March is a transitional month in Eastern North Carolina, as the region moves from winter into spring. It’s a great time to prepare your garden for the growing season ahead. Here are some gardening tips for Eastern North Carolina in March:

1. Start Seeds Indoors

• March is an excellent time to start seeds indoors for warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and herbs. Give them a few weeks of growing time before planting them outdoors in April or May.
• Use a seed-starting tray and provide adequate light, warmth, and moisture for the seeds to germinate.

2. Prepare the Soil

• As the weather warms, work on preparing garden beds by clearing any remaining winter debris (leaves, sticks, etc.).
• Test your soil’s pH, and amend it with compost or organic matter if needed to improve soil health and structure. You may also need to add lime to raise the pH if it’s too acidic.
• If your soil is too wet or frozen, wait until it dries out before tilling to avoid compaction.

3. Plant Cool-Season Crops

• Early March is a great time to plant cool-season vegetables like peas, spinach, lettuce, kale, radishes, carrots, and onions. These crops can tolerate the cooler temperatures and may even thrive in the early spring.
• You can also plant broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower seedlings outside around mid-March, as they prefer the cooler weather.

4. Prune Shrubs and Trees

• Late winter to early spring is the ideal time to prune most deciduous shrubs and trees before they start new growth. Focus on cutting away any dead or diseased wood.
• Avoid heavy pruning of flowering plants that bloom in spring, like azaleas, forsythia, or lilacs, as it may remove the buds for the upcoming flowers.

5. Mulch Garden Beds

• Adding a layer of mulch around your plants can help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. However, don’t apply mulch too early if the ground is still too wet or if the weather dips back into a cold spell.
• Organic mulch, such as shredded leaves, straw, or wood chips, works well in Eastern NC.

6. Start Fertilizing

• Fertilize your lawn and garden beds with a balanced fertilizer or organic compost to give plants a boost as they begin to grow.
• Lawns may need a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent crabgrass growth, but make sure to follow local guidelines to avoid harming beneficial insects or pollinators.

7. Watch for Frost

• March can still bring frosty nights, so be prepared to protect tender plants. If temperatures drop below freezing, cover young plants with row covers, sheets, or blankets to avoid frost damage.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially for late-season cold snaps.

8. Plant Perennials

• Early March is also a good time to plant perennials like hostas, daylilies, and aster. They will establish their roots before the hotter summer weather arrives.

9. Prepare for Pests

• While pests aren’t as active in early spring, it’s still wise to start inspecting your garden for any signs of insects or diseases, especially on overwintering crops or plants. Use natural pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.

10. Clean and Sharpen Tools

• Now is the perfect time to clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools to ensure they’re in good working condition for the season.

By focusing on these early tasks, you’ll set yourself up for a successful growing season in Eastern North Carolina. Enjoy the fresh spring air and get your hands in the dirt!