Plant Warm-Season Vegetables

Get warm-season veggies in the ground like beans, peppers, tomatoes, squash, eggplant, and okra to take advantage of the warming soil and lengthening spring sunshine.

Sow Seeds for Summer Harvest

Direct-sow cucumbers, corn, southern peas, radishes, and watermelon so they establish strong roots before summer’s intense heat arrives.

Refresh Flower Beds

Replace fading winter blooms with heat-loving annuals such as angelonia, gazania, and salvia to carry vibrant color through spring and into summer.

Plant for Bold Impact

Tuck caladium bulbs into beds and containers now for a dramatic, tropical display that will thrive as temperatures climb.

Add Culinary Herbs

Plant basil, oregano, rosemary, and other herbs for fresh flavor in the kitchen — and added appeal for pollinators in the garden.

Tend Young Plants Carefully

Keep newly planted beds consistently moist, monitor for early pest activity, and thin seedlings to ensure proper spacing and healthy growth.

Palm Recovery

Inspect any cold-damaged palms and provide proper care to encourage healthy new growth.

Citrus Care

Check citrus trees for scab disease and apply a copper fungicide when new leaves appear and again after most flowers have fallen.

Roses & Shrubs

Prune damaged rose canes, fertilize, and refresh mulch. Fertilize shrubs evenly and water thoroughly to support vibrant spring growth.

Lawn Maintenance

Apply a preemergence weed killer to prevent germination of warm-season weeds — ideally when soil temperatures reach around 65°F for several days.

Azalea Additions

Plant new azalea varieties while they’re still in bloom to secure the best selection and vibrant color impact.

Garden Tools & Prep

Sharpen blades, clean spades, and organize hoses and watering tools so everything is ready for the busy planting season.

Aesthetic Pairings

Mix textures, heights, and colors — pairing bold tropical leaves with delicate blooms adds a layered, ethereal effect in garden beds.

Mulch & Moisture

Refresh mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and unify the look of beds — it’s the secret ingredient for spring lushness.

Check Sprinkler Coverage

Walk your irrigation system and ensure sprinklers reach all beds evenly. Adjust heads to avoid dry patches or overwatering paths and walkways.

Clean & Maintain Watering Tools

Flush hoses, unclog drip lines, and inspect nozzles. Well-maintained tools help deliver water efficiently and prevent disease.

Early Pest Prevention

Look for early signs of insects like scale, aphids, or whiteflies. Treat affected areas promptly to protect new growth.

Soil Prep & Fertility

Test soil pH if you haven’t already. Amend with compost or balanced fertilizer to give spring plantings a healthy start.

Support Young Trees & Vines

Install stakes, trellises, or cages for new trees, tomatoes, or climbing plants. Early support prevents bending and breakage later.

Plan Your Garden Layout

Map out plant groupings for color, bloom timing, and height. Thinking ahead ensures continuous color and avoids overcrowding.

Marion County Garden Watch

Soil and Weather Check

Soil is warming; ideal for planting warm-season veggies.

Keep an eye on late frost warnings — rare, but possible.

Pest Watch

Early signs of aphids or whiteflies? Take action quickly.

Inspect young leaves daily; preventative care now saves headaches later.

Watering Reminder

Newly planted seeds and bulbs need consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogging.

Mulch beds to retain warmth and moisture as spring arrives.

Quick Wins

Pinch back old growth on perennials to encourage new shoots.

Deadhead any lingering winter flowers to keep beds tidy.

Pollinator Friendly

Early herbs and blooms attract bees and butterflies.

Consider companion planting to boost spring pollination.