March in Michigan can be a little unpredictable. This winter was mild and we have had a few days in the 60’s already. March is a wonderful time to start thinking about warmer weather. There are some garden tasks that you can start on and others that can wait.

I leave my perennial beds be in fall to help the winter critters, insects and pollinators. Now is a tempting time to clear them all out, but hold off a little longer. Loads of beneficial insects are using the stems of perennials for shelter all winter or can be found dangling from branches, waiting to emerge. Others are using leaf litter or logs for protection.

There are a couple of ways to do spring clean up without disturbing these insects. One option is to cut everything back and store it loosely on the ground. This way, the insects can still emerge when it’s time. Another option is to leave everything be until temperatures consistently reach the 50’s. One more garden task I wait to complete is applying mulch. Applying mulch too early may hinder the ability of burrowed insects, to emerge from the ground.

Although there are some garden tasks to wait on, there are plenty to start with now! March is the time to start planning and building any raised garden beds. It’s a good idea to think about this now rather than when the weather warms up. When it’s warm outside and the Farmer’s Markets are selling transplants, people are ready to plant, but it may be too late to get help building the beds. Another task you can do now, is to apply a good layer of compost on your raised beds to start building your soil. Healthy soil takes time to establish. Every year, adding more nutrients will create more fertile soil. The last garden task you can do if you haven’t through the winter, is to put up your polytunnels or mini hoop house. These provide protection for tender seedlings using either greenhouse plastic, insect barrier, or shade cloth. I especially use the insect barrier to protect spring greens. Crops that do not need pollination from insects can be completely protected from flying insects that lay eggs.

Speaking of building healthy soil, be sure to check back on March 22nd. I’m excited to announce that we have a Master Composter from Michigan State University joining us for a live video and guest blog post. He will talk about all things compost and showing us his compost bin setup.

Let’s get planting!

-Shannon