Category: Accidental Cottage Garden

To Do in the Garden: March 2026

On By durhammastergardenersIn Accidental Cottage Garden, Durham NC, Gardening calendar

By Gary Crispell, NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer of Durham County

Aka: GARY’S GARULOUS GARDENING GUIDE

OMG! Was February wild or what? It was consistent in its inconsistency and that’s about all there is to that. Don’t look now, but it is March. Not the parade kind of march with bands and floats and stuff. March as in “Look at all the green things coming up in the garden!” That March. The garden wakes up in March and stretches like a dog after a nap.

Close-up of a violet grape hyacinth flower spike against a dark background.
Close-up of pink and white magnolia flowers blooming on branches.

Grape hyacinths and Saucer Magnolia are colorful harbingers of spring. It’s time to get back in the garden, but be cautious. NC State Extension says that the last spring frost date for Durham County is April 5th. (Image credit: CC BY-SA 4.0)

The Accidental Cottage Garden (ACG) is still hibernating for the most part. There are some grape hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum) in bloom, and the saucer magnolia (M. soulangeana) is opening just in time to get frosted. We’ve been here eight years now and we got to enjoy that tree in full flower twice. It would really prefer to be in Wilmington, but the bus ticket is too expensive. Even the pansies (Viola x hybrid) on the deck succumbed to the cold this year. The pots froze solid and killed the roots. I think there are plenty of perennial rosettes out there, but literally not having a leg to stand on has made it difficult to negotiate the yard. It will be a grand adventure seeing who has returned and who was just resting preparing to show off. We have attained meteorological spring, so get out those garden gloves and hats. Locate the sunscreen just in case, and don’t forget the liniment and heating pad and ice packs. Just being real here. Let’s go work in the garden before the insects wake up.

Lawn Care

It is time to fertilize cool season grasses (tall fescue, bluegrass, perennial rye). A slow release, high nitrogen (the “N” /first number on the bag) fertilizer will give you the greenest lawn into the summer. These grasses typically want to go dormant in the heat of summer (July & August), so unless you want to water them a lot during that time, this will be the last time to fertilize them until late August/early September. Preemergent crabgrass control should be applied between the time the forsythia (Forsythia intermedia) bloom and the time the native dogwoods (Cornus florida) bloom. Later than that and the soil temperature will be warm enough that the crabgrass will have already germinated. Mowing can commence whenever it seems appropriate. You know, like when the lawn looks raggedy and the soil is dry enough that the mower won’t leave ruts. Mow to a height of 3” to 4”. That height allows the grass blades to shade the soil (read root zone) and protect it from the heat of summer. It also helps weed control by preventing enough sunlight for weed germination and growth. win, win.

Let the clippings return to the ground unless they are too long (Waited a bit too long between mowings, did we?) or wet and clumping (and if we are mowing the grass when it’s wet, why?). Clippings do not belong in the landfill. If leaving them on the ground isn’t an option use them in the compost pile or as mulch.

(Image credit: Gman Viz/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Fertilization (other than the lawn)

Green things that can be fertilized this month include shade trees, shrubs, and spring-flowering bulbs. Green things that should not be fertilized this month include St. Patrick’s Day revelers and leprechauns. Moderation is the key. (Take note revelers.) Asparagus beds should be fertilized early in March before the new spears appear. Work some fertilizer into the veggie garden bed(s). Lime may also be worked in now if your SOIL TEST so indicates. It will take 3 to 6 months for the calcium to become available to the plants, but that should be just in time for the June tomatoes and great timing for the Fall garden. Besides, if you don’t do it now, when will you?

Planting

All the things you didn’t get around to planting in the Fall (life got in the way, right?) can be planted now, and sooner rather than later. Just be cognizant of the fact that they will probably have greater water needs through the summer than anything planted in the Fall. Fall planted material had all winter to establish a root system strong enough to carry it through less than severe drought. There are exceptions, but there are always exceptions. (Take the aforementioned revelers and leprechauns for example.) Other things to be planted this month include perennials, for example coreopsis (C. bipinnata, C. lanceolata), foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), purple cone flower (Echinacea purpurea), balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) and roses (Rosa sps.) While you have the trowel in hand might as well hit the vegetable garden. The same things that could be planted in late February can still be planted now. We’re talking root veggies (beets, carrots, potatoes, turnips, etc.) and salad greens (leaf lettuces, cabbages, kale, etc.). There is still time to start annuals and warm season vegetables inside for transplanting in April or May.

Pruning

Be advised, finish any fruit tree pruning ASAP. Prune roses mid to late March. (As an aside, now that we have been bumped up a USDA zone to 8, that timeline may need revising to an earlier date. I’ll research that for next year. Stay tuned.) Prune to a 5 leaflet leaf if those are visible. Otherwise prune the cane to an outward facing bud. Prune spring-flowering shrubs soon after the blooms fade. Dead head (pick off spent blossoms) pansies (Viola x hybrid) to prolong bloom time.

Spraying

Break out the sprayers! However, before using said sprayers check the plants for pests. With few exceptions (There they are again and we’ll get to them yet again in a minute.) prophylactic pesticide application is unwarranted. Always know what it is you are trying to control so that you can use the appropriate product. ALWAYS read the label and ALWAYS follow the instructions thereon. Applying a horticultural dormant oil to fruit trees, (prophylactically) particularly those that have recently been pruned, will help control several insect problems. (I told you we’d see exceptions again.)

MORE THINGS TO DO WHEN THE WEATHR IS HIGHLY UNPREDICTABLE

Get all the soon-to-be-needed gardening equipment ready for use. If it is supposed to be sharp, sharpen it. If it needs calibrating (sprayers and spreaders), calibrate it. If it has moving parts, lubricate them. If it has a four stroke motor, change the oil and filter. Plant a tree for Arbor Day. Here in North Carolina that is March 20th this year. It is always the first Friday after the 15 th . There will be several city, county, state sponsored events that will be posted on the various websites after March 1. In all things gardening, have fun. If it isn’t fun, hire it out or plant something that doesn’t require the burdensome task you deplore. Gardening should be fun, relaxing,
therapeutic even. It is March. Let the fun begin!

Logo for North Carolina Arbor Day featuring the text 'NC' in dark blue and 'Arbor Day' in green, with a green tree graphic.

NC Arbor Day will be held March 20, 2026 with many events throughout the state. To learn more go to: https://www.arborday.org/celebrate/history

Additional Reading and Resources

NC State Extension. Central North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs

NC State Extension. Pruning Calendar

Edited by Martha Keehner Engelke NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer of Durham County

Shortlink: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-7aD

To Do in the Garden: October 2025

On By durhammastergardenersIn Accidental Cottage Garden, Durham NC, fall blooming plants, Uncategorized

(aka: GARY’S GARRULOUS GARDENING GUIDE)

By Gary Crispell, NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer of Durham County

I reckon we have seen the last of September and quite possibly the last of the 90-degree days. So, I have mixed feelings about all that. Being a devotee of the ancient Egyptian god, Ra, I rather like a temperature in the nineties. Being a gardener, I prefer a little more rain a lot more regularly. Camelot anyone?
The Accidental Cottage Garden (ACG) would agree with the more rain more often thing. It is sadder than “normal” (which is currently undergoing a redefinition). Most of the perennials have given up and gone into early hibernation.

Close-up of a white flower with a distinctive petal shape and visible brown spots, showcasing a yellow center and a green leaf peeking through a hole in one of the petals.
Close-up of a pink Echinacea flower with a bumblebee perched on it, surrounded by green foliage.
Close-up of a plant bud surrounded by green foliage, showing details of the leaf structure and emerging growth.

The gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) and Stoke’s aster (Stokesia) have passed their prime but continue to attract pollinators and take on interesting shapes that might be used in a Halloween flower bouquet. (Image credit: Javin Griffin)

The few that are left are the oft mentioned Chrysanthemum x ‘I-Don’t-Have-A-Clue’, hardy ageratum or blue mist flower (Conoclinium coelestinum or Eupatorium coelestinum). Take your pick. and gallardia (Gallardia pulchella), and Autumn Joy sedum (Hylotelephium “Herbstsfreude” ‘Autumn Joy”). BTW, this stonecrop is a cross-genus hybrid. It is a cross between Sedum telephinum and a species of ice plant, Hylotelephinum spectabile. (This insignificant bit of trivia is included in your subscription at no extra cost.)

A close-up of Autumn Joy sedum flowers in shades of pink and green, with a bee perched on one of the blooms.

Autumn Joy sedum is a year round plant. In spring, it has rounded, fleshy green leaves followed by light pink flower buds during the summer. In the fall, the flowers open and are quite attractive to butterflies and bees. In the winter season, browned seed heads are also eye-catching.  (Image credit: David J. Stang CC BY-SA4.0)

The African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) and zinnias (Zinnia elegans) have come back after some rain and much needed dead heading. And that’s all, folks. The gardening season starts to wind down in October unless you are doing some extensive landscaping. So, here’s the list of stuff to keep you off the streets for another month.

Lawn Care

Keep leaves from accumulating on newly seeded or overseeded lawns. Keep those same lawns moist until germination then be sure they get 1” of water per week, ½” per watering. Continue mowing cool season lawns (fescue, bluegrass, perennial rye) at 3 ½” to 4”.

Fertilizing

We are essentially done here except for spring-flowering bulbs (daffodils, tulips, crocuses, etc.). Incorporate a little balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or equivalent) into the soil in and around the planting hole. Store leftover fertilizer in a dry place for the winter.

Planting

FALL IS FOR PLANTING! It’s the truth in this part of the world. It is especially true for containerized and B&B (balled and burlapped) nursery material (trees and shrubs). Planting them now gives them the opportunity to grow sufficient roots to withstand our now inevitable summer dry spells.
Want some color through the winter? Think pansies. This hardy member of the Viola genus will cheerily grace your yard with an almost endless display of delightful color throughout the winter. The sooner you plant them the more able they will be to survive the coldest North Carolina nights. One caveat; deer find them irresistible. They’re like dessert after a hearty meal of azaleas.

Colorful pansies in various shades of purple, yellow, and red blooming in a garden bed.

Pansies are loved by humans and deer. They are a colorful way to enjoy blooms in the fall, winter and early spring. (Image credit: David Monniaux CC BY-SA 3.0)

Spring-flowering bulbs should be planted this month. They need a period of cold before sprouting. Peonies can be planted/transplanted now. If you are not planting a fall veggie garden, consider planting a cover crop such as red clover (Trifolium pratense) or winter rye (Secale cereale). These plants are nitrogen-fixing (They add nitrogen to the soil) and can be tilled in in the spring. Win, win, win. Do you have a cold frame? Now is the ideal time to plant a salad garden to keep you in greens all winter. Leaf lettuces, green onions, spinach, radishes & carrots will keep you eating healthy ‘til spring.

Pruning

Wait until after a killer frost (which used to come in October but may no longer arrive until November. Climate change. Adapt or find a good therapist. After said frost it will be time to finish cleaning out the perennial garden. Ignore the advice and habit of your grandmothers and do not cut back all the perennials. There are solo bees (read pollinators) and some other beneficial insects that lay eggs on and in the stems. Leaving the stems until spring helps to ensure another generation. Root prune any shrubs or trees that you want to move in the spring.

Spraying

Hopefully by now most of the pests have gone into overwinter mode. There are a couple that you can still battle with. Lace bugs, especially on azaleas and pyracantha, can be active all winter whenever the leaf surface temperature suits them. The other treatable pests are the scale insects found most often on euonymus and camellias, though they will occasionally find other plants to their liking. I had some on a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) in a previous garden. Both of these pests can be treated with a horticultural oil that will smother all the stages of their life cycle.

Propagation

Are you starting new plants from cuttings? Be sure to check them at least twice a month for overall health and vigor. Water as needed. (That’s PRN for the medical gardeners out there.) If you are one of the fortunate few with a rhubarb patch now is a good time to divide the plants. It really prefers colder climes than USDA Zone 7. Rhubarb is a favorite in this house, but ain’t no way we’re movin’ north far enough to grow it. Been there. Done that and did NOT get the tee shirt.

Other Fall Appropriate Outdoor Activities

Besides snow skiing and outdoor ice hockey, what isn’t appropriate for a delightful October day? Ok, I’ll limit the list to gardening activities (mostly).

  • GET A FREE SOIL SAMPLE NOW! There is a monetary charge for them between November and April.
  • Make a compost pile out of the inevitable leaf collection on your yard. The landfill doesn’t need them.
  • Clean and fill bird feeders.
  • Clean out any unoccupied bird houses to get them ready for winter borders.
  • Dig up tender summer-flowering bulbs (gladiolas, dahlias, caladiums, etc.) and store them in a cool dark place where random rodents can’t access them.
  • Clean and lubricate lawn and garden equipment that won’t be used again until next season.
  • Go for a hike in the woods. The Eno River is especially lovely in the fall but check to see which parts are open.
  • Fire pits and s’mores come to mind. (I said mostly garden stuff.)
  • Find some kids and carve pumpkins (around the fire pit with s’mores and hot chocolate).
  • Enjoy the crispness of October ‘cause it’ll be cold soon.

Happy October, y’all!

Additional Reading and Resources

Looking for a “spooky” garden as we move into fall and winter? Ariyah Chambers April gives advice on designing a Goth Garden. This article was originally posted in October, 2024 and remains a favorite of many blog readers. https://wp.me/p2nIr1-5cW.

Even if you have little space, it is possible to have a small container garden for some fresh herbs and vegetables during the fall and winter. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/how-to-create-a-container-garden-for-edibles-in-the-north-carolina-piedmont

It’s not too early to start thinking about winterizing your plants and deciding whether they should be kept outdoors or indoors. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/preparing-nursery-plants-for-winter

Edited by Martha Keehner Engelke

Shortlink: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-6wX