March - The Garden Wise Journal - Newsletter
The Garden Wise Journal
Gardening is more than a hobby. It is a lifestyle.
Welcome to The Garden Wise Journal
Spring is beginning to stir, and with it comes that familiar pull to get outside and get growing. This month we are focusing on doing things the right way, from properly placed birdhouses to early bloomers like forsythia that signal the season ahead.
March is a month for preparation, smart pruning, careful lawn timing, and setting your garden up for success before the rush of full spring arrives.
Feature Article of the Month
Birdhouses are not yard decorations.
They are invitations. Birds do not move into something because it looks charming. They move in because it is built correctly and placed thoughtfully.
After years of watching who settles in and who passes by, I have learned this simple truth. Size, placement, and annual care determine everything.
Plant Profile
Forsythia
If you want to know when spring truly begins, do not check the calendar. Watch the Forsythia.
Long before leaves emerge or lawns green up, bright yellow blooms erupt on bare branches like a signal flare that winter is loosening its grip.
Forsythia has earned its place in gardens for generations because it simply works. It is tough, adaptable, and generous with color when we need it most.
Discover this month’s featured plant
Monthly Tips
- March teases spring but weather still swings wildly. Prepare wisely instead of planting impulsively.
- Lawn timing matters. Aeration, overseeding, and weed prevention must be coordinated.
- Pruning windows are opening. Some plants must be pruned now while others must wait.
- Indoor seed starting is in full stride. Strong light and proper watering make the difference.
- Early pest control and soil preparation now prevent bigger problems later.
See this month’s full checklist
Garden Myth Busting
Do pine needles make soil acidic?
Many gardeners believe pine needles make soil too acidic for plants. It sounds logical but it is largely a myth.
The real reason plants struggle under conifers is competition. Shade, shallow roots, and limited moisture create challenging growing conditions.
The Garden Wise Guy Radio Show
Join Keith on the Garden Wise Guy radio show for timely seasonal advice, real garden stories, and answers to questions gardeners are asking right now.
Every Saturday from 7 to 9 am MST on Legends 810 AM.
Keith Funk
The Garden Wise Guy
