Suggested Monthly Gardening/Landscaping Maintenance in the Houston Area: January - March

If gardening is not your hobby then your house's garden/landscaping maintenance can be a time consuming, expensive and potentially problematic ongoing house maintenance item. The following suggestions are provided to help you successfully,  simply and cost effectively manage your monthly house’s garden/landscaping maintenance activities. A key consideration is being successful in this activity is engaging your lawn/garden maintenance crew in helping you maintain (vs. tolerating a “mow and blow” effort) and manage your garden/landscaping.

Note: These gardening suggestions are provided for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary due to specific garden conditions, garden plants species and plant varieties, soil types, climate, and other factors. Consider using organic options vs. chemicals if possible. If needed, use only plant specific fertilizers, insect and disease specific ‘cides. Always consult and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for any garden chemicals or products used.

First Quarter (January, February, March): In the Houston area this period often transitions from the coldest part of the year to the beginning of warming. During this period most plants are often dormant. Increased daylight and temperature signals to plants the approach of spring. It is a time of variable weather with a potential for late frosts, rain, or even a day or so of snow in some areas. During this period there are minimal garden pests and diseases. January and February are ideal time for new garden bed building.

January in Houston we have relatively mild winters but occasional freezes can occur. So, it is essential to be prepared and to protect cold sensitive plants from frost damage.

• Lawns: Dormant lawns require minimal care. Remove debris and fallen leaves. If a warm spell occurs and winter weeds are present, spot treat them.
• Bulbs: Plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths,… (if you didn't in the fall).
• Annuals: Plant cool-season annuals like pansies, violas, snapdragons,... Some annuals will have low frost tolerance and may require protection from frost.
• Perennials: Divide and transplant dormant perennials.
• Roses/Shrubs/Trees/Fruit Trees: Leave dormant.
• Tropical Plants: When a frost is anticipated cover the plants with mulch at the base and a place a row cover over the foliage to protect from frost damage.
• Palms: Monitor for frost damage. Some palms may require protection from freezing temperatures. Limit watering.
• Fertilizer: Do not fertilize anything as you do not want to encourage new growth due to the potential of a late frost.
• Weed Control: Winter weeds are in full growth mode. Pull weeds when they are small reducing the amount of work and the need for herbicides later on. Spot treat with a herbicide and apply pre-emergent herbicides for the anticipated warm weather weeds before the spring growth begins.
• Pests: You may see scale insects on some ornamental plants but typically there are minimal pest issues at this time of the year.
• Diseases: Fungal diseases (due to damp and warm conditions). Do nothing.
• Watering: Water only during extended dry periods.
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Continue to rake and remove fallen leaves to prevent fungal diseases and a breeding ground for pests. Add a good 3+” layer of hardwood mulch to suppresses weeds to retain moister. 
• Garden Cost Management: If the grass is not growing - do not mow. Be conscious of the importance of water conservation even in winter. Consider amending the garden beds with compost as this will reduce the need for expensive (chemical) fertilizers later in the growing season.  Healthy soil retains water better and reduces irrigation needs.  

February in Houston is a transitional month moving from winter preparation to spring readiness. Recently we have had freeze late in February.

• Lawns: If the grass comes out of dormancy. Mow St. Augustine to a height of ~3” but you may need to cut lower to remove dead material. Cut to Bermuda to a height of ~1-2”.
• Bulbs: Monitor for emerging shoots. Protect from late frosts.
• Annuals: Monitor for frost damage.
• Perennials: Continue dividing and transplanting.
• Tropical Plants: When a frost is anticipated cover the plants with mulch at the base and a place a row cover over the foliage to protect from frost damage.
• Shrubs/Roses/Trees/Fruit Trees: Leave dormant. Plant new plants. For selecting, planting and caring for roses see https://youtu.be/yFPYyNdntxI  This information is applicable to all plants.
• Palms: Monitor for frost damage. Some palms may require protection from freezing temperatures. Limit watering. Check for any signs of disease or pests.
• Fertilizer: Wait till March to use chemical products. Now is a good time to add compost to your garden beds.
• Weed Control: Winter weeds are still growing. Pull weeds when they are small reducing the amount of work and the need for herbicides later on. Spot treat with a herbicide and apply pre-emergent herbicides for the anticipated warm weather weeds before the spring growth begins.
• Pests: Minimal at this time of the year.
• Diseases: Fungal diseases (due to damp and warm conditions). Do nothing. 
• Watering: Water only when soil is dry. Increase watering as temperatures rise.
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Continue to rake and remove fallen leaves to prevent fungal diseases and a breeding ground for pests. Continue to replenish mulch. 
• Garden Cost Management: If the grass is not growing - do not mow. If you need new plants - consider planting native, well-adapted or low/no maintenance proven plants (Earthkind™) that reduce the need for excessive watering and pest control. When planting, consider spacing plants appropriately to avoid overcrowding which can lead to disease and the need for more frequent pruning. Group plants with similar watering needs. Monitor plants for early signs of pests or diseases. Early detection can prevent plant losses. Consider amending the garden beds with compost as it is a valuable soil amendment, retains moisture and it will reduce the need for expensive (chemical) fertilizers later in the growing season.  Healthy soil retains water better and reduces irrigation needs. Check the irrigation systems for leaks and to ensure it is functioning correctly. This prevents water waste and inevitably reduces your water bills. 

March in Houston marks the full swing of spring resulting in an increase in garden/landscaping work. Houston's warm and humid climate can lead to rapid weed growth and pest infestations, so during this period proactive measures are crucial.

• Lawns: After the grass comes out of dormancy you can mow St. Augustine to ~3” but you may need to cut the grass lower to remove dead material. Cut Bermuda to ~1-2”. Consider using a lawn “weed and feed” for southern lawns or fertilize with a slow-release high-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 20-5-10). Address bare spots with either seeds or turf replacement.
• Bulbs: Enjoy spring blooms. Begin deadheading (removing the bloom) spent flowers.
• Annuals: Plant warm-season annuals like petunias, geraniums,… 
• Perennials: Plant warm-season perennials. Divide summer-blooming perennials.
• Roses: Prune only as appropriate. Begin fertilizing with a balanced rose fertilizer (e.g., 8-8-8 -  or similar with equal N-P-K numbers) as new growth appears. Monitor for pests and diseases.
• Tropical Plants: Plant new plants. Increase watering and fertilizing.
• Shrubs/Trees: Monitor for new growth. Fertilize.
• Fruit Trees: Monitor for blooms. Thin fruit as needed. Fertilize with a balanced fruit tree fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or similar) before bloom.
• Palms: Limit watering. Check for any signs of disease or pests. Prune any dead fronds.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize all plants as needed. Consider using organic fertilizers (compost or compost tea - An Introduction to Compost Tea. https://youtu.be/j7tOPJrtmTU ).
• Weed Control: Vigilant weed control is essential in March. By pulling weeds when they are small or before they produce seeds will prevent the winter time weed from spreading (in the fall) and to reduce the amount of work weeding and the need for herbicides later on.
• Pests: Aphids, caterpillars, slugs,…
• Diseases: Powdery mildew, black spot,…
• Watering: Water deeply and regularly. Increase watering as temperatures rise, unless rain occurs.
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Continue to replenish the mulch. Ask the crew to monitor soil moisture levels - is a part of the garden getting “too much or too little” water? … and let you know if they see any plants that appear to be dead or have early signs of pest or disease issues. Early detection of plant pests/diseases can prevent plant losses.
• Garden Cost Management: With rising temperatures, water management (conservation) is paramount. Ensure irrigation systems are optimized to deliver water precisely where needed. Overwatering in Houston is a common and costly mistake and will result in plant fungus and diseases issues. Smart irrigation systems can be a great investment. If you need new plants - consider planting native, well-adapted or low/no maintenance proven plants (Earthkind™) that reduce the need for excessive watering and pest/disease control. When planting, consider spacing plants appropriately to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to disease and the need for more frequent pruning. Group plants with similar watering needs. ​Monitor plants for early signs of pests or diseases.