March bulbs starts the spring flower show

Forcing bulbs indoors

• Make sure containers are getting enough light and warmth. Rotate containers to keep plants and flowers from leaning toward the light.

• Water sparingly. You may feed, but it won’t help them bloom this year. Any feeding now will go toward producing next year’s flowers. Feed if you plan to keep them or transplant outdoors.

See what's going on outside

• Don’t try to work the soil in flowerbeds yet. It’ll be too soggy in most regions, and you may disturb new sprouts.

• Early bloomers, such as crocus and snowdrops will be up now. Others, such as daffodils and tulips, will be starting to emerge. Don’t be too quick to remove their winter cover of fallen leaves (unless the leaves are deep and heavily matted) or mulch. March could still bring a surprise blast of extreme cold in northern zones. This cover will protect tender sprouts.

• Remember that blooms this year are feeding on nutrients gathered last year. So, feeding now won't help bloom production in the current year. However, it's still important to feed them, since they'll store that food for next year's flowers. Fertilize with a full-strength solution of liquid plant food.

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