March Gardening Tips: Expert Advice for Restoring and Growing a Thriving Spring Landscape in Harris County
As spring approaches, gardeners in Harris County are gearing up for a busy and rewarding season in their yards. With warming temperatures and increasing daylight, March presents the perfect time to plant, fertilize, and maintain a thriving landscape, especially after gardens across the Greater Houston area were affected by Winter Storm Enzo in January 2025.
Karen Shook, a Harris County Master Gardener, shares expert tips to help both novice and seasoned gardeners make the most of the season, drawing from the wealth of knowledge offered by the Harris County Master Gardeners. This volunteer organization partners with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to provide research-based horticultural education and support to the community. Their mission is to help residents develop successful gardening practices through workshops, training programs, and expert guidance on topics ranging from plant care to sustainable landscaping.
Recovering from Winter Storm Enzo
Now that the final freeze of the season has likely passed, gardeners across Greater Houston can begin restoring their landscapes from Winter Storm Enzo’s damage. While patience was essential during the colder months, experts at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension now advise gardeners to assess their plants carefully and begin pruning and fertilizing where appropriate.
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“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.”
Banana trees, palms, and herbaceous perennials that appeared dead may be showing signs of new growth as temperatures rise. Pruning and fertilizing should now be focused on encouraging healthy recovery while removing dead or damaged material. High-value plants and trees should still be evaluated carefully to ensure survival before considering removal.
Prepping for Spring Growth
One of the biggest challenges for gardeners in March is knowing when and how to prepare their gardens for optimal growth. "March is the perfect time to fertilize perennials, shrubs, and trees," says Shook. "For shrubs and azaleas, be sure to fertilize after they have finished blooming to encourage strong, healthy growth."
For those tending to lawns, March is also an essential time to lay sod in bare patches and begin regular mowing to help prevent weeds from taking over. Ground cover plantings should also be completed before the heat of summer sets in.
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Planting Annuals and Bulbs for a Colorful Garden
Spring is synonymous with vibrant flower beds, and March offers the chance to establish a colorful display. "If you didn’t plant cool-season annuals in the fall, it’s not too late to add some now," advises Shook. "Choose well-established transplants in 4-inch pots for the best results. And for those looking ahead, now is a great time to start warm-season annuals from seed or transplant."
Gardeners can also begin planting gladiolus and other summer-blooming bulbs, ensuring continuous blooms throughout the coming months. Removing fading flowers and seed pods from spring bulbs helps redirect energy into the plant for stronger growth.
Maintaining Roses and Ornamental Grasses
Roses require extra attention this month to ensure a healthy growing season. "Once you see new growth on your roses, it’s time to start a weekly fungicide spray program," Shook explains. "Additionally, fertilizing roses monthly after the first spring pruning will help them flourish."
Ornamental grasses should also be cut back if they have brown foliage, and fertilizing them now will encourage lush, green growth throughout the season.
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Caring for Edibles and Trees
For those growing their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs, now is the time to get planting. The Harris County Vegetable Garden Planting Guide offers specific recommendations for what to plant this month. Young trees will also benefit from a spring fertilizer application when new growth appears. "Established trees generally don’t need extra fertilization, but young trees can benefit from a boost this time of year," says Shook.
With proper planning and timely care, gardeners in Harris County can ensure a successful and beautiful growing season. Whether you need advice on soil health, pest control, or seasonal planting, the Master Gardeners are a valuable resource. Residents can reach out with gardening questions through the HCMG Help Desk at txmg.org/hcmga/ask-a-question, by visiting their website at hcmga.tamu.edu, or attending one of their local events and educational programs.
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.
