March Garden Tasks for Zone 7

Gardeners in Zone 7 in Arkansas have a variety of tasks to tend to in order to prepare their gardens for the growing season. Here are the top 10 March garden chores for this region:

• **Pruning**: March is a great time to prune fruit trees, roses, and summer-blooming shrubs to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
• **Soil Preparation**: Begin preparing your garden beds by adding compost or organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.
• **Planting**: Start planting cool-season vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and kale outdoors as the weather warms up.
• **Weeding**: Stay on top of weeds before they have a chance to take over your garden beds and compete with your plants for nutrients.
• **Mulching**: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• **Dividing Perennials**: Divide overcrowded perennials to promote healthier growth and increase airflow around the plants.
• **Fertilizing**: Feed your garden with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for optimal plant growth.
• **Pest Control**: Keep an eye out for early signs of pests and diseases, and take preventive measures to protect your plants.
• **Start Seeds Indoors**: Begin sowing seeds indoors for warm-season vegetables and flowers to get a head start on the growing season.
• **Inspect Irrigation Systems**: Check your irrigation systems for any leaks or malfunctions to ensure your plants are getting adequate water.

By staying on top of these March garden chores, gardeners in Zone 7 in Arkansas can set the stage for a successful and bountiful growing season.

March is also a great time to start planting various vegetables, flowers, and herbs in your garden. Some vegetables that you can plant in March include cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, peas, radishes, and carrots. These vegetables thrive in the cooler temperatures of early spring and can provide you with a bountiful harvest.

For flowers, you can consider planting early spring bloomers such as pansies / violas, snapdragons, Alyssum (Lobularia maritima), calendula, Bachelor's Buttons, Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), Annual Larkspur (Consolida ajacis), Dianthus (Dianthus chinensis), and Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus). These plants will add a pop of color to your garden and attract pollinators as they start to become more active with the arrival of spring.

Additionally, herbs like parsley, cilantro, chives, and mint can also be planted in March. These herbs are versatile in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of dishes to enhance flavor. Make sure to check your specific frost dates and soil temperature to ensure the best success for your plants in Zone 7. Happy planting!

Questions? Call the Marion County Extension Office 870-449-6349 or email [email protected]
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