WHAT TO PLANT

Annuals: Replace declining winter annuals with varieties such as angelonia, gazania, and salvia that will provide color now and into the summer months. 

Herbs: In addition to their culinary value, many herbs are ornamental and attract butterflies to the garden. 

Vegetables: Warm-season crops, such as beans, peppers, squash, and others can be planted now. 

WHAT TO DO

Azaleas: Prune azaleas just after plants finish blooming to shape or produce a fuller plant. 

Shrubs and trees: Prune when new growth begins after the end of the dormant season. To guard next season’s blooms, begin pruning after the last flowers fade but before the new buds set. 

Palms and shrubs: Fertilize palms, azaleas, camellias, and other ornamental shrubs if needed. 

Irrigation: Spring is a great time to re-check your sprinkler systems for efficient water use.

WHAT TO PLANT

Annuals/Bedding plants: Plants that perform better in the cooler months include petunia, pansy, verbena, dianthus, strawflower, and lobelia. Protect from frosts and freezing temperatures. 

Azaleas: With azaleas in starting to bloom this month, now is a great time to select varieties to add to the landscape. 

Vegetables: Numerous warm- and cool-season vegetables can be planted this month. Protect cold-tender veggies if a frost or freeze is predicted. 

WHAT TO DO

Palms: Give cold-damaged palms proper care to encourage their recovery.  Check out this video for tips on how to prune your frost-damaged palms: https://youtu.be/vVeH5ugPOaU

Citrus: Check citrus trees for scab disease. Apply a copper fungicide when new leaves appear and again when two-thirds of the flower blossoms have fallen. 

Roses: Prune roses this month to remove damaged canes and improve the overall form. After pruning, fertilize and apply a fresh layer of mulch. Blooming will begin 8–9 weeks after pruning. 

Shrubs: Fertilize shrubs by spreading fertilizer evenly over the soil surface and watering it in. Follow with a fresh layer of mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds. 

Lawn: Apply a preemergence weed killer (not a “weed and feed”) to lawns this month to prevent germination of warm-season weed seeds. Apply when temperatures rise to 65°F for 4–5 days. Timing is important for good control. 

Citrus and other fruit trees: Fertilize now if not done in January. Frequency and amount of fertilization depend on the age of the tree.