As spring arrives, gardeners in Fort Bend County are eager to refresh their landscapes and prepare for a successful growing season. The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, an expert group of trained volunteers assisting the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, offer valuable, research-based horticultural guidance to help local residents make the most of their gardens in March.

Recovering from Winter Storm Enzo

With the last freeze of the season likely behind, it’s time for homeowners to assess the effects of Winter Storm Enzo on their landscapes. Experts from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension stress patience when evaluating plant health. “You don’t want to pull up plants just because they look dead,” explains Michael Arnold, Ph.D., director of The Gardens at Texas A&M University. “If there is live tissue, they are likely to recover.”

Gardeners should carefully prune and fertilize banana trees, palms, and herbaceous perennials showing signs of new growth. However, high-value trees and plants should be assessed thoroughly before removal.

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden

March 1 marks the return of hummingbirds to the Houston area. Homeowners can attract these seasonal visitors by placing feeders filled with a sugar-water solution and planting nectar-rich flowers. A comprehensive list of plants that attract hummingbirds can be found here.

Mobile Sidebar Ad

Irrigation System Evaluation

With spring rains still supplementing water needs, now is the perfect time to evaluate irrigation systems. Homeowners can conduct a simple test by placing empty cans (such as tuna or pet food cans) around their lawns and running the system to ensure even water distribution. Ideally, each area should receive about one inch of water per week. If necessary, adjustments should be made to prevent overwatering or missed spots.

Spring Vegetable Planting Guide

For those looking to grow fresh produce, March is the ideal time to plant a variety of spring vegetables, including lima beans, pole beans, corn, eggplant, kohlrabi, and tomatoes. Toward the end of the month, cucumbers, muskmelons, peppers, pumpkins, and squash can also be planted. Homeowners can use the Earth-Kind® Spring Vegetable Planting Guide to determine optimal planting times.

Lawn Maintenance and Fertilization

As lawns begin their active growth season, now is the time to sharpen mower blades for cleaner cuts and improved grass health. Additionally, gardeners should remove weeds before mowing to prevent seed spread. When it comes to fertilization, experts recommend conducting a soil test first. If fertilization is needed, homeowners should wait until they have mowed at least twice before applying nutrients. Comprehensive guidelines on lawn fertilization in Texas can be found here.

Managing Garden Pests Naturally

With plant growth resuming, gardeners should monitor for garden pests by inspecting leaves and stems for signs of damage. Instead of resorting to chemical solutions, the Earth-Kind® Integrated Pest Management approach encourages using environmentally friendly methods to maintain plant health.

Mobile Sidebar Ad

Planting Colorful Spring Annuals

For those looking to enhance their gardens with vibrant colors, March is a great time to plant summer annuals such as marigolds, zinnias, celosia, and pentas. Proper care and placement will ensure these blooms thrive throughout the season.

Gardening with Children

Encouraging children to participate in gardening has numerous benefits, including increased interest in healthy eating. Studies show that kids who grow vegetables are more likely to eat them. Resources on gardening with children are available here to help families get started.

Pruning and Freeze Damage Recovery

Evergreens and fall-blooming shrubs and trees should be pruned unless they have suffered from freeze damage. If damage is present, gardeners should allow plants time to recover before making trimming decisions. Expert guidance on assessing freeze damage can be found here.

Texas Bluebonnets and Other March Blooms

March marks the peak bloom of Texas Bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis), the state flower of Texas. While blue is the most common color, these flowers also appear in white, lavender, pink, and maroon. Other seasonal blooms include daylilies, Texas redbuds, rhododendrons, azaleas, Indian blankets, and plumbagos—all excellent choices for a colorful Texas landscape.

Learn More from Fort Bend County Master Gardeners

Residents interested in additional gardening tips, training, and resources can explore the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners’ offerings at fbmg.org. While the group’s demonstration gardens are undergoing renovations, visitors are welcome to observe from a distance as the Master Gardeners continue their valuable work.

By following these expert tips, Fort Bend County gardeners can ensure a thriving landscape this March and beyond.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.