Gardening by the Moon Weekend To-Do
An idea as old as agriculture, based both folklore and superstition but there are scientific ideas to back it up.
- Lunar Phase: Full Moon. Tuesday March 3
- Saturday-Monday: Moon in the sign of Leo - Control pests, cultivate, and weed
- Even if you haven't planted yet, it's not too early to set out snail bait. It's important to target breeding areas such as ground covers, under decks and porches, or any cool, damp, dark spots. Using a handheld spreader is an excellent way to distribute the bait in these locations. Starting now can help reduce the population gathering to attack.
- The new foliage is emerging on roses, so it won't be long before the Aphids appear. Applying Rose Systemic now will control the Aphids before they can damage the soft, young growth.
Later in the Week
- Thursday-Friday; Moon in the sign of Libra - Plant and transplant for root growth
- Asparagus roots are available for planting at your local garden center. Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that will produce for twenty years, so plant them at the back of your vegetable garden.
- When transplanting ornamental trees and shrubs, make sure to take a large root ball. The new hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and eight to ten inches deeper. Proper backfill should keep the root ball above grade.
Other Things To-do
- The unwanted grasses and weeds are growing quickly, so don’t delay in controlling them.
- You extend the blooming season of Sweet Peas by removing the seed pods. You also promote taller stems by applying one pound of fertilizer per ten linear feet of plants.
- Here's an easy way to check if seed left from previous years is still viable. You pour the seed into a glass, jar, or whatever container of water. If the seed sinks to the bottom, it should be saved and planted, while the others are discarded.