Spring is actually here, at least by the calendar. It has been a lovely spring. Wildflowers are all over the landscape. Easter is next week, so let us hope we have had our “Easter Spell.”

This will be a very busy month with Easter, the Blanco trash-off, IRS deadlines, the fire department fish fry, plus preparation for our spring gardens.

House plants need to be moved outside, trimmed, and fed. Don’t move the plants directly into the sun; move them into partial shade before moving them directly into the sunny areas.

Plant new lawns from sod or seed. St. Augustine is more shade-tolerant. Delmar Augustine is the choice for our area. Bermuda or buffalo grass is the most drought-tolerant and handles foot traffic. Zoysia grass is good but it doesn’t handle heavy foot traffic or heavy shade.

The new sod must be rolled and kept wet for several days until the roots have made contact. The grass seed must be kept damp until it has germinated. A roller can usually be borrowed or rented from the place you purchase your grass or from rental stores. Rolling will rid the lawn of air pockets, which allow disease and insects to get into the lawn.

Nurseries are getting their hot weather plants into the shops. Be sure to plant the right plant in shade or sun. There are several new plants this year. Try something different, plus your tried and true.

Mow at the recommended height. Mow frequently to promote thicker grass and to help rid the lawn of weeds. Fertilize now and again in eight to ten weeks. Use the same fertilizer on lawns, trees, and shrubs. Flowers should be fed more often. Try Rose Glow on all blooming plants, vegetables, and flowers. Organic fertilizer is a slow-release product, so you may feed at any time if using an organic fertilizer.

Warm season vegetables may be planted now; tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, melons, corn, and cucumbers. Wait until the days are hotter to plant okra, eggplant, sweet potatoes, and southern peas.

Canker worms and web worms have already invaded some of the trees. The canker worms will strip the leaves and then hang from a thin line off the limb. The web worms will completely enclose the leaves and small branches. If you can reach the branch, cut the portion off that has the worms. Buy bacillus thuringiensis and spray the trees. This product may be used on all worms in your lawn or garden.

All of the insects are getting a headstart this year. Try Sluggo Plus on snails, pill bugs, and other crawling insects. This is an organic product so it is safe to use in the garden. Most of the damage will be done at night.

Protect yourself with proper clothing and sunscreen, and keep yourself hydrated.

I saw the first hummingbird March 27.

See you next month!