March 2025
Your newsletter this month features what to do in the landscape, what's blooming now, upcoming workshops, and more!
Welcome to March in Your Central Florida Yard!
Last month we talked about what to do and what not to do in your yard in February, let’s revisit that now in March. You will see that some things have changed and some have not! The most important is that it is still NOT time to apply lawn fertilizer.
Is it time for pre-emergent herbicide application? NO
Why? It’s too late! Pre-emergent herbicides need to be applied BEFORE we have 4-5 days of consecutive days over 65/70 degrees. All herbicides applied at this time of year should be post-emergent herbicides.
Is it time for spring fertilizer? NO
Not yet! Your grass should be actively growing and that means waiting until April in central Florida. If applied before the grass is actively growing it is less likely to absorb the nutrients in the fertilizer.
Is it time to prune back cold-damaged plants? YES
Once risk of frost/freeze has passed you are good to prune back any damaged plants.
Is it time to apply weed-and-feed? NEVER
Fertilizer and herbicides should be applied at different times of the year to be effective and not damage plants.
If you are not sure what to do in your central Florida yard at this time (or any time) of year, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Plant Clinic and we can help!
Also, consider getting yourself educated at one of our workshops. Make sure to check our event page for any updates and new workshops added.
Have you been staying up-to-date with our monthly podcast, Your Central Florida Yard? We are excited to share information to help you garden successfully, and if you are listener, we would love your feedback and ideas for episodes. Our latest episode is linked at the end of the newsletter and we have some fun episodes planned for this year. Subscribe, rate, and review if you enjoy it!
Let us know how we can help by contacting our Plant Clinic with your questions or visit a with a Master Gardener Volunteer at a local farmer’s market booth (see schedule of markets at the end of the newsletter).
Happy Gardening, Central Florida!
Your Central Florida Yard Monthly Checklist:
Your Lawn in March
Make sure you change the time on your sprinkler system time clock when Daylight Savings begins.
Remember, scouting is an important part of your pest management routine. Learn how to scout here.
Wait until April to fertilize your lawn. The lawn should be actively growing. Learn more here.
Your Landscape in March
Now is the time to plant caladiums! Select varieties that work in your yard. Sun or shade varieties are available.
Add herbs, flowering perennials and shrubs to your landscape to provide for butterflies and pollinators.
Do you know how to properly prune a branch?
Many homeowners prune trees and shrubs in the spring. But do you know how to make a proper pruning cut? This video from UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County is a great example of how to make a clean cut.
For more information on proper pruning head over to Gardening Solutions, and remember, always look for a Certified Arborist to care for your trees!
Fallen oak leaves make a great (free!) mulch
Do you have access to oak leaves? Consider using them for mulch around the landscape.
What’s blooming now?
Check out the March blooms at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Demonstration Garden in Bartow.
Clockwise from top left: Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica), coral bean (Erythrina herbacea), Walter's viburnum (Viburnum obovatum), blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium).
Gardening Workshops & Webinars
Join UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Gardening and Landscaping experts at our monthly workshops! For full workshop descriptions and to register, go to: http://polk countyextension.eventbrite.com
Tips for Successful Veggie Gardening
Tuesday, March 11, 10:00 am
Lake Wales Library
Fresh from Your Garden: Vegetable Gardening 101
Tuesday, March 25, 10:00 am
Lakeland Public Library
Family-Friendly Gardening Workshops
Get ready for a sensory adventure in this hands-on workshop presented by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS Extension)!
Perfect for families, this creative experience is fun for all ages and skill levels. All supplies provided. Registration required.
Larry Jackson Branch Library
1700 N Florida Avenue, Lakeland
Pollinator Pals
Friday, March 21, 10:00 am
Wildflower Warriors
Friday, April 18, 10:00 am
Herb Explorers
Saturday, May 24, 10:00 am
Find us here this month:
Winter Haven Farmer’s Market
March 8, 2025
Spring Obsession
March 8, 20225
Lakeland Farmer’s Market
March 15, 2025
Lake Wales Farmer’s Market
March 22, 2025
The Nectary Nursery
March 22, 2025
Are you listening to Your Central Florida Yard Podcast?
The podcast from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, Your Central Florida Yard is here to help you successfully garden in this unique part of the state. New episodes are out the first week of every month. For more information about the podcast, check out our blog post.
Find us here:
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County website
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County blog
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Instagram
YouTube
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
1702 US Highway 17 South
Bartow, FL 33831
863-519-1041
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk
Gardening Questions?
Email the Plant Clinic: polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu
Anne Yasalonis
Residential Horticulture
Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Julie Schelb
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Coordinator