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March Newsletter

Let's kick things off with a fun Vocabulary Lesson!

🌿 Early March is prime time for Pruning

Late winter and early spring are some of the best times to prune many trees and shrubs — before new growth begins. Early March is ideal for shaping young trees, establishing a strong central leader, removing dead, damaged, or competing branches, and rejuvenating summer-blooming shrubs. Remember: avoid shearing when selective cuts will do, remove older canes at the base to encourage healthy new growth, and always prune according to a plant’s natural growth habit. A little thoughtful pruning now sets the stage for stronger structure, better blooms, and healthier plants all season long. 🌳✂️

Here are some videos to help guide your pruning journey👇

What is Frost Heaving? 

Is your plant popping out of the ground after winter temperature swings? 🌡️🌱 dramatic freeze–thaw cycles can cause frost heaving, a common issue that lifts newly planted perennials and shrubs out of the soil. Scott Evans explains, as the ground expands and contracts, shallow-rooted or newly installed plants can be pushed upward — exposing roots to cold, wind, and drying conditions, and how to fix frost-heaved plants. Regularly walking your yard during warm winter breaks can help you catch problems early and improve plant survival heading into spring.

Don’t Let Warm Air Fool You! Check Soil Temps Before Planting

It’s warm across Nebraska — but before you rush out to plant your garden, check your soil temperature first. Dana Freeman explains why air temperature is not the same as soil temperature — and why planting too early can lead to slow germination, uneven emergence, or replanting. 

🌡️ How to Check Soil Temperature 

✅Use a soil thermometer Insert it 2–4 inches deep 

✅Check at the same time each day 

✅Monitor for several days for an accurate average 

✅You can also monitor regional soil temperatures through CropWatch.unl.edu 

🌿 Recommended Soil Temperatures for Planting 

Around 45°F → Peas, onions, spinach 

Closer to 50°F → Beets, carrots 

But remember — planting early is a risk. Some years it works. Some years you may need to replant. 🌱 Pro Tip: Aim for optimal soil temps for quicker, more even germination.

Check out the monthly Garden Checklist

Everyone’s itch to get outside and start in the garden is real as March rolls in — but before you grab your tools, take a moment to check out the garden checklist from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County. Their March guide gives research-based tips on planning your vegetable garden, starting seeds indoors, handling bulbs and ornamentals, caring for tools, and what pruning tasks to tackle this month. It’s a great way to make sure your spring efforts get off to a smart start.

👉 Read the full March checklist

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