, Cilantro, and Basil are beneficial to grow near your tomatoes and have so many uses in the kitchen!

-Lavender and Rosemary: These two smell amazing and last year after year! They grow into rather large shrubs, so keep that in mind when you plant them!

Credit: iStock | coramueller

-Mint: Bees love this one! Mint has beautiful, delicate purple or white flowers and can be used in tea and summer drinks. It can take over so make sure to put it in a pot!

“When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden.”-Minnie Aumonier

Aside from preparing my garden, another thing that gets me excited for spring is fresh-cut flowers! They brighten my mood and my home. March is still too early to cut your own flowers unless you have a greenhouse, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find some! One of the best places to stock up on daffodils, tulips, and more, is down at Knutson Farms in Sumner, Washington. They have a flower shop that’s currently open seven days a week from 10am-6pm. Not only can you find the most beautiful blooms and bouquets to fill your home, but this family owned and operated farm also has a boutique and coffee cart! Plan a fun, family outing this month to welcome spring. Get a jumpstart on flower season, grab a latte, and make some sweet, spring memories down at Knutson Farms!

Courtesy: Knutson Farms

Enjoy their fresh blooms this month and don’t forget to mark your calendar for April when Knutson Farms has their annual Spring Bloom event! They’ll have tons of family friendly fun to help you celebrate spring. Flower picking, farm animals, Kettle corn, and a cow train just to name a few!

Don’t forget to check out their annual pass while you’re there or online. It includes every awesome event that Knutson Farms has to offer this year!